What Can a 200 kVA Generator Run? Real Load Examples

The 200 kVA size is where generators start to protect whole buildings and production lines. It can carry the critical load of a hospital ward block, a large school, a food plant or a distribution warehouse, and it is still a single set that fits on a plinth in a yard or plant area.

It is also a size where mistakes show up quickly. The rating can be read more than one way, motors start with large surges, and the average load matters as much as the peak. This guide uses datasheet figures from the 200 kVA generators in our range to show what a 200 kVA set can run, with worked examples and the limits to watch. For the sizes below, see our guides to what a 60 kVA generator can run and what a 50 kVA generator can run.

What does 200 kVA actually mean?

kVA measures apparent power, while most equipment is labelled in kW. On a three-phase set, multiply kVA by the power factor of 0.8: 200 kVA × 0.8 = 160 kW. Plan around kW, not kVA.

Three 200 kVA-class models in our range show how the ratings are quoted:

Both Cummins models use the QSB7-G5 engine, a Stamford UCI274H alternator and the PowerCommand 1.2 controller, and supply 400 V, 50 Hz three-phase power.

• "200 kVA" is the prime rating. The same machine is sold as "220 kVA" on its standby rating. Standby is for emergency use only, so plan around 160 kW if you will run it regularly.
• Full-load current is 318 A per phase at the standby rating, according to the product pages.
• A 4-pole circuit breaker is fitted as the output connection on the Cummins models.

> Expert tip: A "220 kVA" set gives you 160 kW for regular running, not 176 kW. Compare like with like, and always check which rating a quoted figure refers to.

For the full explanation of the two ratings, including the 200-hour and 70% average-load guidelines in ISO 8528-1, read our guide to standby versus prime rating on a 500 kVA generator, which applies the same principles at a larger size.

Three phase, single-phase loads and motor starting

On a three-phase generator, single-phase equipment draws from one phase only. With 200 kVA split three ways, each phase carries roughly 67 kVA on the prime rating, or around 290 A at 230 V. Spread single-phase sockets, lighting circuits and small machines evenly across the phases, because loading one phase can trip the set long before the total reaches 160 kW.

Why starting loads matter

Motors, pumps, compressors and chillers draw several times their running current for a moment as they start. As a rough guide, a motor started direct-on-line should be no more than about a third of the generator's kW rating, which on a 160 kW set is around 50 kW. Soft starters, star-delta starters or variable speed drives allow larger motors. The alternator's motor-starting capability and the acceptable voltage dip decide the real limit, so ask for the motor-starting curve for the exact set when you have large machines.

What can a 200 kVA generator run in a hospital or care facility?

Healthcare sites need a generator that keeps critical systems running, not one that carries everything. Typical priority loads:

A worked example for a ward block. Lighting (15 kW), ventilation and pumps (40 kW), medical and IT (15 kW), lifts averaging 15 kW, part of the kitchen (30 kW) and small power (8 kW) come to 123 kW. That is about 77% of the 160 kW prime rating and 70% of the 176 kW standby rating. It works for backup, but a full commercial kitchen on top would not fit.

What can a 200 kVA generator run in a school, college or large office?

Education and office buildings add up from many modest loads:

A worked example. Lighting (25 kW), heating pumps (10 kW), a kitchen (35 kW), IT (15 kW), lifts (10 kW) and fire and security systems (5 kW) total about 100 kW. That is 63% of the prime rating, which leaves comfortable headroom.

What can a 200 kVA generator run in a factory or warehouse?

Production and distribution sites combine motors, refrigeration and charging loads:

A worked example, and a warning. Three refrigeration compressors (60 kW), a 22 kW air compressor, 40 kW of production line motors, 10 kW of lighting and 10 kW of offices and IT add up to 142 kW. That is 89% of the prime rating, which is too tight for regular running. For backup use against the 176 kW standby rating it is 81%. To run this load regularly you would shed the battery chargers and stage the motors, or step up to a 250 kVA set, where 142 kW is about 71% of a 200 kW prime rating. Our guide to optimising generator load profiles explains why running much below or above the sweet spot causes problems.

> Expert tip: Check the average load as well as the peak. ISO 8528-1 sets a permissible average output of 70% of the prime rating over 24 hours, which for a 160 kW set is about 112 kW. A site can pass on peak load and still be too small for its average load.

What a 200 kVA generator will not run comfortably

• A whole building with several large chillers, lifts and a full commercial kitchen all at once.
• A motor above about 50 kW started direct-on-line.
• Several large motors starting at the same moment.
• Large single-phase loads concentrated on one phase.
• Continuous running at close to 100% load with no headroom.

How to size a 200 kVA generator for your site

1. List everything that must keep running. Be strict and include only essentials.
2. Find each running load on the rating plate, in kW or amps.
3. Identify the largest starting load and check its starting method against the generator's motor-starting capability.
4. Decide standby or prime from how many hours a year the set will run.
5. Add 20 to 25% headroom, check the average load against 70% of the prime rating, and aim for a typical load of 40 to 80%.

Our guide to sizing a generator around critical loads explains how to build the load list.

> Not sure your load list adds up? Send us your equipment list, your largest motor and how often the generator will run, and we will check it against a set from stock. Use the contact page or call +44 1302 700200.

Fuel use and run times

The Cummins C220D5e datasheet gives fuel consumption at each load on both ratings. Run time depends on the tank: 464 litres on the C220D5e and 400 litres on the C220D5EQ.

At the standby rating, the same datasheet shows 16.4, 29.3, 39.4 and 48.8 litres per hour at quarter, half, three-quarter and full load. Run times use nominal tank capacity, so allow a reserve in practice.

If your site needs longer autonomy, we also supply free-standing additional fuel tanks from 450 to 9,750 litres. Tank size matters for compliance as well: the oil storage rules apply to business containers of 201 litres or more, so check whether they apply to your installation using the GOV.UK guidance on oil storage. For ways to run a generator efficiently, see our guide to fuel saving methods for generators, and if you are thinking of renewable fuel, read whether a diesel generator can run on HVO.

Standby or prime, and how it starts

Standby versus prime. Standby is for emergencies during a mains failure and prime is for regular running. Warranty cover reflects that: on both Cummins models it is two years or 500 hours for standby, and one year with unlimited hours for prime. Our guide to prime versus standby power explains the difference for any size.

Automatic starting and monitoring. The PowerCommand 1.2 controller on the C220D5EQ page offers automatic and manual operating modes, remote start, event logging and fault history, and Modbus communications for building management and PLC integration. This suits standby generators that must start without anyone on site. Our guide to automatic transfer switch installation for critical power covers the switching side.

Size, weight and noise

The European-built set is shorter and about 860 kg lighter, which can matter for access and lifting. The 1 m and 7 m noise figures are not directly comparable, so read our guide to how quiet a silent generator really is before choosing, or browse our range of silent generators.

Safety and regulations

• Connection and earthing. Our generator earthing requirements guide explains what applies on UK sites, and the HSE's electrical safety guidance covers the general principles.
• Ventilation and exhaust. Diesel exhaust contains carbon monoxide. Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space.
• Environmental permits. The GOV.UK guidance says specified generator controls apply, unless excluded, to generators with a rated thermal input between 1 MWth and 50 MWth, and generators on the same site are aggregated. As a rough estimate, the datasheet fuel figures of 45.6 and 48.8 litres per hour at about 10 kWh of energy per litre give around 0.46 and 0.49 MW for one set, about half the threshold. If you have several generators on a site, check the total using the GOV.UK guidance on when you need a specified generator permit, and confirm the rated thermal input with the manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions

How many kW is a 200 kVA generator?

On a three-phase set at a 0.8 power factor, 160 kW. A set quoted as 220 kVA standby is 176 kW for emergency use only.

What can a 200 kVA generator power?

The essential services of a hospital ward block, a school, a food or light manufacturing plant, a warehouse with a cold store or a large commercial building, with large motors starting in sequence and about 20% headroom kept in reserve.

How much diesel does a 200 kVA generator use per hour?

On the Cummins C220D5e datasheet, 15.2 litres an hour at 25% prime load, rising to 45.6 litres an hour at full prime load.

Why is a 200 kVA generator also sold as 220 kVA?

Because 220 kVA is the standby rating and 200 kVA is the prime rating of the same machine. Always check which rating a listing quotes.

How long will a full tank last on a 200 kVA generator?

On the Cummins C220D5e, about 10.2 hours at full prime load on the 464-litre tank, and about 16.9 hours at half load. The C220D5EQ has a 400-litre tank, which gives about 8.8 hours at full prime load.

Is 200 kVA enough, or do I need 250 kVA?

If your realistic running load stays under about 128 kW, which is 80% of the 160 kW prime rating, 200 kVA is usually enough. Above that, or if your average load approaches 112 kW, look at a 250 kVA generator. If your load is much lower, a 100 kVA generator may suit.

Conclusion

A 200 kVA generator suits hospitals, schools, factories, warehouses and large commercial buildings, delivering 160 kW of prime power on three phase. Check which rating a listing quotes, plan around the prime rating for regular running, check your average load against 112 kW, start big motors in sequence and leave a sensible margin.

> Talk to a real person: Global Generators is an authorised Cummins reseller and an authorised Grupel and Pramac dealer, with new diesel generators in stock for UK delivery and export. Browse our full 200 kVA generator range or the stock list, then contact our team on +44 1302 700200 or at enquiries@global-generators.com and we will help you match a set to your load.