2K generator enough

M

Matthew B

Well-known member
I'm looking to run a 1.2K HMI and a 575watt HMI off a 2K sinewave generator. Now this is 2K continuous with a 2.2K surge. Theoretically the 2K should be enough to cover the 1.775K of HMI, but I understand that HMI's take a bit of extra power to get going. Does anyone have an idea how much extra power they need to strike and whether a 2K with 2.2K surge is going to be enough?
 
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Matthew B said:
I'm looking to run a 1.2K HMI and a 575watt HMI off a 2K sinewave generator. Now this is 2K continuous with a 2.2K surge. Theoretically the 2K should be enough to cover the 1.775K of HMI, but I understand that HMI's take a bit of extra power to get going. Does anyone have an idea how much extra power they need to strike and whether a 2K with 2.2K surge is going to be enough?
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I don't know the answer to this specific question... but after years of watching underpowered inverters 'die', or generators not deliver, for a variety of industrial situations... my rule of thumb is to have a supply that is 2x the 'average' power required.

I'd say even a 3K would be better and staged turning on the lights 1.2K first, then the 575...
 
Yes, it is true that during an HMI strike, they will draw more power at the initial strike. I think you will be fine as long as both units are not struck at the exact same time. You *should* be fine, if nothing else is on the line and the generator is a true 2k output. I would strike the 1.2k first, and then, once it is up to speed, add the 575 and strike it.
 
It's a little gutsy....it might work, but my guess is that because of the power factor correction it'll overload the generator. Either that or it'll be so close to the peak, that after a little while it won't be able to handle it.

Are you renting, or buying? You can always go to the rental house and setup exactly what you're going to do and strike it all up. Thats always the best way to find out!
 
Thanks guys. I figured striking the 1.2K first would be the way to go, then the 575. As long as I can atleast power the 1.2K I'll be right, I can always just bring in bounce cards and reflectors. Although I won't be able to test the HMI's with the generator, I will be getting the generator and loading it up with 1950watts of my tungsten kit and running for a few hours to make sure it is powering around 2K continuous.
 
RyanT said:
It's a little gutsy....it might work, but my guess is that because of the power factor correction it'll overload the generator. Either that or it'll be so close to the peak, that after a little while it won't be able to handle it.

Are you renting, or buying? You can always go to the rental house and setup exactly what you're going to do and strike it all up. Thats always the best way to find out!
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Renting the HMI's, but buying the generator.
 
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