A 20kVA generator is an off-grid equipment capable of producing substantial energy. In other words, a 20kVA generator is one beast of a machine. The generator in this picture certainly isn't the little 2000w generator you can carry on your caravan trip. In fact, this is probably not a generator for a caravan trip at all.
A 20kVA generator will often have a fuel-driven engine, using diesel or petrol depending on the model. However, diesel tends to be the fuel of choice for many of the larger models of generator. Diesel generators are generally more fuel-efficient, which is useful for a generator that will be used often or for longer periods of time. There are also some 20kVA generators that are run on gas. While not portable in the sense that they can be lifted up and carried around, some models of 20kVA generator are made as trailer-mounted generators, which means they can be hitched to a vehicle and towed into place. A 20kVA generator that an electrician will install outside your home as a permanent emergency standby generator won’t need to be portable anyway, as it will remain in the same place and be connected to your home by the aforementioned electrician.
What appliances can a 20kVA generator run?
Perhaps the question here should be, what appliances can’t a 20kVA generator run? This machine will be able to run your whole house, pretty much, in the case of a power outage. It can also provide power for industrial and commercial applications and outdoor events. However, if you are still concerned about what you can use this generator for, the basic guidelines apply as for any other type of generator. It’s important to look at the watt rating of the equipment you will be using to get an idea of the load that the equipment will draw down. There should be two-watt ratings – one for the running watt consumption and one for the start-up watt consumption. It takes a lot more watts to cover a start-up, so be aware that, at the very least, you will need enough watts to handle the highest start-up wattage. There are times when the power of a large number of appliances must be maintained at the same time, such as when you need power in your house when the power supply of the mains goes down, so you must also take that into consideration.
kVA stands for kilo volt-ampere and represents apparent power. Wattage represents actual power and is kVA x power factor (which can vary and represents the ratio of actual electric power of an AC circuit). If the power factor is one, as it is in a 100% efficient system, then that is 20kw of power. That’s no small output.
How to maintain a 20kVA generator?
A well-maintained generator is a safe generator, but keep in mind a 20kVA generator has an output of a large amount of electric power, so care needs to be taken. In fact, whatever size generator you own, care needs to be taken, and research needs to be done. The first thing to do when you get your generator is to read the manual. A generator will need more maintenance the more it is used or if it is in an environment that is particularly dusty or subject to extremes of temperature. Once a week, run the generator and make sure there are no alarms or leaks, and if auto-start is an option, that the auto mode is on. It’s a good idea to do a visual check of your generator once a month, cleaning up any debris and ensuring it has not been damaged by insects or vermin. At this time, checking the oil level, coolant level and fuel level (if relevant) is also necessary, and it takes time to look over the battery and check that it is charging and check if the circuit breaker is closed. Any further maintenance that is more involved such as changing the air filter or fuel filter and giving a more detailed inspection, for example, should be done by a qualified technician on a bi-annual or annual basis – just as you would with your car.
Where can I buy a 20kVA generator near me?
When you really want to get some power for your home or your worksite, then look no further than Outbax for your quality 20kVA generator. We have a wide range of premium brands and models with fast automated shipping so that you can get your delivery fast. If you are looking to buy any sort of generator and have some further questions or queries, then don’t hesitate to get in touch. Want to know about a battery generator versus a petrol generator? Want to find the smallest generator for your camping trip? Heading out on your boat and want the lowdown on marine generators? No matter if you want generators in Melbourne or generators in Mackay or anywhere else Australia-wide, we can talk you through it and make sure you get the right generator for your power needs.