What Size Generator For 500 Amp Service? Explained!

Choosing the right size generator can be a stressful task, as there are several factors to consider. A generator that is too small won’t be able to handle the load, while one that is too large will be a waste of money.

So, what size generator for 500 amp service?

With a 120v voltage supply, a 60kW or 80 HP generator is required for 500 Amp service. a 120kW or 160 HP size generator is required for 500 Amps service if the voltage supply is 240v. With 208 voltage, a 180kW or 241 HP generator is required. The size is calculated by multiplying voltage, amperage, and power factor. 

After reading the detailed explanation in this article, you will be able to determine the right-sized generator for you. So, keep reading! 

How to Calculate the Generator Size  For 500 Amps Service?

To calculate the generator size for 500 Amps service, you have to determine three things. 

• The voltage requirement: You have to find out the AC power requirement of your area. 
• Amperage Capacity: next determine the amperage capacity. It is the maximum amount of electrical current that a device or electrical system can handle safely without overheating or causing damage. In our case, the amperage rating is 500 Amps. 
• Service Number of phase or power factor: You have to determine whether you have a 1-phase, 2-phase, or 3-phase. According to that, you have to determine the power factor. 

Once you determine all these factors, you can calculate the wattage and thus use it for finding out the generator size. 

Wattage = Voltage x Ampere x Service number of phases

The outcome should be your kW generator requirement. 

If you need to find out the HP generator requirement, divide the wattage by 746 and you will get the answer. 

Using the same calculation, determining the generator size for 600 amp service or other amperage is also possible. 

What Size Generator For 500 Amp Service? 

Voltage supplies	kW generator size	HP generator size
120v	60kW	80 HP
240v	120kW	160 HP
208v	180kW	241 HP

There are two standard voltage supplies that are 120v and 220v. And for small businesses, 208v is frequently used in North America. Let’s calculate the generator size for all voltage supplies.

What Size Generator For 120v 500 Amp Service?

A generator of 60kW or 80 Hp size is required for a 500 amp service with a 120v power supply.

Here, 

Voltage requirement = 120V

Amperage capacity = 500 Amps

The service number of phase or power factor = 1 (As there is only one phase, the power factor is less than 1. It requires other factors including wattage to determine. So for the calculation purpose, we assume the power factor to be one) 

So, Wattage = 120v x 500 amps x 1 = 60000 watts 

So in that case, a generator with 60kW is required. In terms of the HP generator, you need a generator of 80 HP. (as, 1 HP = 746 watts)

What Size Generator For 240v 500 Amp Service?

For a 240v voltage supply, a 120kW or 160 HP generator is needed. 

Here, 

Voltage requirement = 240V

Amperage capacity = 500 Amps

The service number of phase or power factor = 1 (as the 240 is one phase) 

So, Wattage = 240v x 500 amps x 1 = 120000 watts 

In that case, you need a generator with 120kW power or 160 HP. 

What Size Generator For 208v 500 Amp Service?

a 180kW or 241 HP sized generator is required for a 208v 500 Amp service. 

Here, 

Voltage requirement = 208V

Amperage capacity = 500 Amps

The service number of phase or power factor = 1.73 (as the 208v is three phases) 

So, Wattage = 208v x 500 amps x 1.73 = 179920 watts 

In that case, you need a generator with 180kW power or 241 HP. 

Importance of Choosing the Right Size Generator for 500 amp Service

500 amp service is usually used in business. So, the generator needed for a 100 Amp service or other household services will be different from this. 

To help your business run smoothly without electricity hassle and in a cost-effective way, it is important to choose the right sized generator. 

Here is the problem you will face with an oversized generator. 

• It can harm the electrical frameworks of your business.
• It will be unnecessarily costly. The bigger generator is more expensive. The gas consumption of the generator will also increase with size. 
• It will create an excessive force that will be wasted

Here is the problem you will face with an undersized generator. 

• The generator will overheat due to excessive load
• It will distribute insufficient and inconsistent power to your electrical needs
• Excessive stress will put a strain on the generator and can cause it to damage prematurely. 

Conclusion

My discussion on what size generator for 500 amp service are needed ends here. I hope now you can easily understand the generator needed for your business. Don’t forget to service the generator regularly to avoid expensive repairs. 

I am ending this article here. All the best and have a great day!

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