- Rating of Diesel Generators*
Disel generators are rated in kVA (kilo volt amperes) and not in kw. Because these generators are power sources and their kw capacity is dependent on load connected.
In simple form the a.c.power is given by multiplying voltage, current and the power factor of the load.
P= V * I * power factor.
So the actual kw used is dependent on load. If you are using pure resistive load then the kVA = kW. But if you are using inductive load then the kW will be less than Kva rating. That is why the generators are often rated in kVA.