Generators in kVA or kW

Generators produce an EMF. (V) When connected to a circuit you have current flow. (A) Therefore, Generators give you Voltage and Amps. (V A) How much of that V A is converted into Power (W) depends on the load the generator is connected to. The same answer to the question, how much light will the generator make? It depends on the type of lights you connect to the generator. Any device that has windings in it, i.e. an electric motor, will cause the Current to run out of sync with the Voltage and thus you will at times only have V or A in the circuit instead of V A and thus, at times, you do not have Power in the circuit. Your generator is still delivering you the V and A, but your load is opposing the Current while allowing the Voltage to continue through to the rest of the circuit. Thus, Generators and Transformers are rated in VA (kVA and MVA for larger ones.) A generator manufacturer may take into account most loads are going to cause a 20% loss and so rate their generator in kW to make it easier for people trying to calculate the size of generator they may need. Dale West [email protected] www.hv.coach