How to Choose the Right Diesel Generator Size in Saudi Arabia
Power Systems shows here everything you need to size a generator: converting kVA to amps and kW, diesel consumption for every model, and how many air conditioners each generator runs.
The quick rule: in a three-phase 380 V system, 1 kVA ≈ 1.5 A and 1 kVA ≈ 0.8 kW. So a 30 kVA generator delivers about 46 A and runs roughly 6 × 18,000 BTU air conditioners.
kVA to Amps and kW Conversion
- 1 kVA (3-phase, 380 V) ≈ 1.5 A
- kW = kVA × 0.8 ; kVA = kW ÷ 0.8
- 1 HP ≈ 0.75 kW ≈ 0.93 kVA
| kVA | Amps (3-phase, 380 V) | kW (at 0.8 power factor) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 15 A | 8 kW |
| 15 | 23 A | 12 kW |
| 20 | 30 A | 16 kW |
| 25 | 38 A | 20 kW |
| 30 | 46 A | 24 kW |
| 40 | 61 A | 32 kW |
| 50 | 76 A | 40 kW |
| 60 | 91 A | 48 kW |
| 75 | 114 A | 60 kW |
| 100 | 152 A | 80 kW |
| 125 | 190 A | 100 kW |
| 150 | 228 A | 120 kW |
| 200 | 304 A | 160 kW |
| 250 | 380 A | 200 kW |
| 300 | 456 A | 240 kW |
| 350 | 532 A | 280 kW |
Generator Size Calculator
Calculate the Right 3-Phase Generator Size
Calculations assume 380V / 60Hz three-phase power, matching our full product range.
Enter your total load to see the result
This tool provides an estimate for guidance only. Please contact our team to confirm the exact specification for your project.
How Many Air Conditioners Does Each Generator Run?
| Model | Prime kVA | 18,000 BTU units | 24,000 BTU units |
|---|---|---|---|
| KT11 | 10.9 | 1 | — |
| KT15 | 14.8 | 2 | 1 |
| KT18 | 18 | 3 | 2 |
| KT23 | 23 | 4 | 3 |
| KT27 | 27 | 6 | 4 |
| KT33 | 33.5 | 7 | 5 |
| KT36 | 36.2 | 7 | 6 |
| KT50 | 50 | 11 | 8 |
Diesel Consumption by Generator Size
| Model | Prime kVA | at 100% of prime power | at 75% of prime power | at 50% of prime power | at 25% of prime power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KT11 | 10.9 | 2.6 L/h | 1.95 L/h | 1.3 L/h | 0.65 L/h |
| KT15 | 14.8 | 3.5 L/h | 2.63 L/h | 1.75 L/h | 0.87 L/h |
| KT18 | 18 | 3.9 L/h | 2.925 L/h | 1.95 L/h | 0.975 L/h |
| KT23 | 23 | 5.2 L/h | 3.9 L/h | 2.6 L/h | 1.3 L/h |
| KT27 | 27 | 6.2 L/h | 4.65 L/h | 3.1 L/h | 1.55 L/h |
| KT33 | 33.5 | 7.9 L/h | 5.925 L/h | 3.95 L/h | 1.975 L/h |
| KT36 | 36.2 | 7.9 L/h | 5.925 L/h | 3.95 L/h | 1.975 L/h |
| KT50 | 50 | 11.8 L/h | 9 L/h | 6.7 L/h | 4.9 L/h |
| DT35 | 33.5 | 8 L/h | 6.4 L/h | 4.4 L/h | 2.7 L/h |
| DT45 | 46.5 | 11.7 L/h | 9.2 L/h | 6.4 L/h | 4 L/h |
| DT57 | 57 | 15.8 L/h | 12.2 L/h | 8.65 L/h | 4.9 L/h |
| DT65 | 65 | 15.8 L/h | 12.2 L/h | 8.65 L/h | 4.9 L/h |
| DT90 | 91.2 | 21 L/h | 16 L/h | 11 L/h | 6.3 L/h |
| DT115 | 113.5 | 27 L/h | 20.2 L/h | 14.5 L/h | 8.2 L/h |
| DT130 | 131.8 | 31.4 L/h | 23.9 L/h | 16.9 L/h | 8.5 L/h |
| DT155 | 155 | 34.5 L/h | 25.5 L/h | 17.2 L/h | 8.5 L/h |
| DT170 | 170 | 37.4 L/h | 27.9 L/h | 18.7 L/h | 9.3 L/h |
| DT210 | 210 | 48.5 L/h | 37 L/h | 24.2 L/h | 12.8 L/h |
| DT260 | 261 | 53 L/h | 41 L/h | 28 L/h | 15.5 L/h |
| DT290 | 290 | 72 L/h | 60 L/h | 42 L/h | 21.5 L/h |
| DT320 | 320 | 72 L/h | 60 L/h | 42 L/h | 21.5 L/h |
| CT54 | 54 | 14 L/h | 11 L/h | 8 L/h | 5 L/h |
| CT68 | 68 | 18 L/h | 13 L/h | 9 L/h | 5 L/h |
* Litres per hour at the prime rating, ~0.8 power factor. Actual consumption varies with load profile, ambient temperature and engine condition.
How to Size Your Generator: Step by Step
- List every appliance the generator will run and its maximum wattage.
- Add up the watts to get the total load.
- Divide by the power factor (0.8) to convert kW to kVA. See the load calculation and formula page.
- Add a 25% safety margin for starting loads.
- Pick a generator where the continuous load stays between 50% and 75% of the prime rating. Above 75% overloads the set; running below 50% for long periods causes carbon build-up and cylinder glazing (wet stacking) that damages the engine.
- Browse the Kubota, John Deere and Cummins models or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 1 kVA?
In a three-phase 380 V system, 1 kVA ≈ 1.5 A. So a 30 kVA generator delivers about 46 A, and a 100 kVA generator about 152 A.
How many kW is a 3-phase generator?
Multiply the kVA rating by the power factor (typically 0.8 for diesel gensets) to get kW. A 30 kVA generator ≈ 24 kW; a 50 kVA generator ≈ 40 kW.
How much diesel does a generator use per hour?
It depends on the rating and how heavily it is loaded. A Kubota 18 kVA uses about 2.9 L/hour at 75% load; a 50 kVA about 9 L/hour. See the fuel consumption table on this page for every model.
How many air conditioners will a 20 kVA generator run?
A Kubota 18–20 kVA generator (KT18) runs up to 3 × 18,000 BTU split units, or 2 × 24,000 BTU units, keeping the load at 75% of the prime rating. These are general estimates and should be confirmed by a qualified technician.
How many amps is a 100 kVA generator?
A 100 kVA generator in a three-phase 380 V system delivers about 152 A, and is equivalent to roughly 80 kW at a 0.8 power factor.
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