Generators

Every commercial endeavor that requires power requires generators as well. To ensure business continuity you must plan for electrical outages. Even short power outages can lead to huge losses. So, it is crucial for your business to consider installing a generator.

Generators may also be needed in places that don't have electric service at all, for example construction and camping sites. Depending on your requirement, you can select a power generator from a wide range of sizes and setups.
The electricity created by a power generator is measured in terms of voltage and watts. Voltage measures the "pressure" of an electric current while wattage measures the "volume" of electricity being created.

Different types of generators

Standby Generator is a back-up electrical system that starts automatically, within seconds of a power loss. An automatic transfer switch starts the generator as soon as it senses the power loss, and transfers the electric load to the generator. When power returns the switch transfers the electrical load back to the power utility and shuts down the standby generator to standby mode. A standby generator can offer anywhere from 7 kilowatt to several hundred kilowatts of power. Such a system runs on propane, natural gas or diesel and is permanently installed as an emergency power source for your business. To ensure a proper response to a power cut, a standby generator runs weekly self-tests that takes about 15 minutes. It is possible to set the generator to the “low idle exercise” mode to reduce noise during the test.

Portable Generator are mostly used to supply power at remote places like construction sites or camp grounds that do not have a connection to the electrical grid. They can also be used to power essential equipment during a power outage. Standard power outlets let you plug in ordinary extension cords. Unlike standby generators, these generators are designed to be used for short periods of time, usually only a few hours at a stretch. Consequently, they are much smaller and less expensive. A built-in fuel tank filled with gasoline or diesel supplies fuel to the generator. The gasoline-powered portable generators can supply between 1 and 15 kilowatts of power, while diesel-powered generators can even supply over 200 kilowatts of power.

Buying Considerations
There are several things to consider before you buy a generator.

• Determine your power requirements. Decide what equipment you want to run on the generator. I may include devices like freezers, refrigerators, essential lighting, air conditioning, security and access control systems, electric gates, septic systems, sump pumps, well pumps, ejector pumps. Each device you add to the list increases the wattage you need. However, the increase in wattage will vary from device to device. A single light bulb consumes less than 100 watts, while a mid-sized central air conditioner can draw 4000 watts or more. The power generator that provides just enough wattage to operate all your essential equipment is the correct generator size for your needs.
• Type of fuel. Power generators can run on several different types of fuel. Standby generators run on diesel or natural gas. Diesel fuel is cheaper than natural gas and more dependable. It is preferred for larger, commercial generators. However, such generators require deliveries of the fuel and a tank to hold it. Furthermore, diesel generators are not as clean-burning as other types. The other fuel option for standby generators is natural gas or propane. Advantage of this fuel is that no fuel storage is required; the generator is simply connected to utility lines drawing fuel when it needs to. Based on availability you can choose between gas and propane. Gasoline is the most common fuel choice for portable generators. However, gasoline can't be stored for very long. So, if you intend to keep a portable generator around for emergencies, you should prefer the use of propane instead. A portable generator must not be run indoors as it produces dangerous fumes and can cause serious health problems or even death. Both portable and standby generators are available in dual- or tri-fuel configurations. In these configurations switching from natural gas to gasoline to propane is very easy.
• Generator motor speed. Motor speed is measured in rotations per minute (RPMs) Generators may run at many different speeds. For example in the US market you will find generators that operate at 1800 RPM or 3600 RPM. The 1800 RPM motors last longer and run quieter while 3600 RPM motors are smaller and lighter. Generators need a cooling system to prevent overheating.  Standby generators can use either air-cooling or liquid-cooling. The difference between the two is that air-cooled systems are louder and not as effective. Liquid cooled systems are quieter, more dependable but also more expensive to purchase and to maintain. Usually 20 kilowatt and larger generators are liquid-cooled, 1800 RPM units, combining the benefits of silent operation and reliability. Portable generators are usually air-cooled, 3600 RPM models. If given a choice between the two RPM settings, select 1800 RPM unless portability is important. Another important thing to keep in mind is to purchase a generator that comes with a brand name motor. It will be much easier for you to find parts and service for a well-established brand.
• Safety features prevent injuries as well as damage to your generator. Quality standby generators shut down when they lose oil pressure, get overheated, or are being made to work too hard.
• Additional features. Standby generators should also have solid steel or aluminum enclosures, and good mufflers to reduce noise. In case of portable generators, they should have large fuel tanks to provide longer running times in addition to a fuel indicator gauge, and enough receptacles that allow you to plug in all the devices you want to run. All generators should be compliant with all relevant emissions regulations.

How much would a generator cost?
Price varies based on the brand, power requirements, features and your geographic location. Always compare generators prices before making a purchasing decision. The greater your power requirement the greater will be the cost of the generator. The prices of delivery, setup, connecting to your business, and the required transfer switch cost extra. Portable generators are cheaper but have lower power output than standby generators. If your generator is going to be hauled around, consider a “contractor-grade” generator. In case of a short-term need for a portable generator, renting a power generator can be a good option. Low price should not be the only criteria while considering a vendor. Find a reputed and competent dealer that can also provide good after sales service. 

Installation of your power generator
It is important that your standby generator is properly installed. It prevents problems like generator failure. Improperly installed generators can get overheated and may cause damage to your existing wiring and equipment. Ask your dealer to visit your business and evaluate installation needs of the system. Depending on your location, dealers may offer delivery, installation, and maintenance services directly or suggest qualified personnel in your area.

• First wire the generator into your business' electric system with an automatic transfer switch to connect it to your existing electrical system.
• Ask a plumber to connect the gas or propane line. Since standby generators can be sensitive to fuel pressure and volume, high-quality connections are important.
• Position the generator outside the building but near the electric panel.  The generator must be installed on a level surface such as a concrete pad or occasionally hard rubber.
• Invest in a dedicated sub-panel that is connected to your essential equipment and the generator. That way, when power fails, your critical devices will get the emergency power they need without any risk of overworking your generator or having to turn off or unplug other equipment. Setting up an electrical sub panel may be included in the installation charge, or may carry a separate fee.

Don’t ignore regular maintenance
Regularly maintained generators last a long time. Ask your dealer for a maintenance service contract or ask him to suggest licensed service technicians in your area. Service charges vary according to the size and type of generator. A standby generator needs annual checks of the engine, oil levels, coolant, air flow and other parts. You may also need to change oil and spark plugs at regular intervals.

Check references if possible to make sure previous customers were happy with the purchase and the after sales service. Pick a dealer with substantial number of satisfied customers and sales under his belt.