San Francisco · Temporary Power Services
Generator Rentals in San Francisco
Towable diesel generators sized 20kW through 500kW and beyond, portable gas units, load sizing, cable, distribution and fuel delivery.
Generator Rentals · San Francisco
Diesel and Gas Power Sized to Your Load
A generator rental covers power where the grid is missing, late or unreliable. We rent towable diesel units in sizes running from 20kW past 500kW, plus portable gas generators for small tools and short visits, across San Francisco and the north peninsula. Construction crews use them before PG&E sets the meter, during a service changeover, and for loads a temp pole was never sized to carry, such as a tower crane or a concrete pump. Building owners use them as standby through planned outages and PSPS shutoffs. We match the generator to your actual load, bring the cable and distribution, set up fuel delivery, and check whether a BAAQMD permit applies based on the engine and how long it will run.
Generators Hooked Up by Licensed Electricians
Renting a generator is easy. Connecting it safely to a building or a site panel is where things go wrong. Our C-10 crew calculates the load, sizes the cable for the run, lands it in a proper distribution panel or transfer switch, and bonds and grounds the unit. On San Francisco jobs, placement takes as much planning as sizing. A 150kW trailer needs level ground, room for a fuel truck and distance from windows and air intakes, and on a narrow street it may need a Public Works permit to sit at the curb. We sort all of that out on the site visit. When the metered construction service is energized, the generator comes off rent the same day.
- Diesel towables from 20kW past 500kW
- Load calculation by a licensed C-10 contractor
- Cable, spider boxes and transfer switches available
- Scheduled fuel delivery on long rentals
Common Reasons to Rent a Generator in SF
Most generator calls we take fit one of these.
Waiting on PG&E
The permit is approved and the crew is ready, but the meter set is weeks away. A generator wired into the temp panel keeps the job moving until the meter is live.
Loads bigger than the temp service
Tower cranes, hoists, concrete pumps and welding rigs can draw more than a 200A temp service delivers. A dedicated generator carries that equipment, which leaves the main panel free for tools and the trailer.
Planned shutdowns and service changeovers
Switchgear replacement, a service upgrade or a PG&E planned outage can take a building offline for hours or days. A generator tied in through a transfer switch keeps tenants, elevators or a lab running.
Outages and PSPS shutoffs
PG&E may cut power in high fire-risk areas during dangerous weather, and winter storms can drop lines on the peninsula. A standby generator keeps refrigeration, IT closets and sump pumps going until the grid returns.
Events and film work
Outdoor events and film shoots need quiet power for a few days at a time. A sound-attenuated diesel with the right cable and distribution covers stages, catering and production trailers.
Tell us what has to run and the dates you need it, and we will match a generator to it. Call: (415) 936-1338
How We Work
The same project manager stays on your job from the first call to the day we pull the gear. The steps look like this:
1. Load calculation
We list every load, its voltage and phase, and the starting current of motors and compressors. That points to the right kVA and keeps you from paying for a unit twice the size you need, or one that trips when the crane starts.
2. Placement, permits and hookup
We choose a spot with level ground, fuel access and clearance from openings, check whether the location needs a Public Works permit or an air district review, and connect through a distribution panel or transfer switch.
3. Fuel and service
Fuel deliveries are scheduled to the run time, so the tank does not go dry over a weekend. We handle routine service on longer rentals and swap a unit if it faults.
Generator Sizes and Accessories We Supply
20kW to 45kW towables
Small towable diesels run trailers, modest tool loads, pumps and lighting. They fit tight lots and can often sit in the driveway on a residential job.
100kW to 150kW units
Mid-size generators carry a hoist, a cluster of office trailers, or a building through a short shutdown. They come in sound-attenuated enclosures on a trailer and need a level pad with room for the fuel truck.
300kW to 500kW and larger
Large units power cranes, whole buildings and big events. Delivery, placement and air permits take more planning at this size, so call early. We quote these per job.
Portable gas generators
For a single saw, a small pump or a short punch-list visit, a portable gas generator is the cheaper choice. Two people can carry one up the stairs of a hillside lot.
Cable, distribution and fuel
We supply cam-lock cable, spider boxes and distribution panels matched to the generator, plus a fuel plan with scheduled deliveries. Plenty of jobs pair a generator with towable work lights for night shifts.
Generator Rental Prices and What Drives Them
Weekly rates follow size. A 20kW to 45kW unit typically runs $500 to $1,200 per week, and a 100kW to 150kW unit $1,500 to $3,000 per week. Units of 300kW and up are quoted per job, and fuel is billed separately. The main factors:
- Generator size. The kW rating is the biggest factor, so an accurate load calculation saves money.
- Rental length. Daily rates cost the most per day. Weekly and monthly rates come down from there.
- Fuel use. Fuel is billed by the gallon delivered, and how much you burn depends on how hard the unit works.
- Cable and distribution. Long cable runs, spider boxes and transfer switches add to the rental.
- Permits. Curbside placement may need a Public Works permit, and larger engines may need air district review.
- Short-notice calls. Emergency delivery outside our regular hours costs more.
Share your load list and dates, and we will send a written weekly or monthly quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do I need?
Total the running loads first, then allow for motor starting current, which can be several times the running draw. A site trailer and hand tools may need 20kW to 45kW. A hoist or crane often needs 100kW or more. We run the numbers for you.
Do I need a BAAQMD permit?
That depends on the engine, its size and how long it stays at one location. Ask us to check whether a BAAQMD permit applies before the unit arrives. We look into it while we size the job.
Can a generator sit on the street?
Parking a unit at the curb in the city means applying to Public Works for street space. On narrow streets we look for room on the lot first, since that avoids the permit and keeps the unit behind your fence.
How often does it need fuel?
That depends on size and load. After the first few days of run time we set a delivery schedule, so the tank stays full through weekends.
Can it run cooling units and lights?
Yes. Generators often power rental air conditioners in a trailer or an equipment room, along with light towers for night work. We include those loads in the sizing.
Do you offer standby for outages?
We do. For a planned outage, we connect before the shutdown. For PSPS or storm outages, we can stage a unit and switch over through a transfer switch when power drops. Book early in fire season.
Is noise a problem in the city?
It can be near homes, offices and hotels. We use sound-attenuated enclosures and set the unit away from windows. San Francisco limits noisy work at night, so check with the city if your generator will run after hours.
Need power on a San Francisco site?
Tell us where the job is, when crews start and which tools and machines will draw power. A project manager calls back with a written quote.
Or call us now: (415) 936-1338