Top Generators for Construction Sites
When you think of a backup generator, you may often think about the stationary generators commonly found located outside next to a facility or mounted to a roof. These standby generators are one of the most popular choices when it comes to backup power systems, but there are also portable generators that are mounted to trailers and fully mobile to move from location to location wherever power is needed. These generator form factors are often associated with short-term rentals, but some industries also purchase these generators to use on a regular basis, and they are a requirement in completing tasks on job sites.
Construction and new construction projects often rely on these portable generators, as they are easy to move around and can provide power to key tools and equipment. For many instances of construction, power to the main utility may be disconnected due to safety requirements and isn’t restored until further into the project’s completion. For new construction projects, these work sites are often either remote or have not yet been connected to the main power grid, and grid access is not accessible for workers to power tools and equipment. Portable diesel generators are utilized in these instances to help break ground and enable projects to progress quickly.
What to Look at in a Portable Generator
While there are many considerations one must make when looking at a portable generator for construction sites or just for use in general for your application, here are some of the key items that should be reviewed before making your decision:
One of the key considerations when assessing a portable generator is the fuel type. The most common and maybe most obvious choice would be a portable diesel generator. Portable diesel generators are one of the most versatile types, as it is often easy to refuel the unit and keep the fuel supply constant with very little to no downtime. While this may seem like the only answer, there are portable natural gas generators out in existence and are configured for specific setups or run off propane connected to the unit. While the use of portable generators that use this fuel type may be very limited or extremely specific, it is important to note that they may be a viable option if required. As construction sites are usually remote, it’s much easier to store and transport diesel fuel, as it is also more easily accessible to replenish.
Generator brands do play a role when evaluating options for portable generators, but it’s also up to preference. There are many top brands such as CAT, Cummins, Multiquip (MQ), Hipower, Airman, Taylor Power Systems, and a few others. We highly advise that you consider brands that have a lot of recognition and staying power within the industry compared to generic units with questionable origins. This is often because these big brands have perfected the design, performance, equipment, and durability of their equipment over time and have continuously put the equipment through rigorous testing before making them available to the market. This results in higher overall reliability and confidence that the generator can perform when needed and withstand rough construction environments. At the end of the day, it is up to the decision maker and whether they prefer a specific brand over another.
Power output should also be assessed when looking into a portable generator. Portable generators come in various ranges. For example, they can range from lower kW outputs from 19 kW all the way up to 2,000 kW. While it may be difficult to calculate power requirements for all projects, contractors can often calculate a general estimate for many of their construction site projects that would be needed and can futureproof their needs by oversizing the generator by buying a unit with a higher kW rating than calculated. Though it should be stated that the overage does not need to drastically exceed the calculated estimate.
Diesel generators are considered one of the most efficient generators due to the fuel type that they use. Diesel fuel is known to possess a greater energy density to volume ratio, which means that it burns less to produce the same output as natural gas generators. This means that fuel efficiency in diesel generators is an inherent benefit when it comes to a construction site generator. You produce more results with less overall fuel consumption, which equates to a longer runtime. As fuel costs are increasing, it’s important to consider fuel efficiency, as higher fuel costs can have an impact on overall project budgets and diesel fuel may be the best option to choose. Newer iterations of generators are known to be better than their predecessors in many instances, and fuel efficiency is often one of the advantages when looking at a newer generator versus a used unit. A lot of this technology is often brought over to the portable generator side, so those relying on portable form factors may also reap the benefits when deciding on a new unit.
There is one factor that is sometimes overlooked but needs to be stressed — sound-attenuation. Commercial and industrial-grade generators can get extremely loud when running. The noise level can reach decibels that are high enough to damage eardrums and cause hearing problems or even hearing loss. Many portable generators have some level of sound-attenuation, but some generators have more sound attenuation than others. This is mainly due to the type of enclosure and the amount of sound- attenuation foam installed on the enclosure. All generator manufacturers disclose sound dBA with the technical specifications for their generators, so it is important to review how loud a generator may be.
Lastly, safety features. At the end of the day, no matter how great generators are and how convenient they can make our lives, it is a large piece of heavy machinery. Not only that, but it is heavy equipment that produces electricity. That means a lot of safety precautions need to be placed at construction sites when navigating around and working with these units. While workplace safety may be a priority that we can control on the human side, many portable generators come with safety features that can keep workers and the generator safe. This could be overheating shutoffs, low fuel alarms, low fuel shutoffs, emergency stop buttons, error alarms, and many others. It’s important to review all safety features available, as they may make a difference in the field when it comes to keeping everyone safe.
While there are so many aspects to generators as a whole and even more for generators used at construction sites, these are some key points that should always be put at the forefront of the decision-making process.
If you’re looking for more information, have questions, or looking for a portable generator for rent or purchase, please reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company!
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