Production
Generator Load Calculator
Sum fixture draw and size the generator with headroom.
Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
How to use
- Add each fixture with its wattage and quantity.
- Pick your mains voltage and a headroom margin.
- Read the recommended generator size and the peak current the load draws.
Examples
- An HMI 1.2k plus a pair of LED panels totals about 1.5kW, so a 2kW generator with headroom is comfortable.
- HMIs draw a large surge at strike, so the headroom margin keeps the generator from stalling.
- Summing everything before you hire avoids arriving with a generator that trips under load.
Frequently asked questions
Why add headroom?
Fixtures, especially HMIs and motors, pull a high inrush current the moment they switch on. Sizing 25 to 50 percent above the steady load stops the generator tripping.
Can I run a generator at full rating?
No. Continuous use near the ceiling overheats it and leaves nothing for surges. Keep steady load comfortably below the rated output.
Does voltage change the size?
The kilowatt size is the same, but the current differs. A 120V supply draws roughly double the amps of a 230V supply for the same load, which matters for cabling and distro.
