looking to invest in a generator, one of the most important factors to understand is its power rating.
At PowerGen Australia, we often get asked about the difference between continuous and standby power ratings – and knowing which applies to your application is essential to ensuring you get the right generator for the job.
Continuous Power Rating
A generator’s continuous power rating refers to the maximum power it can produce on a constant, non-stop basis under normal operating conditions.
This is the rating you’ll look at if you need the generator to run for long periods, such as powering an off-grid site, a remote mining operation, or an industrial facility without access to the grid.
If a generator is rated for continuous power, it means it can supply that level of output 24/7 without exceeding its design limits, as long as it’s correctly maintained and operating in suitable environmental conditions.
Think of continuous power as the generator’s “cruising speed” – reliable, steady, and built for the long haul.
Typical continuous power uses:
- Off-grid mining camps
- Remote agricultural sites
- Continuous industrial manufacturing
- Utility grid support
Standby Power Rating
In contrast, standby power rating is the maximum power the generator can deliver for short-term emergency use, typically when your primary power source fails.
Standby-rated generators are designed for intermittent use, usually up to a set number of hours per year, and they are not intended for continuous operation.
Standby power is like your “emergency reserve” – the generator is ready to kick in when you lose grid power, supplying electricity until your primary source is restored.
Because standby generators are not run continuously, they can be designed to produce slightly more output than a continuous-rated generator of the same size.
Typical standby power uses:
- Backup for hospitals and data centres
- Emergency power for office buildings
- Residential backup systems
- Short-term backup for critical infrastructure
Why Choosing the Right Rating Matters
If you select a standby-rated generator for an application that requires continuous use, you risk premature wear, costly breakdowns, and reduced lifespan.
On the flip side, choosing a continuous-rated generator for occasional emergency use could mean you’re over-investing in capacity you don’t actually need.
At PowerGen Australia, we take the time to understand your operational requirements so we can recommend the right generator type, size, and rating for your needs.
We also factor in load variations, site conditions, and the number of operational hours to ensure your investment is both reliable and cost-effective.
The PowerGen Difference
With decades of experience supplying and maintaining generators across Australia, we’ve worked with every industry from mining and agriculture to commercial, government, and emergency services.
Whether you need a dependable continuous power solution or a rapid-response standby system, PowerGen Australia can supply, install, and maintain a generator you can trust.
Need help choosing the right power rating?
Talk to the team at PowerGen Australia today. We’ll help you find the generator that keeps your power secure, no matter the situation.