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Standby and prime ratings: which number should a seller list?

By SellMyGen Editorial Team

When a generator has more than one published output rating, the category belongs beside the number. A listing should describe the equipment’s documented ratings, not choose whichever number makes the unit look largest.

01

Copy the category exactly

Record terms such as standby, prime or continuous as they appear in the applicable documentation. Caterpillar describes several distinct generator-set rating categories and notes differences between its definitions and industry-standard definitions. That is a reason to retain the manufacturer’s wording, not to translate every category into a single generic capacity.

02

Preserve multiple documented ratings

If the matching specification lists both standby and prime output, include both with their labels. Make clear which figure is entered in the main listing field. Do not present them as two different generators, add them together or describe the larger value without its category. Attach the source page so buyers can check the context.

03

Avoid promising suitability for a buyer’s job

Your prior application does not establish that the set meets a new buyer’s operating requirements. Describe how it was used and provide the matching manufacturer material. Let the buyer and qualified advisers evaluate the intended duty and installation. A sales description should not become an unsupported engineering approval.

04

Resolve conflicts before comparing bids

If a service sheet and nameplate show different figures, keep both and ask for clarification using the exact set identity. Report the conflict as unresolved until supported information is available. When corrected, update every active bidder consistently and keep the previous description in the revision history.

Reference: Caterpillar: understanding generator-set ratings