How should I work out what size of generator I need to hire?

[alayte]

We need to hire a generator to supply power to a marquee for our wedding reception. There will be 4 chandeliers@ 200watts and the band will need 8 amps.
Don't know where to start to work out what size to hire - can anyone help please?
Any advice gratefully received.

[Buenchico]

4 x 200W = 800W = 0.8KW

I'm assuming that 'amps' in your post refers to the current required (measured in Amperes) rather than the number of amplifiers in use! If so (and assuming a 230V supply) then Power = Voltage x Current = 230 x 8 = 1840W = 1.84KW.

Adding to together gives 2.64KW, so a 3KW generator should be able to cope.

Chris

[philkool]

why not use an extention lead

[alayte]

thanks for the advice Buenchico -hehehe yes I'm assuming amperes not number of amps. That would NOT be popular with the neighbours!

[welshlibranr]

I would go with the generator, wouldn't think of extension leads!.........Chris is very knowledgeable! his advice is usually spot on!.......

[alayte]

Thanks philkool - I did post another question re how far can you run an extension cable as we thought that might be an easier, cleaner, quieter option, but not sure if it would be possible because the marquee will be about 100 yards from the house/power supply.

[alayte]

Looks like a generator is the way to go then - thanks to everyone for the advice, at least we know where to start!

[qapmoc]

If you go with the generator just be careful that the output is RCD protected at 30mA and the Earth terminal is connected to the Neutral terminal and grounded to a local earth spike. This will be especially relevant if the Marquee has a metal frame with the lights attached to it.

Regards

[Hymie]

You could consider 2 of these – but the voltage drop due to the loading might cause problems. But I reckon with 4 of them (2 in parallel - each supplying half the load to the marquee) should suffice. If for some reason the generator fails, you will have a very unhappy Bride & Groom. You could even consider the purchase as an insurance policy for the generator.

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