In today’s Nigeria, where power outages are unpredictable and often prolonged, owning a generator isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. But choosing the wrong size can cost you: too small and won’t run your appliances; too big and you’re wasting money and fuel. Elomart, Nigeria’s trusted power solutions store, brings you a detailed yet easy-to-follow guide, so you can confidently decide what generator size suits your home or business best.
✅ Why Generator Sizing Matters
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Efficiency: A correctly sized generator runs cleaner, quieter, and uses less fuel.
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Longevity: Overloading a generator damages its engine and shortens its lifespan.
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Savings: Oversized units burn more fuel; undersized units strain and wear out quickly.
🧠 Step 1: Calculate Your Total Power Needs
Start by listing all the devices and appliances you want to run during a blackout. Include each item’s wattage (check the label or manual). Here’s a realistic example for an average Nigerian home:
Appliance | Wattage |
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Fridge (compressor) | 300 W |
Standing fan | 75 W |
Smart TV | 150 W |
Desktop PC | 250 W |
Laptop | 90 W |
Wi-Fi Router | 20 W |
LED Lighting (5 bulbs) | 100 W |
Blender/Kettle | 800 W |
Washing machine | 500 W |
Water pump (optional) | 400 W |
Adding them gives a total running load of about 2,685 watts (2.7 kW). This is just a sample—you should customize your list to match your household.
🧮 Step 2: Convert Watts to KVA
Generators in Nigeria are rated in kVA. A rule of thumb: divide watts by 0.8 (or multiply by 1.25) to get kVA:
That means a basic generator must deliver at least 3.5 kVA of continuous power to run these appliances. But you also need extra buffer.
🔧 Step 3: Add a 20–30% Safety Buffer
Accounting for power spikes and future needs, it’s smart to add a margin:
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20% buffer: 3.35 × 1.2 = 4.02 kVA
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30% buffer: 3.35 × 1.3 = 4.35 kVA
So a 4–4.5 kVA generator is a safe and efficient choice for your 2.7 kW load. At Elomart, we carry reliable 4 kVA and 5 kVA models that hit the sweet spot between capacity, fuel efficiency, and price.
⚡ Step 4: Account for Start-Up (Surge) Power
Some appliances require much more power to start than to run:
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Fridge: frequently needs 3x starting watts (~900 W)
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Water pump: may need 2–3x its running value (~800–1,200 W)
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Air conditioner: if added, demands even more on startup
Your generator must handle both the running load (2.7 kW) and surge loads simultaneously. If all appliances start at once, surge may reach ~4.5 kW.
Solution: Opt for at least 5–5.5 kVA to comfortably cover startup spikes and maintain efficiency.
🏠 Step 5: Choose the Right Generator Model
Selecting the right brand and model is as crucial as sizing. Elomart recommends:
⚙️ Premium Models
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Lutian LT5500 (5.5 kVA): Excellent for families running ACs, pumps, fridges, PCs. Fuel-efficient, quiet, robust output.
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Firman FP5500 (5.5 kVA): Known for durability, smooth startup, and long-term reliability.
⚡ Budget-Friendly Models
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Elepaq 5kVA: Reliable, with full power and good fuel consumption.
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Maxi M5000: Great for basic home and office setups, offering solid backup at an affordable price.
Inverter-compatible versions with AVR offer cleaner power, ideal for computers, routers, CCTV, and smart devices.
🌍 Step 6: Consider Power Quality and Included Features
Nigeria’s power supply is often erratic—surge-prone, low voltage, and unstable. Look for generators with:
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Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR): stabilizes output for safe, clean power.
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Low-oil shutdown: protects the engine if fuel runs low.
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Electric start with battery: easier and more convenient than manual recoil.
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Multiple outlets and circuit protection: for diverse loads.
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Fuel efficiency and silent operation.
These enhance safety and preserve your appliances—particularly important for longer backup windows.
🔧 Step 7: Care and Maintenance – Extend Your Generator’s Life
An efficient generator at 50% load and well-maintained can last over 10 years. Key maintenance tips:
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Change oil every 50–100 hours
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Replace spark plugs and oil filters per manual
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Keep air and fuel filters clean
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Run idle for 10 mins after heavy use
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Use quality unleaded fuel to reduce deposit buildup
Elomart offers full support with servicing plans and replacement parts for brands like Elepaq, Firman, and Maxi—ensuring your investment works trouble-free for years.
🛒 Where to Buy a Quality Generator in Nigeria
Selecting the right size is just part of the process; choosing a trusted store matters too. At Elomart, we stock genuine generators suited for Nigerian conditions:
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Lutian
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Elepaq
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Firman
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Maxi
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Borotto (hybrid-ready)
We offer nationwide delivery, secure payment options, and installation guidance. Plus, you get Elomart after-sales care, including free servicing advice and part availability.
📋 Final Buying Checklist
Make sure your generator meets these essentials:
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Correct size (based on your calculated electrical load + buffer)
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AVR for safe, stable voltage
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Sufficient starting capacity for pumps/fridge
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DC electric start convenience
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Fuel efficiency and manageable noise levels
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Warranty (1–3 years depending on brand)
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Readily available replacement parts
🚀 Why Elomart is Your Best Choice
From honest sizing to trusted delivery, Elomart ensures you get the ideal generator without compromise. Our product range is tested for Nigerian usage, and our team provides guidance on sizing, setup, and maintenance. When you buy from us, you get peace of mind backed by quality support and genuine parts.
✅ Your Next Power Move
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Calculate your daily power load
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Convert watts to kVA and add a safety buffer
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Adjust for startup power needs
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Choose a reliable brand with AVR
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Buy from a trusted seller like Elomart
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Maintain it regularly for longevity
With the right system and expert support, generator ownership becomes a smart investment—not a burden. Let Elomart power your peace of mind.