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Event generator sizingHow big a generator do you need for an event?

The arithmetic your production manager should show you, a worked example with an LED wall, and why we never run a show on one generator at full load.

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The short answer

The short answer on generator size for events

Size an event generator from the total load: add every item’s maximum draw in kW, divide by the 0.8 power factor to get kVA, then choose a set the show will load to only 50–75% of its rating. An 80 kW show needs at least 100 kVA, so in practice a set of about 135–200 kVA.

The method

How many kVA generator for an event: five steps

Generator size is arithmetic, and the inputs come from the equipment you have actually hired.

StepWhat you doRule of thumb
1. List every loadGet a load sheet from each vendor: LED wall, lighting, sound, video, catering, AC, officeUse maximum draw from the spec, not typical
2. Add it up in kWTotal running load, plus a start-up allowance for motors and other inrush loadsAllow for start-up and inrush (Maryland Productions power SOP)
3. Convert to kVAkVA = kW ÷ power factorGenerators are commonly rated at 0.8 PF: 80 kW needs at least 100 kVA (Depco, Event Sparks)
4. Add headroomSize so the show load sits well below the ratingTarget 50–75% of rated capacity; avoid sustained running above 80% (Maryland Productions power SOP)
5. Split and back upBalance across three phases; put stage-critical circuits on a second setUnbalanced phases reduce available capacity (Maryland Productions power SOP)
Worked example

A ballroom award night with a 20-foot LED wall

A 600-person award night has a 19.6 × 9.8 ft P3.9 LED wall. One rental listing for that size — about 72 panels — gives about 11.5 kW maximum and 3.8 kW typical (LED wall rental spec). Plan on the maximum. Now add the other vendors’ load sheets. Suppose, for illustration only, the lighting designer’s sheet says 30 kW and the sound vendor’s 10 kW, with 8 kW for video, show control and backstage. That is about 60 kW.

LinekW
LED wall (maximum, from the listing)11.5
Lighting (illustrative load sheet)30
Sound (illustrative load sheet)10
Video, show control, backstage (illustrative)8
Total59.5 kW → 74 kVA at 0.8 PF

Illustrative inputs except the LED line; your vendors’ load sheets replace them. At a 50–75% target load, 74 kVA of show load points to a set of roughly 100–150 kVA, with a second set or changeover for stage-critical circuits.

Rules that apply

Generator noise and placement

Diesel sets have their own noise rules in India, separate from the 10 pm loudspeaker rule.

  • Acoustic enclosure. New diesel sets up to 1,000 KVA must meet 75 dB(A) at 1 metre from the enclosure surface, with the enclosure fitted at manufacture (CPCB DG set noise limits).
  • Larger or older sets. Need an acoustic enclosure or treated room with at least 25 dB(A) insertion loss and an exhaust muffler of at least 25 dB(A) (CPCB DG set noise limits).
  • Placement. Away from guests, the stage and neighbours’ boundaries, with cable runs planned and protected.
  • Fuel. Enough for load-in, rehearsals and the show, with refuelling time agreed with the venue.
What changes the answer

What changes the answer

  • Venue power. A hotel may be able to supply part of the load from house power; we ask for the available supply per phase in writing.
  • Power factor. Lighting, sound and video have differing power factors (Event Sparks); if your vendors give measured figures, use them instead of 0.8.
  • Air-conditioning. Tents and outdoor domes with AC change the numbers more than anything on stage.
  • Show-critical circuits. Sound, show control and the presenter’s screen go on protected supply; décor lighting can go on a second set.
FAQ

Questions people ask before they book

How many kVA generator do I need for an event?
Add the maximum load of everything in kW, divide by 0.8 to get kVA, then pick a set the show will load to about 50–75%. For a 40 kW show that is 50 kVA minimum, so a set of about 67–100 kVA; for 80 kW, 100 kVA minimum and about 135–200 kVA in practice.
What is the difference between kVA and kW?
kW is the real power equipment uses; kVA is the apparent power a generator supplies. kW = kVA × power factor. Generators are commonly rated at 0.8 power factor, so a 100 kVA set delivers about 80 kW. Size the generator in kVA from your total kW, not the other way round.
How much power does an LED wall use?
It depends on size, pitch and content. One rental listing for a 19.6 × 9.8 ft P3.9 indoor wall gives about 11.5 kW maximum and 3.8 kW typical. Size generators on the maximum, because a bright white slide can hit it.
We are holding a 300-person product launch in a Bangalore hotel — do we need a generator?
Often only for part of the load. Ask the hotel what supply it can give per phase and whether it is backed by the hotel’s own DG. If the LED, lighting and sound exceed it, a silent generator outside feeds the stage, with house power for the rest.
Why not just run one big generator at full load?
A set running near 100% has no room for start-up surges, a bright LED moment or a late addition, and a single failure stops the show. Planning for 50–75% load and a backup for critical circuits keeps the show running.
Are generators allowed after 10 pm?
The 10 pm rule in the Noise Pollution Rules targets loudspeakers and amplified sound. Diesel generators have their own limit — 75 dB(A) at 1 metre for enclosed sets up to 1,000 KVA. Placement away from neighbours still matters. We site sets behind the venue, with cables protected, and check the venue’s own rules.
The brief

Tell us about the event

Rough is fine. Headcount, a city, a month. We come back with venue options, a format and a cost range you can take to your leadership — before you commit to anything.

  • Itemised estimate: venue, food, production, logistics and our fee as separate lines
  • Venue options checked for your date, headcount and layout
  • GST invoicing for your finance team

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