LoadCairn / comparison guide
LoadCairn vs manufacturer generator sizing software
Manufacturer generator sizing software is a catalog-specific tool that recommends a generator set from one manufacturer’s engine and alternator data. LoadCairn gives a vendor-neutral first-pass size with every step shown.
Comparison table
| Criteria | LoadCairn | Manufacturer software |
|---|---|---|
| Question it answers | Roughly what kW/kVA do we need? | Which of our models fits this load? |
| Vendor-neutral | Yes | No, their own catalog |
| Method shown | Formula, trace and assumptions, including motor-start inputs | Mostly the recommendation |
| Transient detail | Simplified motor-start inputs | Detailed voltage-dip analysis for their alternators |
| Setup | None; runs in the browser and offline | Often an account or download |
When to use each
Choose the right planning tool.
Use LoadCairn to budget and sanity-check early. Use the manufacturer's software for final set selection, and a licensed engineer for the design.