Additional Components Every Emergency Generator Needs
Storms or problems with the power grid can cause a blackout for your business, forcing you to experience unnecessary downtime, lost revenue and decreased production. Companies should be prepared to handle an outage to stay operational, protect their data and keep their equipment safe.
While you can take many steps to prepare for an outage, one of the best ways you can prepare is by using industrial emergency generators. These generators can help sustain your power supply while you wait for the power grid to come back.
What Is an Emergency Generator?
Emergency generators are machines that provide emergency electricity using combustible fuel. Most generators use diesel, but you can also use natural gas or propane. If you’re using diesel, an emergency generator works by using a diesel engine and electrical components to convert fuel into electricity. The diesel fuel is combusted, which drives the engine, and the shaft rotates, which generates electricity to provide you with power.
Diesel generators are the most common and typically have a higher-kilowatt cost per hour than the traditional power grid, meaning it’s best limited to locations off the grid and blackouts. Many industries rely on emergency generators to power their operations during an outage. Using backup power can help reduce downtime, the risk of damage to equipment and the potential of lost or corrupted files.
How to Improve the Efficiency of Your Generator?
Not all emergency generators come with the necessary accessories to function optimally. The more affordable generators come with fewer components or accessories, which is ideal for your budget initially but not for your efficiency.
When buying new components for a generator, you’ll need to consider your needs, the generator you have and the time of year. There are two primary types of generators:
- Standby: These generators stay in place and can provide emergency power to large businesses or operations. Standby models tend to be large and powerful.
- Portable: You can also choose portable generators, but they typically offer less power and are considerably smaller than standby units. These generators tend to be quieter and take up less space, making them an ideal option for small businesses.
The additional generator components you choose will depend on your power needs, such as whether you need to power a big business or want to move your generator around your job site.
Why Is It Important to Outfit Your Generator for Emergencies?
Outfitting your generator with the proper accessories or components ensures that you can maintain the safety of your workers and customers while also getting the most out of your emergency generator.
A more efficient generator can be more cost-friendly in the long run, reducing how much you spend on maintenance and repairs while providing more power for less. The right components can also improve the convenience and safety of your generator’s operations, helping reduce the risk of burns, injuries and carbon monoxide poisoning for operators and those in the surrounding area.
Outfitting your generator so it runs optimally during a storm or power outage also helps prevent the risk of data loss. A sudden power outage can cause you to lose important files or corrupt your existing files, making them challenging or impossible to access. The proper accessories or components can help protect your employees’ work and your business data.
7 Essential Components for Your Emergency Generator
Various emergency generator components are available to boost the efficiency and versatility of your generator, providing the emergency power you need during a storm or outage. Here are some of the top accessories you should consider for your emergency generator:
1. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
An ATS monitors your power sources constantly and automatically turns on your generator when the power goes out, allowing you to continue your business operations as usual. These switches also turn off the electrical power from the grid, allowing your generator to supply the power you need while the grid is restored. Once the power comes back on, the ATS will automatically shut off your generator.
An ATS helps reduce downtime and prevents system damage that could cause you to lose data or spend money on repairs. An ATS can also make emergency operations easier and safer since you won’t have to worry about running to your generator to turn it on, and processes won’t suddenly halt and leave your workers in dangerous situations.
Many generator manufacturers offer their own ATSs, which ensure they’re compatible with your current model. However, most of these devices are sold separately from the generator, and you’ll need to budget for them in your purchase.
2. Air Filters
If you work in an area with high levels of dust or other particles, you’ll want to consider adding heavy-duty air filters to your emergency generator. These filters help keep airflow consistent and prevent damage to your generator. A high-quality heavy-duty air filter will ensure your generator breathes and operates cleanly, keeping it safe from damage and reducing emissions.
3. Remote Annunciator
You can install remote annunciators in your maintenance room to oversee your generator functions. These components can help identify problems with your generator, such as low engine temperatures, low fluid levels or problems with the battery voltage. The remote annunciator alerts you to any issues so you can take care of them as soon as possible, preventing unnecessary damage to your equipment and extending its life span. You can also access this information without having to be right next to your generator, which provides a convenient solution when keeping an eye on your emergency generator and diagnosing problems quickly.
4. Service and Routine Maintenance
Performing maintenance is essential for your generator’s life span and ensuring it operates correctly. While you can get maintenance kits online, consider working with a preventative maintenance technician instead. These professionals have the experience and technical knowledge to keep your generator operational in an emergency. Many maintenance companies offer service or routine maintenance plans, so you can ensure your generator receives regular inspections for problems that could cause it to malfunction in emergencies.
5. Fuel Tanks
Fuel tanks allow you to have an on-site reserve, which is essential during an outage, especially if it lasts longer than expected. Some outages, especially those caused by extreme storms, can leave your business without power for days or weeks. A reserve fuel supply helps provide a continuous fuel flow to your generator, ensuring it can last throughout an outage.
Modular tanks are necessary for generators, regardless of whether you have a propane or diesel generator. Modular tanks can store compressed gases, liquids or other substances. Diesel and propane are stored in liquid form, but propane becomes gas when it’s released through the valve in your tank.
If you have a diesel generator, you can also store a day tank adjacent to your emergency generator to provide immediate fuel. These tanks offer a day’s worth of fuel to power your business, helping you stay operational during short, temporary outages.
6. Secondary Emergency Stop Button
Many generators have an emergency stop button on or within the generator, allowing you to stop them if something goes wrong. However, you should consider getting an outside or remote emergency stop button to halt your generator if a problem occurs. These devices are also more convenient, allowing you to stop your generator from different locations rather than getting close to the generator, which can improve employee safety.
7. Block Heaters
These heaters can help keep your generator engine block hot, especially when working in colder environments. Block heaters can help your generator engine start and operate correctly, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring you can get the energy supply you need in emergencies.
How to Choose a Certified Technician to Improve Your Generator
While installing new components for your generator yourself can be tempting, it’s not recommended. If you don’t have the proper experience, you could install these components incorrectly and worsen your generator’s condition, or they may not work at all. A professional generator technician can install these new components quickly and efficiently, helping you optimize your generator’s performance. Here are some things to look for when hiring a technician:
- Quality over price: Hiring for the lowest price can be tempting, but certified technicians have more experience and provide high-quality work. Search for a certified generator service company with 24/7 availability, a good reputation and excellent communication skills. The better your relationship with your certified technician, the more reliable their service will be.
- Education and expertise: Besides quality, you’ll also want to look for technicians with plenty of experience. More experience translates into higher quality work, more knowledge about the various generator components you may want to install on your generator and a better reputation.
- Proactive technicians: You’ll also want to find technicians who will help you proactively solve problems rather than react to them. Waiting to install components until an emergency can be too late, so you’ll want to work with someone who can make recommendations about your current generator system and has the skill to install them correctly before you need them.
Choose Woodstock Power for Emergency Generators and Accessories
Woodstock Power has you covered if you’re looking to install a new generator, financing or rental options. We can also remove your old unit when we replace it with a new one. We’ll personally oversee the installation process and perform tests to ensure your new generator is working correctly and delivers the power you need during an emergency.
We have extensive experience in the generator industry, making us experts you can trust with your new generator installation or rental. You can also save when you work with us, allowing you to find an emergency generator and accessories that fit your budget. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find emergency power solutions to protect your business during an outage.