A 100kW generator is ideal for medium-sized commercial facilities like larger retail stores, mid-sized office buildings, small data centers, medical clinics, restaurants, supermarkets, or light manufacturing operations requiring robust backup power.

A 100kW generator falls squarely in the commercial category, offering significant power for many business needs. While robust, true “industrial” generators typically start at higher power ratings (e.g., 500kW+ to multi-MW).

Both diesel and natural gas are very common for 100kW units. Diesel offers quick startup and high power density. Natural gas provides a continuous, clean-burning supply if a utility line is available, eliminating the need for large on-site fuel storage.

A 100kW diesel generator, running at full load (100% capacity), typically consumes around 7-9 gallons per hour (GPH). This consumption decreases significantly at lower loads.

A 100kW natural gas generator, running at full load, typically consumes about 1,200-1,500 cubic feet per hour (CFH) or approximately 12-15 therms per hour. Natural gas consumption is measured differently than diesel.

Yes, a 100kW generator is often sufficient to power an entire small to mid-sized office building, including lighting, HVAC (depending on size), computers, and essential equipment, ensuring business continuity during an outage.

The ATS rating must match or exceed the main service panel’s amperage. For a 100kW (125kVA) generator on a 480V three-phase system, you’d typically look for an ATS rated for 125A-200A. On 208V three-phase, it could be 300A-400A. Always verify with an electrician.

Key considerations include proper concrete pad foundation, adequate ventilation (intake/exhaust), fuel line connection (if natural gas), exhaust piping, electrical wiring to the ATS, grounding, noise mitigation if near sensitive areas, and local code compliance.

An unenclosed 100kW generator can be quite loud (e.g., 90+ dBA at 7 meters). Most commercial units come with sound-attenuated enclosures that reduce noise significantly, often to 65-75 dBA at 7 meters, making them suitable for urban or semi-residential areas.

Similar to larger units, a 100kW generator requires regular preventative maintenance. This includes weekly visual checks, monthly battery/fuel system checks, quarterly fluid/filter changes (oil, fuel, air), and an annual comprehensive inspection including a load bank test.

A 100kW generator can provide sufficient backup power for a small to medium-sized data center, covering critical IT loads, cooling systems, and essential lighting. Proper sizing is crucial to account for server load and cooling demands.

Yes, a well-maintained used 100kW generator from a reputable dealer can be an excellent, cost-effective investment. They offer significant savings compared to new units while providing reliable performance, often with inspection reports and limited warranties.

Internal base fuel tanks for 100kW diesel generators typically range from 100 to 250 gallons, providing anywhere from 12 to 35 hours of runtime at full load. Larger external tanks can be added for extended duration.

100kW generators are most commonly configured for three-phase power (e.g., 208V, 480V, or 600V) to efficiently power commercial and industrial equipment. Single-phase 120/240V options are also available for specific applications.

The footprint of an enclosed 100kW generator can vary by manufacturer but is typically around 8-10 feet long, 3-4 feet wide, and 6-8 feet high. Always consult spec sheets for exact dimensions for planning purposes.