The success of an event depends on it having a reliable power source. Music festivals, film festivals, concerts, weddings, markets and other large-scale events require electricity for sound systems, lighting and other technical equipment, often in outdoor and remote locations. Event generator hire can be an intimidating endeavour, especially if the technical lingo about amps, volts and kilowatts leaves you feeling in the dark. But with a little research and planning, you can find a trusty generator perfect for your event.

Outdoor events and festivals are popular in Australia, from summer music festivals to sporting matches to annual royal agricultural shows. Portable generators are used extensively during these events: they power lights and speakers, run food trucks and stalls, provide electricity to camping equipment, and keep the proceedings running even in a blackout.

With so many different types of generators on the market, both for commercial and residential usage, hiring an event generator can be challenging. Many factors to consider include the brand, wattage, noise levels, and pricing.

What to Consider When Choosing a Generator for Your Event

Hiring generators is far from a one-size-fits-all activity. Just as there are many different kinds of events of various sizes and scales, there are various types of generators to power them. Here are some factors you may have to consider when choosing a generator for your event:

Event size

The bigger the event and the higher the volume of guests, the larger and more powerful your generator will need to be. If you have a smaller event, such as a wedding with 100 people and ordinary power requirements, a 100 kVA generator should suffice. If you’re running a large-scale event like a massive music festival, film festival, or show, an 800kVA-1250kVA generator is more suitable.

How many hours it will be in use

An important question is how long you’ll be running the generator. Your event might last all weekend, but you might only need the generator a couple of hours a night while the band plays live. The longer each day you’ll be running your generator, the more powerful your generator will need to be.

Fuel type

Today’s generators run on various fuel sources. Diesel is among the most popular and reliable fuel choices, but you can also choose from solar, natural gas, petrol, propane, biodiesel, and hybrid-powered models.

Size and portability

How often will you need to move the generator around during your event? Consider the size and weight of the model as well as how portable you need it to be.

Noise levels

Some generators can be noisy, which might be an issue if you’re holding an event for large numbers of people or one in an area with strict noise restrictions.

Ease of usage

Some generators are easier to start and operate than others. When browsing generators for hire, don’t be afraid to ask about the operating procedures.

Your budget

Of course, an important factor when choosing a generator for your event is always how much money is in your budget and whether it’s enough to afford the generator best suited to your needs.

How to Calculate the Size/Power Generator You’ll Need

Effective event generator hire means choosing your ideal generator carefully. While you need a generator that slightly exceeds your power needs, choosing one far more powerful than you need can result in wet stacking. Choosing one that isn’t powerful enough can lead to even worse consequences, such as leaving all your guests or attendees in the dark (or without music). As a general rule, most generators can only sustain 80% of their maximum power for an extended period of time. Operating a generator at its maximum rated power continuously can lead to overheating, wear and tear and potential damage to the engine and other components.

To calculate the size of the generator you need for the event, take stock of all the elements you need to power, including sound systems, lighting, catering, etc. Start by calculating the total running amps for every item of equipment, which you can usually find on the information tag. From there, add an extra 15% to 30% as a safety net. Multiply the amps by the watts and then divide by 1000 to give you the number of kilowatts.

When you need to convert kilowatts into kilovolt-amperes (kVA), you can use the power calculator here on the Total Generators website to convert between units of measurement. 

The Different Generator Options for an Event

There are various kinds of generators that are commonly used for events and a diversity of choices to fit the various sizes and scales of events. Some of the most common generator types you’ll find at events include:

Portable generators

These generators are easy to set up and put away again, making them perfect for sources of emergency power and big outdoor events.

Inverter generators

Inverter generators produce electricity in three phases, creating a high-frequency AC. These generators are quiet, fuel-efficient and deliver clean power, making them perfect for areas with noise level restrictions or where power quality is important.

Standby generators

Although they’re permanently installed, standby generators only turn on during power outages. They’re perfect for keeping the music, the visuals and the other elements of the event running even when unforeseen circumstances like wild weather threaten everyone’s enjoyment.

Solar generators

Solar generators are an environmentally friendly option perfect for outdoor events on sunny days. They also include batteries to store energy so that the event can continue after sundown.

Hybrid generators

These flexible, efficient generators combine different power sources like solar and diesel to cover all your bases. At times of high energy load, the photovoltaic power can save you on diesel fuel. When the batteries and solar can no longer generate enough power due to events like extended cloudy periods, the diesel can carry them through.

Event Generator Hire at Total Generators

If you need help choosing the right event generator, the team at Total Generators is more than happy to assist.

Our quality diesel generators for hire have been developed in conjunction with our Global Client Partners to exceed Australian Eastern Standard. When you hire one, you’ll have the benefit of setting it up and forgetting it, with our team offering a handy refuelling service as part of a fuel management plan.

Total Generators can also offer solar/diesel hybrid generators for hire, which consist of modular transportable containers and towable trailers. These generators provide a reliable and consistent source of power that can be enjoyed at events Australia-wide.

A company with more than 25 years of powering Australian industries, Total Generators is committed to delivering consistent performance and reliable power output 24 hours a day.  If you have an event in mind and you need the right generator, contact the Total Generators team for a free quote.