Choosing a Diesel Generator for an African Project: Loads, kVA and Site Conditions

Buying for a workshop, farm, hotel or construction site starts with the equipment you must power. A country name and a generator price are not enough to confirm a suitable set. Conditions vary between African countries and between sites in the same country. Use the following checklist to prepare a configuration discussion.

For each machine, record its quantity, nameplate power, voltage, phase and starting method. State which loads run together and which can start in sequence. Include pumps, compressors, refrigeration and air conditioning, as well as lighting, computers and other essential equipment. Send clear nameplate photographs when the figures are unknown.

Starting a motor is a different event from keeping it running. Ask the supplier to check the proposed starting sequence, load steps and acceptable voltage or frequency changes. Do not choose a set simply by adding running kW or applying one starting multiplier to every motor.

kW describes active power; kVA describes apparent power. For an illustrative power factor of 0.8, 100 kVA × 0.8 = 80 kW. This arithmetic does not establish that a particular 100 kVA set will start your machines or supply every load combination. Confirm both the engine's available kW and the alternator's kVA/current capability for the proposed duty and site.

Report the expected operating hours, typical load, peak demand and whether a reliable grid is available. Ask for the manufacturer's applicable prime or standby rating and its operating conditions. Compare quotations using the same rating category; a larger standby number is not automatically an equivalent prime-power offer. Leave room for identified future loads rather than choosing an arbitrary oversizing percentage.

Have the site's qualified electrician confirm voltage, frequency, single- or three-phase supply, neutral and earthing arrangement, and how power will transfer from the grid. Do not assume one voltage/frequency combination suits all African projects. If automatic transfer is required, identify the ATS rating and scope, and whether cabling, protection and installation are included.

Share the site's altitude, expected ambient temperature, dust exposure, rain exposure and installation location. Ask for the proposed set's site-rated output and cooling arrangement. A silent enclosure still needs suitable airflow, exhaust routing and service access; an enclosure photograph is not proof that a set suits an enclosed room. Confirm any noise requirement with its measurement distance and test conditions.

Ask each offer to identify the engine model, alternator, controller, rated output, electrical settings, enclosure, tank and transfer equipment. Request actual order photographs and the agreed test record, identifying the set and test conditions. For fuel consumption, request figures at stated load points and duty conditions, rather than a single unexplained litres-per-hour claim. Compare freight and service scope separately from the equipment price.

• Country and installation town; altitude and hot/dusty conditions if known.
• Equipment list or nameplate photos, quantities and starting methods.
• Loads running together, starting sequence and essential loads.
• Voltage, frequency, phase and grid/ATS requirements.
• Backup or regular duty, expected hours, enclosure and quantity.
• Planned additions, destination port and required installation date.

Not sure of the power? Choose “I am not sure of the required power” in the quotation form and describe your equipment. Your answers are saved before the WhatsApp contact option appears; you can then discuss the remaining specification.

Compare the published generator catalogue and documented orders. Continue with shipping and import preparation and after-sales and spare parts planning.

For a specific size example, read the 100 kVA Weichai buying guide.

Manufacturer references: Cummins generator selection considerations and Cummins liquid-cooled generator application manual. These support the technical checks; the selected model's current data sheet and installation instructions determine its limits.

Prepared by ZHONGCHAI · Updated 20 October 2026. This guide supports a configuration discussion; the written order specification confirms the equipment to be supplied.