Genset jargon, in plain language
The terms that decide whether a generator holds your load or stalls under it — kVA vs kW, block loading, prime vs standby — explained the way we explain them across the table. Each entry links to where the concept matters on this site.
kVA — apparent power
The genset's headline rating: the voltage × current its alternator can deliver. Usable power is kW = kVA × power factor (0.8 typical), so a 125 kVA set delivers about 100 kW.
kW — real power
The power that actually does work — what your equipment consumes. The engine sets the kW ceiling: kW = kVA × power factor, so heater-type loads at unity power factor hit the engine limit first.
Power factor
The ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA). Gensets are rated at 0.8 lagging as standard; resistive loads like heaters run near 1.0 and reach the engine's kW ceiling before the alternator's kVA one.
Diversity factor
How much of the connected load actually runs at the same moment. 0.90 sizes the set for 90% of the total — in real installations everything rarely switches on at once.
Genset loading target
The share of capacity your steady load should occupy. Sizing to ~70–80% leaves headroom for motor starting and avoids prolonged low-load running, which glazes diesel engine cylinders.
Prime vs standby rating
Standby: maximum output for emergency backup during outages, limited hours per year. Prime: continuous output (with 10% overload) for sites that run on genset power daily. The same machine carries a lower prime rating than standby.
CPCB IV+ emission norm
India's current emission standard for new diesel gensets, set by the Central Pollution Control Board. Only CPCB IV+ compliant sets can be sold new — they run significantly cleaner and quieter than older CPCB II machines.
Engine speed (RPM)
Locked to grid frequency: 50 Hz supply needs 1500 RPM on a 4-pole alternator (60 Hz → 1800 RPM). Lower-speed engines run cooler and last longer than 3000 RPM high-speed sets.
Block loading
The largest load a generator can accept in a single step without stalling or a damaging voltage dip. The Rishabh RT+ range accepts 68–80% of rated output in one step — up to 20 kVA on a 25 kVA set — with the exact figure published for every rating. Two gensets with the same kVA rating behave completely differently when a lift, compressor and AC bank restart together after a power cut; block loading is the figure that predicts that moment.
AMF panel — Automatic Mains Failure
A control panel that senses a mains outage, starts the genset, transfers the load, and reverses the whole sequence when mains power returns — no operator needed. Rishabh AMF panels run on Deep Sea Electronics controllers.
ATS — Automatic Transfer Switch
The switchgear that physically moves the load between mains and generator supply. Rishabh's YES1 series covers 16 A to 3200 A across five frame sizes.
RECD — Retrofit Emission Control Device
An exhaust after-treatment device that brings an existing diesel genset into CPCB/NGT compliance without replacing the machine — directly relevant under Delhi-NCR GRAP restrictions. GenForce RECD is Rishabh's own retrofit line.
GOEM — Generator Original Equipment Manufacturer
An engine maker's authorised genset builder: the GOEM buys bare engines and engineers the complete set — alternator matching, acoustic enclosure, controls and testing. Rishabh Power Solutions is an authorised Tata Motors GOEM.