What buyers should know first: Critical facilities often have more connected load than the generator should accept at one time. Load shedding and staged starting help protect essential circuits and avoid unnecessary oversizing.
In practice
Hospitals, data centers, factories, and process sites should classify loads before requesting a generator quote. The supplier can then discuss generator capacity, ATS logic, synchronizing needs, and interface terminals with the electrical designer.
Yangzhou Tesla Power Equipment Co., Ltd. supplies diesel generator sets for standby and prime projects, including silent or soundproof packages, ATS options, 50Hz and 60Hz requirements, and engine-brand categories such as Cummins, Perkins, Volvo, MTU, and Mitsubishi. For a matched quotation, the purchaser should describe the site conditions instead of sending only a kW or kVA number.
Information that changes the generator scope
| Item to confirm | Why it matters for quotation | Information to send |
|---|---|---|
| Essential loads | These must remain powered first | List of life-safety, control, IT, pump, or process circuits |
| Deferred loads | These can start after voltage and frequency stabilize | Motor sizes, HVAC loads, and acceptable delay time |
| Rejected loads | These should not run on generator power | Non-critical feeders and manual reconnection rules |
| Control interface | Load shedding needs signals or breaker control | Dry contacts, PLC interface, breaker shunt trip, or BMS logic |
| Testing method | Priority logic must be proven before handover | Functional test sequence and acceptance criteria |
How to prepare the request
- Prepare a load list with running kW, starting current, and priority level.
- Separate emergency, essential, and optional circuits before sizing the generator.
- Confirm whether load shedding is controlled by ATS, PLC, BMS, or manual procedure.
- Ask the supplier which signals are included in the generator panel scope.
- Include staged-start and load-shed logic in the site acceptance test.
Common configuration mistakes
- Sizing the generator from total connected load without defining which loads run together.
- Leaving HVAC or pump restart delays to be decided during commissioning.
- Assuming the generator supplier controls every downstream breaker.
- Testing the generator alone but not the load priority sequence.
Related equipment to compare
For a larger packaged set, review the Cummins QSB5.9 open frame diesel generator options. For another configuration path, compare it with the Cummins KTAA19-G6A 500 kW diesel generator set. Related planning references include load bank testing before handover and step load acceptance checks.
Documents to request before approval
- Load schedule with priority levels
- Single-line diagram
- ATS or switchgear control description
- Signal list for generator panel interface
- Commissioning sequence for staged loads
Before requesting a quotation
Send the load schedule, starting method for large motors, required restart delays, and control responsibility. The generator quotation can then address rating, alternator, controller, ATS, and signal scope more accurately.
Frequently asked questions
Does load shedding reduce generator size?
It can, if non-essential loads are blocked or delayed and the remaining load profile is technically acceptable.
Who designs the load shedding logic?
The site electrical designer usually defines the load priority, while the generator supplier confirms available control interfaces.
Is load shedding only for data centers?
No. It is also useful for hospitals, factories, water systems, mining sites, and any facility with mixed critical and non-critical loads.
What should be tested on site?
Test the start sequence, delayed loads, rejected loads, alarms, and recovery after utility power returns.