10/25/2017 Standby vs. Prime vs.

vs. Prime vs. Continuous Generator Power: Which Generator Engine Rating is Right for Your Application?

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The Importance of Rating a Generator Engine Correctly

When looking to purchase a generator
(http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/Used-Generators/) the
rst thing to consider is the intended use. It may seem obvious
what power rating is required for an application but there are a number of factors to consider before
purchasing a generator. The guidelines set forth in this article will better explain the proper application of
generator drive engines in AC Generator Set installations.

Standby Power Rating

Standby power rated generators are the most commonly rated generator sets. Their primary application is
to supply emergency power for a limited duration during a power  outage. With standby rated generators
there is no overload capability built into the units. It is important to note that standby rated generators,
under no circumstances, should run in conjunction with a public utility source.

Standby power rating should be applied to the unit where public utility power is available. The typical rating
for a standby engine should be sized for a maximum of 80% average load factor and roughly 200 hours per
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10/25/2017 Standby vs. Prime vs. Continuous Generator Power: Which Generator Engine Rating is Right for Your Application?

year. This includes less than 25 hours per

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year of running time at the standby rating.
Standby power ratings should never be
applied except in true emergency outage
situations. Predetermined outages with
the utility company, under UL guidelines,
are not considered emergency outages.
Manual load shifts for testing purposes
can be performed with most automatic
transfer switches.

Prime Power Rating

Prime power rated generators should be

used in applications where the user does
not purchase power from a public utility.
Prime power applications fall under two
distinct categories:

Inde nite Running Time

The prime power rating (http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/Prime_vs_Standby_Power.aspx) is the

maximum power accessible at the variable load for an unlimited number of hours per year in a variable
load setting. It is not advisable that the variable load exceed 70% average of the prime power rating during
any operational period of 250 hours. If the engine is running at 100% prime power, yearly hours should not
exceed 500. Overload situations should be avoided however a 10% overload capability is available for a 1
hour period within a 12 hour cycle of operation.

Limited Running Time

Prime power is accessible for a limited number of

hours in non-variable load situations. Limited prime
power is intended for circumstances where power
outages are expected, such as a planned utility power
reduction. Engines in generator sets may operate up to
750 hours per year at power levels less than the
maximum prime power rating. In these situations it is
important to never exceed the prime power rating. The
end user should be aware that constant high load use
will reduce the life of any engine. It is recommended
that any application requiring over 750 hours per year
that the engine be continuous power rated.

Continuous Power Rating

Continuous power rating is used in applications where

supplying power  is at a constant 100% load for an

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10/25/2017 Standby vs. Prime vs. Continuous Generator Power: Which Generator Engine Rating is Right for Your Application?

unlimited number of hours each year. Continuous power rated units are most widely used in applications
866-945-6029
 where (tel:866-945-6029)
the power grid is unreachable. Such applications include mining, agriculture or military operations.

Elevations and Temperature’s Effect on Power Rating

Elevation and temperature are factors to consider before rating the engine. The engine may be operated at
3,000 ft. of altitude and at a temperature of 100° F without deration for standby power rating. For prime
power rating the engine may be operated at 5,000 ft. of altitude and at a temperature of 100° F without
power deration. For continuous duty operations at higher altitudes, the engine should be con gured to limit
performance by 3% per 1,000 ft. of altitude and 1% per 10° F inlet air temperature.

More information on power ratings is available under guideline ISO 3046

(http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=28330), speci cally
BS 5514 (http://www.datasheetarchive.com/BS5514*-datasheet.html)and DIN 6271
(http://www.macallisterpowersystems.com/405/generator-set-ratings.htm). It is always best to consult an
electrical contractor or a generator specialist to determine what generator and rating best suits your
speci c needs.

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