What Can a 500kW Generator Power?
500kW Generators are ideal for industrial and commercial applications
When facing the complexities of maintaining operations during power outages, understanding generator capacity is paramount. A 500kW (kilowatt) generator represents a significant power output, capable of sustaining substantial electrical loads for critical commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities
Understanding 500kW – Beyond the Basics
To put 500kW into perspective, this single generator can provide enough electricity to:
- Sustain a medium-to-large-sized manufacturing plant’s core operations.
- Power a significant portion of a multi-story commercial office building, including essential HVAC, lighting, and elevator systems.
- Keep critical systems running in a large hospital wing or a comprehensive data center.
- Operate multiple heavy industrial machines simultaneously.
A 500kW generator is typically a three-phase unit, designed for the high-demand electrical requirements common in commercial and industrial settings, unlike smaller single-phase generators used for residential applications.
Key Applications & Industries for 500kW Generators

Manufacturering / Warehouse
Production Lines: Keeping assembly lines, robotic systems, and processing equipment operational.
Heavy Machinery: Powering large motors, pumps, compressors, and specialized industrial equipment.
Cold Storage & Food Processing: Maintaining temperature-sensitive environments to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety.

Commercial Real Estate
Large Office Complexes: Supplying power for HVAC systems, elevators, extensive lighting, security systems, and tenant amenities.
Shopping Malls & Large Retail Centers: Ensuring uninterrupted operations for point-of-sale systems, lighting, security, and climate control to protect inventory and customer experience.
Hotels & Resorts: Powering guest services, kitchens, laundry facilities, and common areas to maintain guest comfort and safety.

Cities / Municipalities
Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants: Essential for continuous pumping and treatment processes to ensure public health and safety.
Emergency Operations Centers: Providing reliable power for essential services during crises.
Public Safety Buildings: Police stations, fire departments, and other emergency response hubs.

Healthcare
Hospitals (Sections/Wings): Powering operating rooms, critical care units (ICUs), emergency departments, laboratories, imaging equipment (MRIs, CT scanners), and extensive life support systems.
Large Clinics & Medical Centers: Ensuring continuous power for patient care, electronic health records, and diagnostic equipment.

Data Centers
Mid-to-Large Data Centers: Powering server racks, network hardware, sophisticated cooling systems, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to maintain continuous data flow and prevent costly downtime.

Agriculture
Large Farms & Processing Facilities: Powering irrigation systems, grain dryers, milking parlors, and agricultural processing equipment.
What Specific Equipment Can a 500kW Generator Run?
Beyond just the type of facility, a 500kW generator can comfortably handle the electrical load of various high-demand equipment, often simultaneously:
- Kitchen Equipment: Powering commercial ovens, fryers, dishwashers, and food preparation areas in large dining facilities.
- Large HVAC Units: Multiple commercial-grade air handlers, chillers, and heating systems.
- Multiple Elevators: Powering vertical transportation in multi-story buildings.
- Commercial Refrigeration & Freezers: Extensive cold storage units found in supermarkets, restaurants, and warehouses.
- Industrial Motors & Pumps: Driving large machinery, water pumps, and ventilation systems.
- Medical Imaging Equipment: Supporting the high power draws of MRI machines, CT scanners, and X-ray systems.
- Server Racks & IT Equipment: A significant number of computer servers, networking hardware, and their associated cooling infrastructure.
- Arc Welders & Fabrication Equipment: Powering high-draw tools in metalworking and manufacturing.
- Extensive Lighting Systems: Illuminating large indoor and outdoor spaces.
Sizing Your Needs, Beyond Just 500kW
While a 500kW generator offers immense power, accurately sizing your generator is crucial. A professional load assessment will consider:
- Starting Loads (Inrush Current): The temporary surge of power required when motors and other inductive loads first start up.
- Running Loads (Continuous): The steady power demand once equipment is operating.
- Load Shedding Strategies: Prioritizing critical circuits to maximize efficiency and extend run times.
- Future Expansion: Accounting for potential growth in your power needs.
Our 500kW Generator Inventory
Showing 30 of 34 results
- More Details
Three-Phase
Fuel: Diesel
Built: 1997
Volts: 277/480v
Hours: 319
Unit #: 092091
- More Details
Three-Phase
Fuel: Diesel
Built: 1998
Volts: 277/480v
Hours: 1652
Unit #: 090668
- More Details
Three-Phase
Fuel: Diesel
Built: 2012
Volts: 277/480v
Hours: 360
Unit #: 090707
Still have questions or looking for more information?
Generator Source specializes in low-hour, used, new, and surplus generator sets. We have a wide variety of generator sizes and models to fit any project. We are not a broker, we own what we sell.
Call us today (877-866-6895) or click Contact Us to be connected with one of our experienced sales reps.
We have 350+ generators in stock and ready to ship!
