Generator Help!

[womble]

I've been asked to quote for an outdoor event, although I will have provide my own generator.

I've no idea where to start with regards to size/etc. I've looked on HSS and there's everything from 650w to 100kva???

I need to run two mixers, a twin cd player, amp, a karaoke screen and maybe a bubble machine?

What would you suggest?

Many thanks!!

[Danno13]

The amp will be the biggest current draw, so check the manual to see how many watts it draws, times by 4 and you'll have a safe overhead.. the other bits and peices won't draw alot.

Oh, and for the purpose of working this out, just treat 1VA = 1W (1KVA = 1KW).

[womble]

the manual? right, erm...

[Daryll]

I did a recent event in a marquee , using the following.

Berry EP2500
2 x 250w moonflowers
LED lights and the usual mixer lappy etc.

The genny was 6kva , and was perfect , I was the only thing plugged in.

Daryll

[Excalibur]

I have in an emergency run my old rig from a 2Kva Petrol genny. I'd recommend diesel every time. and a minimum of 4 or 5 Kva. I'd also recommend using surge protection, that should work, I'm sure there'll be more advice along later.
Edit: Daryll's post: 6Kva, well it's close to 4 or 5.:D :D :D

[A1DL]

for the purpose of working this out, just treat 1VA = 1W (1KVA = 1KW).

Nooooo, don't do that - else you may end up with a set too small. No set is 100% efficient, using a power factor of 0.8 (or 80%) is custom in practice, i.e.

6 Kva = 20 amps = 4800 watts
7 kva = 23.3 amps = 5592 watts
10 kva = 33.3 amps = 8000 watts
12 kva = 40 amps = 9600 watts
15 kva = 50 amps = 12000 watts
18 kva = 60 amps =14400 watts
20 kva = 66.6 amps = 16000 watts
25 kva = 83.3 amps = 20000 watts

[Danno13]

Nooooo, don't do that - else you may end up with a set too small. No set is 100% efficient, using a power factor of 0.8 (or 80%) is custom in practice, i.e.

6 Kva = 20 amps = 4800 watts
7 kva = 23.3 amps = 5592 watts
10 kva = 33.3 amps = 8000 watts
12 kva = 40 amps = 9600 watts
15 kva = 50 amps = 12000 watts
18 kva = 60 amps =14400 watts
20 kva = 66.6 amps = 16000 watts
25 kva = 83.3 amps = 20000 watts


Yeah.. I know that, hence why I said go for 4 times what the amp draws.. which will give plenty of headroom. No need to confuse people :D

[womble]

How do I find out what my amp draws without a manual...?

It's an AKA intimidation 1500W.

[Shaun]

Nooooo, don't do that - else you may end up with a set too small. No set is 100% efficient, using a power factor of 0.8 (or 80%) is custom in practice, i.e.

6 Kva = 20 amps = 4800 watts
7 kva = 23.3 amps = 5592 watts
10 kva = 33.3 amps = 8000 watts
12 kva = 40 amps = 9600 watts
15 kva = 50 amps = 12000 watts
18 kva = 60 amps =14400 watts
20 kva = 66.6 amps = 16000 watts
25 kva = 83.3 amps = 20000 watts

This is why your one of my favourite posters. Always very helpful and informative posts. Cheers, Tony. :approve: :beer1:

[Excalibur]

How do I find out what my amp draws without a manual...?

It's an AKA intimidation 1500W.

Divide 1500 by 250. :D :D :D
Seriously, that's a very rough guide, there are loads of other factors. It's in the ballpark.

If you add all the power requirements of your gear, add around 20 per cent, that's the min Kva of your genny, with no reserve or safety factor. I'd at least double it, and others have already advised quadruple.

[womble]

Yeah I divided 1500w by 240v and got 6.25amps... that doesn't sound right to me though..

[Daryll]

I think this is a cue for Tony to step in.
Getting out of my depth now :D :D

Daryll

[A1DL]

Yeah I divided 1500w by 240v and got 6.25amps... that doesn't sound right to me though..


No, you're spot on. You'll actually be surprise how LITTLE power an amplifier will draw.

I'd recommend you insist on a set with AVR (automatic voltage regulation), you want a set designed for event usage as opposed to a construction site set.

Some years ago, I monitored the voltage on a standard 2 or 3kva petrol set from a Hire Shop. The results were scary, with HUGE fluctuations every few seconds, +/-30%.

[womble]

Ooookay... So If I figure out all my equipment is drawing, for example, 20 amps total, how do I convert this into the watts/kva's I require from the generator?

[Excalibur]

No, you're spot on. You'll actually be surprise how LITTLE power an amplifier will draw.

I'd recommend you insist on a set with AVR (automatic voltage regulation), you want a set designed for event usage as opposed to a construction site set.

Some years ago, I monitored the voltage on a standard 2 or 3kva petrol set from a Hire Shop. The results were scary, with HUGE fluctuations every few seconds, +/-30%.
That's the bit I couldn't remember. :D :D :D


Ooookay... So If I figure out all my equipment is drawing, for example, 20 amps total, how do I convert this into the watts/kva's I require from the generator?
Now we Multiply by 230. ;) :D :D :D 4600w, 4.6Kw, around 5.5Kva.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

So what sort of draw does mixers and cd players have? Will it be in the manuals?

[Excalibur]

So what sort of draw does mixers and cd players have? Will it be in the manuals?

I believe the technical term is "Naff all". :D :D :D

[A1DL]

I believe the technical term is "Naff all". :D :D :D

that man is correct.

for example:

CDJ1000 (single cd) 27w
DND-4500 (twin cd) 23w
DN-X500 (dj mixer) 27w
KT DN360 (GEQ) 14w
XTA DP226 (LMS) 30w

[visualdjmax]

No, you're spot on. You'll actually be surprise how LITTLE power an amplifier will draw.

I'd recommend you insist on a set with AVR (automatic voltage regulation), you want a set designed for event usage as opposed to a construction site set.

Some years ago, I monitored the voltage on a standard 2 or 3kva petrol set from a Hire Shop. The results were scary, with HUGE fluctuations every few seconds, +/-30%.

I would agree about the whole regulation. The ones you tend to get from Hire Shops tend to be battered as have been used to death on building sites. If you speak to the marquee company (if a marquee is involved) they tend to have a list of suppliers/electricians that they have used in the past. If you can get someone else to deal with it then you can concentrate on your music.