If the power went out at your business today, how long would you be down?
Companies that have a Generac industrial or commercial generator wouldn’t notice a difference. The automatic transfer switch ensures the generator turns on the moment power goes out and turns off when power is restored.
This makes commercial generators a competitive advantage and a smart investment for any business. But if you’ve started researching your options, you know there are many makes and models to choose from. As you look for the best generator for your business, here are a few of the factors you need to consider.
Generator Size
A generator that is too small won’t be able to sufficiently power everything your business needs to operate, but bigger isn’t always better.
Generators that are too large experience underloading. Also called “wet stacking” this causes deposits to build up in the generator. Over time, your generator will become less effective. It will cost more to repair and the lifespan will be reduced.
To select the right generator, you need to know what equipment will be powered by the generator and how much energy they need to operate. You’ll also want to think through how long you may be reliant on your backup power system. Then, you’ll be able to narrow down your options based on how many kilowatts the generator can produce.
Permits
Before any work can be done, you’ll need to secure the proper permits from the city and/or county. During the permitting process, you’ll most likely need to specify where the generator will be installed, and adhere to any requirements regulating where you can and cannot place a generator.
Installation Location
In addition to following local zoning rules, your generator needs to be in a place that is easily accessible and free from debris. You also want to protect it from water.
Even though generators are designed to withstand the elements you still need to take precautions. If your business is in a flood zone, or an area prone to standing water, you’ll need to build an elevated platform for the generator to sit on. You also want to avoid having water drip on it from gutters and keep it out of the path of sprinklers.
Natural Gas vs Diesel
Fuel choice is often dictated by factors outside your control. If you do not have access to natural gas or are required to have on-site fuel storage you’ll need a diesel generator. With diesel, how long you can run the generator depends on how much fuel you have on hand.
If you can access a pipeline, you can purchase a natural gas generator, eliminating the need to store fuel on-site. These generators can run for weeks or months at a time.
One other option to consider is a bi-fuel generator, which uses a combination of diesel and natural gas. Your generator can run longer than it would if diesel was the only fuel source, but your energy supply is still constrained by diesel storage.
Next Steps
Researching each of these factors will take time, and an expert can quickly provide the information you’re looking for.
At GenerX, we take the time to understand businesses’ needs, and help owners select the right generator. We also take care of permits, can recommend the best installation location, and clear up questions about fuel types. After the generator is installed, we activate the warranty and provide maintenance.
You can also reach out to me directly:
John Macgowan
Clean Power Consultant
Cell: 727-432-5335
Email: John@FixMyGen.com
