Prepare for Power Outages With a Backup Generator
Backup generators have long been known to help safeguard businesses and facilities against loss of productivity during power outages. Whether these power outages are caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, heavy rain, floods, strong gusts of wind, snow, or even man-made disasters – it’s a known fact that backup generators can help keep operations up and running.
While backup generators can be a major boon when it comes to overcoming power outages, brownouts, blackouts, and power shortages, it’s important to keep this in mind: installing a backup generator is not plug and play. Installing a backup generator for your business or facility is not simply a process of delivering the generator, unloading it, and plugging it in. There are many prerequisite measures that must be taken before the generator can properly and safely operate, as well as permits required to legally install the generator within your local jurisdiction without violating any local laws, codes, or ordinances.
Sizing & Requirements
When it comes to installing a backup generator for your business or facility, it’s important to take note of the power needs that are required in order to power your business or facility during a power outage. This mainly includes what needs to be powered by the generator, such as key systems, equipment, lights, HVAC systems, etc. While there are plenty of resources available to assist you in calculating estimates for generator size and power requirements, it’s always recommend that you consult with an expert and confirm that your calculations are correct.
It’s also important to note that many generator dealers are available for consultation and may have generators in their inventory that will not only fit your needs, but may also have a range of options to also fit your budget. Generator dealers may also be able to have a technician head out to the site and conduct a site survey to identify and assess power needs in order to make the best possible recommendation for your business or facility.
Generator Fuel Type
When it comes to commercial and industrial generators, there are two main options when it comes to standby applications that are dependent on the type of fuel they use – these are diesel and natural gas.
Diesel Generators
Diesel generators are the more commonly installed generators in the market for emergency backup power and standby generator selections. Diesel generators are versatile and can be used throughout various industries, applications, and require less overall maintenance intervals. The drawback to diesel generators is that their maximum operating runtime is restricted by the capacity of their fuel tank. If you choose to install a commercial diesel generator for your business or facility, be sure to work out a plan to replenish your diesel fuel supply. Keep in mind that if the plan includes having diesel fuel delivered to your location, it may prove difficult if there is inclement weather or natural disasters that may impede the fuel truck. It’s also plausible to prepare in advance by securing external diesel fuel tanks that can be stored on-site in the event of an emergency to replenish the generator’s fuel supply.
Natural Gas Generators
Natural gas generators are a popular generator choice, especially in urban environments. Natural gas generators generally produce less noise, the fuel burns cleaner than their diesel counterparts, and can be connected directly to the local gas line, removing the need of fuel storage. The downsides to natural gas generators include more frequent maintenance is required with natural gas generators and if utility companies are forced to shut off the gas supply due to a natural disaster, the generator will be rendered virtually inoperable. While this makes natural gas generators seem like a poor choice, there may be options to install a conversion kit on the natural gas generator, so that it can run off of liquid petroleum gas (LPG for short or known simply as propane). Propane gas is relatively easy to acquire and equally easy to refuel & replenish.
Generator Installation Site
When installing a commercial generator, each installation site will have different requirements, but possess common items that are generally required in generator installation. Some if these items include:
- Deciding physical installation location of the generator
- Laying generator foundation, such as a concrete pad
- Plan accessibility for maintenance workers to service & maintain the generator
- Plan fuel truck accessibility for refueling
- Plan generator access security from pedestrians, passersby, and visitors
- Fuel tank – above ground or underground
- Generator enclosure to protect against the elements
If the generator is installed inside a building, known as a generator room, it is important to properly prepare the room to ensure that the generator is secure and there are proper measures taken to protect the generator, as well as employees that work in the facility, such as proper ventilation, sound-attenuation, etc.
More information on generator rooms can be found here: https://woodstockpower.com/blog/generator-room-design-requirements/
It’s also important to adhere to all local building codes, including fire codes, and local emissions regulations. Be sure to consult with an expert to help guide you through the necessary steps and paperwork required to install the generator.
Generator Installation General Overview
The installation process of a commercial generator is an involved process with many steps. Each installation project may vary from one to another, so we will provide a general overview below that highlights the most important steps involved.
- Generator foundation or concrete pad preparation
- All relevant permits have been obtained for the generator installation site
- The generator is in compliance with all local and national building codes, as well as EPA regulations
- Generator is installed on the prepared foundation or concrete pad
- All necessary connections have been completed, such as fuel line, electrical connections, fuel line, etc
- Generator is run and tested to ensure that the generator is correctly set up and ready to go
- Cleaning up installation site and removal of all equipment, tools, materials, and waste
Portable Generator Rentals
If you’re looking for a short-term backup power solution, a portable rental generator may be a good choice. Portable generators rentals are great temporary solutions for short-term power needs.
It must be noted – portable generators may be a great solution for temporary power outages, but there are also prerequisites required in order to use a portable generator. A master electrician will need to ensure that your facility properly configured to accept and run off of generator power.
More information on portable generators can be found here: Benefits of Using a Portable Generator
Conclusion
A backup generator can be a lifesaver for your business or facility when it comes to power outages, but it’s only effective if you take proactive measures to get it installed before the actual need arises. If you’re looking for a generator when the power goes out, it often times may be too late. The process of installing a backup generator for your facility can be a weeks long process and requires many permits and clearances in order to legally install within your jurisdiction.
Be sure to safeguard your business to planning ahead and installing a backup generator for your business, so it’s ready to go when you need it.
If you’re looking for a backup generator for your business, facility, or simply would like more information about backup generators, please reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company!
610-658-3242
Or fill out our Contact Form and our representatives will get back to you shortly!
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.
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