What To Know About Generator Nameplates

Posted by Chris Carter

in Nameplates, Heavy Equipment

Updated June 13th, 2025

Table of Contents

• How To Read Generator Nameplates
• Generator Nameplate Requirements and Specifications
• The Importance of Durable Generator Nameplates
• Protect Your Brand With Quality Nameplates
• Frequently Asked Questions

Generators are essential assets for many industries, and for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), properly labeling these machines is key to maintaining compliance, delivering a positive customer experience, and reinforcing consistent branding. With worldwide generator sales projected to bring in over $29.9 billion by 2026, OEMS must select high-quality generator nameplates for their products to drive growth.

Nameplates provide essential information that ensures safe operation, compliance, and efficient maintenance. A well-designed nameplate provides essential details like voltage, power ratings, and fuel type and reflects the durability and credibility of the brand behind it.

Whether you’re a technician diagnosing an issue or a buyer comparing options, knowing how to read and interpret a generator’s nameplate can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to read generator nameplates, their specifications, and why durability is such an important consideration when selecting generator nameplates for your products.

How To Read Generator Nameplates

Photo by Dima Solomin from Unsplash

Generator nameplate formats differ by manufacturer and application, but they often share common elements. Typically made of metal or a durable adhesive label, the nameplate is affixed to the generator’s body—most commonly near the control panel, on the frame, or directly on the engine.

Most generator nameplates include essential information, such as:

• Manufacturer: This section of the generator nameplate indicates the brand, model, and serial number. This information helps you find compatible parts and track service history or warranty information.
• Power rating: kW stands for kilowatts, which indicates the generator’s power capacity. Some nameplates break this down into running watts, which indicate how much power it can continuously provide, and surge watts, which indicate the temporary extra power it can offer in short bursts.
• Voltage: This section lists output voltages, such as 120V, 240V, and 480V. Frequency, which is usually 50Hz or 60Hz, is also listed here.
• Current: Generator nameplates list amperage (or current) to tell operators the maximum current the generator can apply at specific voltages.
• Revolutions per minute (RPM): This information indicates the engine’s speed.
• Fuel type: Generators use gas, diesel, natural gas, or propane for fuel. However, some generator nameplates abbreviate these fuels, so it’s important to understand which fuels your generator accepts.

Generator nameplates often include additional information, such as enclosure types, certifications, and temperature ratings. Ultimately, the information included should align with the specific requirements of the application and industry.

Generator Nameplate Requirements and Specifications

While generator nameplates may differ by manufacturer, they must still follow the National Electrical Code and other requirements that help standardize the information presented. Specific requirements may differ slightly based on the applicable standards (such as NEMA, IEC, and UL) and the intended use, whether industrial, commercial, or residential.

In addition to including the correct information, generator nameplates must also follow other standards, including:

• Materials: Manufacturers use various materials for nameplates, including stainless steel, anodized aluminum, brass, polycarbonate, or vinyl. Metal—particularly Metalphoto® anodized aluminum—usually provides the best protection against corrosion, harsh chemicals, abrasion, UV fading, and extreme temperatures, making it better suited for industrial uses.
• Sizing: Most generator nameplates come in standard sizes based on the generator’s size. Small generators only need 2” X 3″ labels, while industrial generators may need sizes up to 8” X 12” to accommodate additional safety information. (Metalphoto of Cincinnati’s durable nameplates are available in standard and custom sizes up to 24” x 40”.)
• Legibility: The fonts on generator nameplates must be at least ⅛ inch and have a high contrast between the text and background. They must also comply with standards like UL 969 (Marking and Labeling Systems) for legibility.

The Importance of Durable Generator Nameplates

For OEMs, generator nameplates must last as long as the equipment itself. A durable nameplate ensures that essential information remains accessible and readable throughout the generator’s lifespan, ensuring safety, compliance, and brand integrity.

There are many benefits to choosing high-quality nameplates, including:

• Customer trust: Customers associate the longevity and durability of the nameplate with the overall quality of the generator. A brand mark that endures harsh conditions suggests that the product will, too.
• Resale value: Generators with clear, intact nameplates retain more value in secondary markets because they provide assurance of authenticity and proper maintenance history.
• Better warranty claims: Readable nameplates help verify warranty coverage and provide traceability in the case of liability claims, protecting both manufacturers and customers.

While many nameplates are on the market, Metalphoto® nameplates are the best option for OEMs. Metalphoto® photosensitive anodized aluminum is the gold standard for durable nameplates in harsh environments. It resists scratches, wear, chemical exposure, and corrosion in even the harshest outdoor conditions.

Metalphoto® also meets MIL-STD-130 and MIL-DTL-15024F for military and aerospace applications, proving its reliability under the most demanding conditions.

Protect Your Brand With Quality Nameplates

Photo by Chintya Akemi Keirayuki from Unsplash

Generator nameplates are essential for safe use, compliance, and a positive customer experience. However, nameplates that fade or become unreadable over time risk damaging your brand reputation.

Invest in generator nameplates that provide ultimate protection against both errors and environmental damage with Metalphoto®.

With unmatched resistance to harsh environments, exceptional readability, and compliance with military and industrial standards, Metalphoto® anodized aluminum nameplates ensure your brand mark and critical information remain intact throughout the lifespan of your generators.

Request a free nameplate evaluation kit today to see MPC’s commitment to quality firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions