The Ultimate Power Audit Checklist: How to Calculate Your Generator Size

Before you invest in a new generator, completing a thorough Power Audit Checklist is the most important step to ensure you don’t waste money on the wrong equipment. In the Nigerian market, guessing your power needs leads to constant overloads or massive fuel waste. By using a structured Power Audit Checklist, you can accurately determine your KVA requirements and protect your home or office electronics from damage caused by undersized power sources.

Step 1: Understand the “Big Three” Terms

To use your Checklist effectively, you must understand how energy is measured. Many people confuse KVA with Kilowatts, but they are not the same.

• Watts (W): The actual power an appliance consumes.
• KVA: The rating used to sell generators. According to Schneider Electric, the standard power factor for most generators is 0.8.
• Starting Load (Surge): The “kick” of energy needed to start motors. You can learn more about appliance energy use at Energy.gov.

Step 2: Use the Nigerian Appliance Cheat Sheet

If you can’t find the sticker on your appliance, use these standard estimates for your Power Audit Checklist:

Step 3: The Calculation Formula

A comprehensive Power Audit Checklist isn’t just a list; it’s a math problem. Follow this formula to get your answer:

Step 4: The 80% Rule (The Longevity Secret)

Never run your generator at 100% capacity. Once you finish your Checklist, add a 20% safety margin. If your total is 4,000W, you should look for a generator capable of at least 5,000W (approx. 6.5KVA) to ensure the engine isn’t constantly stressed.