Equipment Hire › Generator Fuel
Generator Fuel Consumption Calculator
Estimate fuel consumption rate and total fuel cost for diesel, petrol or LPG generators. Enter the kVA rating, load factor and run hours to calculate litres per hour and total cost.
Generator Fuel Consumption Calculator
Total operating hours for estimate
Enter generator size and run hours to estimate fuel consumption and cost.
Fuel consumption estimated at 0.22 L/kWh (75% load). Actual usage varies with ambient temperature, altitude, engine age, and load profile. Generator efficiency peaks between 50–80% rated load. Always carry 10–20% reserve fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert kVA to kW?
kW = kVA × Power Factor. For a 20 kVA generator with power factor 0.8: 20 × 0.8 = 16 kW. Resistive loads (heaters, lights) have PF ≈ 1.0; motors and computers typically 0.7–0.9.
How much reserve fuel should I carry?
Industry best practice is to carry a 20% fuel reserve at all times — never run a generator below 25% tank capacity. Diesel generators can air-lock if they run dry, requiring bleeding of the fuel system before restart.
Does altitude affect fuel consumption?
Yes — at altitude above 1,000 m, air density decreases and generators produce less power. Fuel consumption per kWh increases, and the generator must be de-rated (typically 3–4% per 300 m above 1,000 m). Factor this in for high-country worksites.
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