Key Factors to Consider Before Installing a Generator
Commercial generators play a vital role in various applications, but are most known for acting as backup power in the event of a power outage. Commercial generators are used not only in backup applications, but can also be used for Prime or Continuous applications, such as mining operations and construction sites as well.
Commercial generators can be a reliable source of power and can be utilized in a variety of applications, but careful considerations should be made before making a generator purchase. We’ll cover the top factors to consider below.
Power Output Rating
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a generator is ensuring you are getting the right sized generator that can handle the power requirements needs in the event of a power outage. Properly sizing a generator can be the difference between ensuring all key pieces of equipment & machinery are able to stay up and running or having limited power and taking a hit to your business operations.
Generally, for large buildings, business operations, or industrial applications, you would need a bigger generator with a higher power output rating (in kW). It would be best to start off by calculating power requirements and sizing your building for a generator.
Resources for both of these actions can be found here:
Fuel Type & Overall Costs
The biggest factor that influences most purchase decisions is the type of fuel that the generator uses. The two most common commercial generators used are diesel and natural gas generators.
Key factors when considering a commercial generator of either type is as follows:
Initial Cost
The upfront cost of purchasing and installing a commercial generator
Fuel Costs
How much fuel the generator consumes/how much fuel is required to run for X number of days
Repair & Maintenance Costs
While both diesel and natural gas generators should be maintained regularly, diesel generators are more attractive for businesses, because they require very little maintenance when compared to their counterparts.
Fuel Storage
Natural gas generators do not need to store fuel, because they are usually connected to the main gas pipeline. As long as there are no interruptions with your utility service, the generator will be able to run and function whenever it is required.
Diesel generators require a tank that is usually attached to the base of unit, known as a diesel base tank. If the generator has a smaller tank, then the generator will have to be refueled more frequently to ensure continued power. This may result in the need to store additional diesel fuel reserves on premises or secure a steady delivery of diesel fuel, including during the event of an emergency.
Safety
Diesel fuel is among the least flammable of all fossil fuels. Due to its liquid state and natural odor, it’s unlikely a diesel leak would go unnoticed. If that occurs, it’s relatively safe to handle and clean up.
Natural gas is highly combustible and can explode if in a concentrated amount and exposed to an ignition source or even a spark. Natural gas is also extremely toxic to inhale in significant quantities.
Noise
Diesel generators produce a lot of noise at high decibel levels that can be dangerous to the human ear, whereas natural gas generators run more quietly.
Both generator types can benefit from a sound-attenuated enclosure to reduce noise.
Autonomy
Will there be someone available on-site, especially during the event of an emergency? If not, it may be best to invest in an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), which will prompt the generator to kick in seconds within the event of power loss due to power outage. Once power is restored from the main power grid, the generator will be prompted to shut off
Without an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch), staff will need to be on-site to manually flip the switch on the generator controls to run the generator in the event of a power outage and must also manually turn off the generator once power is restored.
Size
Installing a commercial generator is a project on its own, since commercial generators vary in sizes and it is important to determine if your facility can adequately accommodate a generator on-site. This not only applies to reserving space for a generator room within the facility, but also on-site generator installations located outside of your facility. For generators that installed outside of the facility, be sure there is ample space available to pour a concrete pad. Concrete pads act as the stable base for the standby generator to be installed and are made to support the specific weight of each generator.
Installation
Who will install the generator? The installation process of a commercial generator is very involved, requiring the assistance of a master electrical engineer, as well as other industry specialists that are experienced in logistics, transportation, and unloading of the generator.
Resources for installation of a commercial generator can be found here:
Maintenance
Who will maintain the generator and associated equipment? Generators need to be regularly serviced and maintained to ensure that they will run when you need it most and prevent equipment failure during critical moments such as power loss due to power outage.
After establishing who will be handling generator maintenance, be sure to communicate with the maintenance specialist on a solid maintenance plan. Generators can be often poorly maintained and an afterthought between power outages, so be sure to create an actionable service and maintenance plan to ensure that your generator is always ready. Generator manufacturers usually include a service checklist and maintenance calendar with each specific generator. If purchasing a used generator, ask the generator dealer for a generator maintenance plan that will work for the unit. Often times, they have a checklist available and can often recommend service intervals for maintenance. Most importantly, if you do not have an employee that is capable of maintaining the generator or they simply do not feel comfortable doing so, speak with your generator dealer about establishing a service contract. Most used generator dealers can handle generator service & maintenance.
Conclusion
While there are many considerations to be made when you choose a generator, purchase a generator, or install a generator, these are the most important factors to keep in mind when shopping. If you have any questions, are looking for a commercial generator for your business operations, industrial applications, or facilities, such as data center, hospital, hotel, resort, restaurant, or commercial property, please reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company!
Give us a call or send us an email: 610-658-3242 or sales@woodstockpower.com
Additionally, you can fill out our Contact Form with any questions or inquiries and our representatives will get right back to you.
THE WOODSTOCK POWER COMPANY EXPERIENCE
We have industry experts that focus on commercial generator sets, with in-depth industry knowledge to help you choose the right generator that fits your needs.
We are industry leaders in buying and selling used generators to fit the needs of many businesses, including commercial, industrial, medical, agricultural, and university. This includes facilities like hospitals, better living centers, nursing home, airports, hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail centers, manufacturing, production, and more.
Our experts are ready to assist you from answering any questions you may have about power generator sets to helping you find the best selection in our inventory based on:
- Peak & Average Power Requirements
- Fuel Preference (Natural Gas or Diesel)
- Portability & Stationary Power
- Prime & Standby Generator Requirements
- Available Space & Exhaust Restrictions
We carry only the most top rated new, used, and surplus power generator sets for sale, providing you with a great value generator that will fit your budget.
Our generators have been thoroughly inspected, serviced, and verified, which ensures that you will be buying a quality generator that you can depend on. If a generator is not up to par with industry standards, we make all necessary repairs or modifications, and fully test every generator before we sell. This ensures a full turnkey generator that’s ready to fire up and go!
Due to our wide selection of generator sets, we’re confident that we can find the model that best suits your operational needs and budget.
We also buy used generators in good quality, if you have already upgraded and you’re looking to sell your older model.
Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or inquiries to learn more about the Woodstock Power Company experience and the quality level of products & services we provide.