Renting a diesel generator (DG set) looks simple: pick a kVA rating and agree a monthly rate. In practice the rate covers the set itself, and several things needed to run it safely are often left to the site. Knowing these in advance avoids delays on the day the set arrives.
- A monthly DG rate usually includes a fixed number of running hours; extra hours are billed pro rata.
- Diesel, earthing, the concrete base and cabling beyond the DG panel are commonly the customer's scope.
- Ask which emission norm the set meets.
What the monthly rate usually covers
- The generator set of the agreed rating, usually silent (acoustic enclosure) and skid mounted on anti-vibration mounts.
- A fixed number of running hours per month, read from the hour meter. Hours beyond that are billed as overtime.
- Routine servicing and repairs by the supplier, with oils and consumables as recommended by the engine maker.
What is commonly the site's scope
| Item | What to plan |
|---|---|
| Diesel | Clean high-speed diesel supplied by the site for monthly hire, unless the quote says otherwise. |
| Earthing | Earthing pits for the neutral and the body of the set. Quotes we have seen ask for four per set. |
| Base | A level RCC or PCC base for the skid. |
| Cabling | The supplier typically connects up to the DG panel; cabling from there to your distribution board is yours. |
| Exhaust | Any exhaust pipe beyond the silencer, for example to take fumes above a building. |
| Unloading and shifting | A crane to unload the set, and to relocate it if you move it during the hire. |
| Approvals | Any electricity duty or local permissions for running the set. |
Sizing: rating and load
Generators are rated in kVA. Suppliers generally expect the engine to run at an average load of around 75% of rating and not to be overloaded; sustained overloading can damage the set and is usually not covered by the rate. List the main loads, especially motors with high starting currents, and let the supplier confirm the rating. Our guide on sizing a generator for a job site goes into this in more detail.
Emission norms
Gensets in India are regulated by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) emission norms. Mahindra Powerol, one of the major genset makers, states that CPCB IV+ norms apply to engines up to 800 kW from 1 July 2023 and that the sale and use of CPCB II sets is prohibited after 1 July 2024 (Mahindra Powerol). Ask each supplier which norm the offered set meets, and check what your site, client or local pollution control board requires.
Questions to ask before you order
- How many running hours a month does the rate include, and what is the overtime rate?
- Is an operator included, and if so for how many shifts?
- Who provides cables, earthing and the base?
- Is there an AMF panel for automatic changeover, or is it manual?
- What is the lock-in period and the notice needed before release?
- Which emission norm does the set meet?
When you request DG quotes through Clexen, partners answer these items for every quote, so you can see side by side who provides the cables, earthing and base. Browse diesel generators by rating.
Frequently asked questions
Is diesel included in DG rental?
For monthly hire it is usually the site's scope. Some short-term or event rentals include it. Check the quote and the running hours it assumes.
Who provides the earthing for a rented DG set?
Commonly the customer. Quotes we have seen ask the site to provide four earthing pits per set, two for the neutral and two for the body.
What is overtime on a DG rental?
Running hours beyond those included in the monthly rate, read from the hour meter and usually billed pro rata.
Can I rent a CPCB IV+ generator?
Ask the supplier which emission norm the offered set meets. Major makers such as Mahindra Powerol state that CPCB IV+ applies to gensets up to 800 kW from July 2023.