The design of each diesel generator set has a certain power range, and there is a certain difference in power between the diesel engine and the AC generator. Their design prevents the diesel generator set from exceeding a certain power value, and when the power is exceeded, the diesel engine cannot be powered up or excessive power can cause engine damage. Therefore, it is very important to distinguish between commonly used power and standby power.

Common power refers to the continuous power supply for non constant loads, with no limit on annual operating time, and allowing for 1 hour of overload within 10% of operation every 12 hours.

Reserve power refers to the continuous power supply for non constant loads, when the generator has been adjusted to the maximum allowable power, overload operation is not allowed at any time, and continuous operation is only allowed for a cumulative period of no more than 1 hour within 12 hours.