Generator Power Ratings - Prime Power & Standby Power explained

When we plan to buy a diesel generator, we may face the problem of model selection, how to choose a right model ?
Here , we will explain of Generator Power ratings for you.

STANDBY POWER RATING : When a diesel generator is used as a standby power supply.
It is applicable for supplying emergency power for the duration of the utility power outage. No
overload capability is available for this rating. Under no condition is an engine allowed to operate in parallel with the public utility at the Standby Power rating.

This rating should be applied where reliable utility power is available. A standby rated engine should be sized for a maximum of an 80% average load factor and 200 hours of operation per year. This includes less than 25 hours per year at the Standby Power rating. Standby ratings should never be applied except in true emergency power outages. Negotiated power outages
contracted with a utility company are not considered an emergency.


PRIME POWER RATING
When a diesel generator is used as the main power supply .
It is applicable for supplying electric power in lieu of commercially purchased power. Prime Power applications must be in the form of one of the following two categories:

UNLIMITED TIME RUNNING PRIME POWER
Prime Power is available for an unlimited number of hours per year in a variable load application.  Variable load should not exceed a 70% average of the Prime Power rating during any operating period of 250 hours.

The total operating time at 100% Prime Power shall
not exceed 500 hours per year.

A 10% overload capability is available for a period of 1 hour within a 12 hour period of operation.
Total operating time at the 10% overload power shall not exceed 25 hours per year.


LIMITED TIME RUNNING PRIME POWER
Prime Power is available for a limited number of hours in a non-variable load application. It is intended for use in situations where power outages are contracted, such as in utility power curtailment. Engines may be operated in parallel to the public utility up to 750 hours per year at power levels never to exceed the Prime Power rating. The customer should be aware, however, that the life of any engine will be reduced by this constant high load operation.
Any operation exceeding 750 hours per year at the Prime Power rating should use the Continuous Power rating.

Additional information:

CONTINUOUS POWER RATING is applicable for supplying utility power at a constant
100% load for an unlimited number of hours per year. No overload capability is available
for this rating.