Key Takeaways
- Event generators must match the equipment load, event type, and duration to avoid failure or overspending.
- Consider noise level, portability, and backup needs before renting.
- Assos Power provides event-ready generators with full delivery, setup, and support.
- Factors like weather, location, and safety regulations impact the generator choice.
- Professional advice and load assessment reduce risk and keep events running smoothly.
Why Generator Selection Is Critical for Events
Whether it’s a wedding, music festival, corporate function, or food market, reliable power is non-negotiable. A poorly sized or noisy generator can ruin audio systems, disrupt lighting, or send your guests into the dark.
Assos Power helps clients choose event generators that are efficient, quiet, and capable of handling diverse energy demands without hiccups.
1. Know Your Power Load Requirements
Calculate Total Wattage Before You Book
Start with a clear list of everything that needs electricity during your event.
Include:
- Sound systems
- Lighting rigs
- Food warmers, fridges, and ovens
- Video displays or projectors
- Charging stations or vendor plugs
- Emergency lighting or security systems
Add the running wattage for each and remember to include the starting wattage for items like speakers, fridges, and pumps that draw more power on startup.
Assos Power offers load assessments to make sure your generator is sized just right — not too small, not too large.
2. Understand Generator Sizing
Avoid the Pitfalls of Under- or Over-Sizing
Hiring the wrong size generator leads to:
- Overloads and shutdowns
- Fuel waste and noise
- Equipment damage from voltage fluctuations
Assos Power recommends adding a 20–25% buffer above your calculated total load. This handles surges and last-minute plug-ins.
Examples of event-ready sizes:
- 5kVA–10kVA: Small weddings or mobile vendors
- 15kVA–30kVA: Corporate functions or mid-size outdoor events
- 50kVA+: Music festivals, multi-zone events, and film shoots
3. Consider the Noise Level
Choose Silent Generators for Guest Comfort
Loud generators can ruin audio setups and conversations — especially at weddings, intimate gatherings, or film shoots.
Assos Power offers silent generator models with:
- Acoustic enclosures
- Low-vibration frames
- Decibel ratings as low as 55–65dB
Place the generator at least 7–10 meters from the main stage or seating area. Sound barriers or natural obstructions can further dampen residual hum.
4. Match Generator Type to Event Duration
Short Events vs. Multi-Day Festivals
The length of your event influences the ideal generator setup.
- 4–8 hours: Smaller, fuel-efficient petrol generators are sufficient
- Full-day events: Mid-range diesel models with larger tanks
- Multi-day festivals: High-capacity diesel units with scheduled fuel top-ups and maintenance
Assos Power handles fuel management and maintenance during long rentals, ensuring you never run out of power in the middle of a headline act.
5. Think About Mobility and Access
Location Impacts Equipment Choice
Before hiring a generator, review your venue layout.
Key mobility considerations:
- Can the generator be delivered via trailer?
- Is the terrain flat, grassy, or rocky?
- Will vehicles be allowed on-site?
- Are there cable length limitations?
Assos Power offers trailer-mounted generators and on-site delivery, so setup is fast and easy, even at hard-to-reach venues.
6. Weatherproofing and Outdoor Readiness
Don’t Let Rain or Dust Shut Down Your Event
South African events often take place in open spaces where generators are exposed to the elements.
Assos Power’s generators include:
- IP-rated protection for outdoor use
- Weather-resistant outlets and cable covers
- Ventilated yet waterproof enclosures
Planning a backup tent or cover helps protect against unexpected weather. All units come with grounding kits and fire extinguishers for safety compliance.
7. Separate Critical and Non-Critical Loads
Prioritize What Must Always Stay On
At some events, not everything needs to run from the same power source.
Split your loads:
- Critical: Sound system, lighting, fridges
- Non-Critical: Vendor charging stations, decorative lights, charging booths
Assos Power provides multi-board distribution setups, helping you separate and prioritize zones. This way, if demand spikes, your core systems stay online.
8. Think Beyond One Generator
Consider Redundancy for High-Stakes Events
Large-scale or high-profile events may benefit from two smaller generators instead of one large one.
Why?
- If one fails, the other can cover essentials
- Load balancing improves fuel efficiency
- Lower startup surge on each unit
Assos Power helps clients deploy parallel generator setups or standby units, giving peace of mind when stakes are high.
9. Confirm Cable Runs and Power Distribution
Don’t Overlook the Final Connection Points
Powering your event isn’t just about the generator — it’s about where and how that power is delivered.
Checklist:
- Length of cable required to reach key zones
- Number of distribution boxes needed
- Phase type (single-phase vs three-phase)
- Protection gear (circuit breakers, RCDs, etc.)
Assos Power supplies complete cabling and distribution kits as part of your rental, ensuring the whole system works from start to finish.
10. Ask About Support and On-Site Monitoring
Events Can’t Wait for Delayed Technical Help
Hiring from a company that offers full support during your event can save your reputation.
Assos Power’s event support includes:
- On-site technician setup
- Emergency response crew on standby
- Remote monitoring in select units
- 24/7 call-out availability during hire period
This means fewer interruptions and fast problem-solving when time is critical.
11. Legal and Safety Compliance
Generators Must Meet Local Event Regulations
Most event venues and municipalities require compliance with electrical safety codes. Non-compliance can result in shutdowns or fines.
Assos Power provides generators that are:
- Fully inspected and certified
- Supplied with fire safety equipment
- Installed with correct grounding and safety clearances
- Backed by professional technicians trained in event safety compliance
You run the event — they’ll handle the regulations.