Prime / Continuous Rating Versus Standby Rating

Prime or continuous rated generators (sometimes called base rating) are for situations where the generator will serve as the primary source of power, and will be used for extended periods of time. Some litrature differentiates between prime and continuous load but they are essentially the same. Prime or continuous rating is generally 10% lower than standby rating. Standby generators are intended for shorter runs until the main power source can be reestablished and are generally rated at 10% higher than prime/continuous ratings of the same size and model.