FAQs About Generators
Rent portable, towable or commercial-sized generators from United Rentals to keep the power and work going through outages or to supply energy on remote jobsites. Our generators range in output from the smallest 2,000-watt generator to our heavy-duty 300-kilowatt generator and are packed with features like low emissions, reduced noise levels, trailer-mounted options and more. Our fleet of generators includes manufacturers like Honda, Generac, Multiquip, DeWalt and other trusted brands.
To determine what size generator to rent, calculate the total wattage you need. Combine the wattage from all the appliances you wish to power and add the highest single starting wattage to find what size generator you need. Learn how our climate experts can work with you to help find the right size generator package for your needs.
While this depends on the fuel capacity and the output of the generator, the average unit can run around 8-12 hours on a full tank of gas. As long as a generator is refilled with the necessary fuel, it can run for days at a time. However, while running a generator for days, weeks or even months at a time may be possible, it is not recommended. Just like any engine, a generator requires regular maintenance and routine lubrication to function at its best, and disregarding these tasks can cause permanent damage.
This will vary dramatically based on the generator and the load. The average 10-kilowatt generator will consume a little under a gallon an hour at full load, while a heavy-duty 200-kilowatt generator will likely consume up to 15 gallons per hour. Consult the product manual for detailed specifications on the generator’s fuel consumption rate. Check out our Project Uptime article, Hydrogen Generators: An Emissions-Free Solution to Portable Power.