kVA vs kW on Generators: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

A buyer asks for a “10 kVA generator”. Our datasheet says “9 kW, 11.3 kVA”. Is that the same machine? Yes — and understanding why will save you from the most common sizing mistake in Africa.

What do kW and kVA mean?

• kW (kilowatt) is real power — the part that actually does work: turns the fan, lights the bulb, cools the room.
• kVA (kilovolt-ampere) is apparent power — the total power the alternator must carry, including a portion that magnetises motors and returns to the source without doing work.

The gap between them is the power factor (PF). For typical homes and shops with fridges, pumps and small motors, PF ≈ 0.8.

The simple formula

kVA = kW ÷ 0.8 and kW = kVA × 0.8

Example: a 9 kW set delivers 9 ÷ 0.8 = 11.25 kVA. That is why our CN10GF is quoted as “9 kW, 11.3 kVA” — same machine, two scales.

kW-to-kVA conversion table

Why the two scales exist

Market sellers in Lagos, Accra or Nairobi quote kVA because generator nameplates worldwide carry kVA. Factories quote kW because that is what your appliances consume. Neither is wrong — they are two views of the same machine. The trap is comparing kVA from one seller with kW from another. A “10 kVA” set from one shop and a “8 kW” set from another are practically the same size (10 × 0.8 = 8).

How this affects your purchase

• Convert before comparing. Always bring both numbers to the same scale.
• Match the kVA to your load in kVA. If your calculation in step one gave 11.3 kVA, a “9 kW” set is exactly right.
• Watch the power factor. Some sellers quote at PF 1.0, which inflates the kVA number by 25%. Ask: “0.8 PF?”

Quick FAQ

Is a higher kVA better? Only if you need it. An oversized set runs under-loaded, wastes fuel and glazes the cylinder bores.

Is kVA the same for 50 Hz and 60 Hz? For our air-cooled range, yes — the alternator is sized for both.

What PF do homes have? Around 0.8-0.85 with typical fridge/pump loads. Pure resistive loads (heaters, incandescent bulbs) are PF 1.0.

Send us your list

WhatsApp us your appliance list or your load in kVA — we will confirm the right model, quote factory price, and include the container loading plan.

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