When it comes to acquiring a generator for a specific construction application, one of the most common mistakes contractors make is to do what they’ve always done.

“The old saying, ‘This is the way we’ve done it for years,’ should not be a guide when requesting a mobile generator for a project,” says John Garcia, manager, Generator Development Americas, Doosan Portable Power. “Contractors need to be prepared to share as much information about their application as possible in order for the generator supplier to properly size the generator to the load.”

Improper sizing can add to costs and potentially have negative effects on the generator and/or the tools it’s powering.

Over-sizing can add to transport costs, fuel usage, noise levels and rental or purchase costs, says Rick Bernier, national product specialist at Wacker Neuson. “Under-sizing a generator [leads to] potential heat damage to the generator and tools,” he adds. “No work can be done, equaling lost time and money.”

“An under-sized generator, or one too small to handle the load, will place strain on the unit and cause a shutdown or, at worst, damage to the unit,” Garcia indicates. “A generator that is too large for the load will eventually result in ‘wet stacking’, or a carbon buildup in the engine, causing a power loss. Subsequent loss in the generator’s capability will follow.”

The transition to Tier 4 Interim engines provides yet another motivation for proper sizing. According to Larry Fetting, general manager of the Americas Rental Segment for Cummins Power Generation, “Adequate heat is required in order for the emissions components to operate properly. A correctly sized generator will provide this needed heat. This is especially critical when working in arctic climates. If adequate heat is not maintained, additional maintenance of the emission components may be needed. In a worst-case scenario, an unplanned shutdown may occur.”

Plan For the Unexpected

Most contractors have a pretty good understanding of their power needs for a particular project. However, this isn’t always the case.

According to Bernier, it’s not uncommon for users to forget to size for a motor starting surge. “Most portable (gasoline) generators are capable of surging from 1.5 to 2.0 times their continuous run rating (amps or watts),” he notes. “If the generator cannot start the tool or pump motor, then no work can be done on the jobsite.”

A towable generator can typically surge between 2.5 to 2.8 times the continuous run rating, while maintaining a momentary voltage dip up to 30%. “If the momentary (300 milli-sec) voltage dip is greater than 30% of rated voltage, then some motor control circuits may disconnect and prevent the motor from starting,” says Bernier.

“Requirements for starting motor loads are more exacting than starting resistive loads, like lights or a jobsite trailer,” Garcia explains. “Also, when starting motors, a general rule to observe is that it normally takes three times the amperage from the generator to start a motor as it does to run it.”

“If there are multiple motor loads, it is best to start them from the largest to smallest,” Bernier advises. He suggests determining the worst-case surge by making a table listing each motor in order of startup. Total up all motor run ratings and circle the highest surge requirement. Typically, the highest surge is from the largest motor or the last motor starting plus the run rating of all other motors and loads. “Choose a generator that can run all loads and start the highest surge requirement. Add 10% to 20% to generator size for unknowns and additional loads that may be added later.”

Come Armed with Information

It’s important that the individual picking up a rental unit understand what is required. “Sometimes the person sent to rent a generator has limited to no information about the application,” Bernier comments.