Woodstock Power Company Web Series: Portable Generators
When it comes to commercial or industrial grade generators, there are generally two generator types that are known within the industry. The two types are standby generators (also known as stationary generators) and portable generators (also commonly called rental style generators). Both of these generator options are robust solutions for backup power, but portable generators are known to be more versatile for one sole reason – they’re portable. This allows for users to move the generator around from place to place at a work site or to use as a backup power solution for short term needs.
If we solely look at both generators as a backup power solution, both of these types would serve well in events such as power outages due to natural disasters, man made disasters, planned power outages, etc, but portable generators offer a little more than simply being used for backup power.
Portable generators are often used in various industries where projects are located off the main power grid, but require electricity to run key tools and equipment. Industries such as construction, mining, outdoor events, disaster response, and disaster recovery just to name a few are the biggest industries that may require a portable generator to ensure successful project completion.
So what defines a portable generator? While there are many defining qualities that differentiate a portable generator from a stationary generator, these are some of the highlights:
Trailers
One of the biggest defining features of portable generators is that they are mounted to a trailer with a tow hitch which allows for easy transportation of the generator from site to site or location to location.
Sound-Attenuated Enclosure
Portable generators, like their stationary counterparts, can get extremely loud. The noise produced by a generator can hit decibel levels that can cause damage to the human ear, especially over extended periods of time. Portable generators generally all come with sound-attenuated enclosures that not only function to reduce the noise being produced by the generator, but also provides protection from the elements to ensure rain or snow don’t damage the internal components.
Battery Disconnect Switch
A battery disconnect switch is commonly installed in portable generators to allow users to cut the power to the unit. This helps prevent the battery from draining when the portable generator is not in use to protect the lifespan of the battery.
Voltage Selector Switch
Unlike stationary generators that are usually configured for one specific voltage, portable generators often have a component called a voltage selector switch installed. Voltage selector switches allow for you to configure the generator to meet different voltage requirements such as 120/240V and 277/480V to better suit your needs. Also unlike stationary generators, portable generators allow for cables to be connected and configured to meet specific power needs as they may vary from site to site.
Controls
When dealing with industrial generators, the control panel is often considered the brain. This especially holds true with portable rental style generators. The controls are often used to configure settings, assess the overall function of the generator, and can even inform you if the generator is experiencing any faults by providing error codes.
Breakers
Unlike stationary generators that have one main breaker installed, portable rental style generators generally tend to have many different breakers included near the control panel. This allows for users to fine tune their power needs to meet different voltages and amperage requirements.
So you may be wondering why one might consider a portable generator over a stationary generator. Stationary generators are robust solutions that are installed on-site at a building or facility to provide backup power or emergency power in the event of an outage. Portable generators are a popular alternative to businesses that either lack space to install a generator or only need to consider backup generator power for certain times throughout the year. These generator types can also be quickly dispatched and deployed on-site to help in emergency situations.
One of main reasons that portable generators are also called “rental style generators” is due to the fact that generator dealers provide these options with short-term rental contracts where the generator is delivered to the location and picked up once the task is completed. A large benefit to this is that the generator dealer usually handles any service and maintenance work required for the generator.
If you’re looking for more information on portable generators, looking to rent or purchase a portable rental style generator, or even looking for a stationary generator to safeguard your business or facility from power outages, reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company! We have industry experts that specialize in consultation, equipment sales, and can even help guide you through the generator selection process.
610-658-3242
Or fill out our Contact Form and our project managers 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.
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.