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How to size a generator for your live stream

Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 5:23 am
by nurnobi40
A generator is an extremely important piece of equipment that guarantees that, even in the event of a power outage, the entire electrical system will continue to function. Concerts, weddings and even live broadcasts are cases where the presence of a generator is essential.

This type of generator, which is the best known, is only activated when there is an interruption in the electricity grid, and is called standby. There are also generators that are used as a primary and continuous source of energy, that is, they complement the energy demand when the local networks they supply have a lower power.

But how do you know if you'll need to rent a generator? And how do benin phone number data you size a generator appropriately so you don't get into trouble?

The person who can provide these answers is the electrical manager, a very important professional on a film set.

The electrical manager is responsible for all electrical installations, reflectors and accessories on a set. He usually works with the director of photography to understand what is planned in terms of lighting, electrical points, necessary authorizations, etc.

This professional also determines the size of the electrical team, calculates the time to install and uninstall the equipment, as well as the need for a generator.

To size the generator, you need to understand the power of the equipment that will be used and how long they will be on, without forgetting the computers and dressing rooms.

191,932 Power Generator Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock
Check the power of all appliances and multiply the value by 1.52 to obtain the value in volt-ampere (VA);
Then multiply by 1.3, which adds a 30% safety margin;
Divide the value by 1,000 to convert VA to kVA;
The result is the power in KVA that the generator must supply.
See an example of an equipment list below:

1 2k Halogen Fresnel = x 2,000W = 2,000W normal use
6 Fluorescent lamps 60W = 360W normal use
1 Computer = 300W normal use
1 1HP Motor = 750W normal use / 3000W peak use
Total = 4,510 W / 6,760 at peak

A generator of at least (4.5KVA x 130%) = 5.8KVA would be required for normal use. At peak starting, 6.7KVA x 130% = 8.7KVA, if they are started simultaneously.

In this case, since there would only be one inductive device with the peak, we could turn it on alone and before the other devices, which would result in around 4KVA (counting the 30% increase). After a few moments, the motor would work at nominal power and the user could turn on the other devices.