Before you go out and buy a generator for your home or office, you need to consider the purpose of the generator. For most people, a standby generator will meet the needs. But if your area has long hours of a power outage, paying extra for a Huntsville prime power generator may be worth it.
A lot of people don’t know the difference between standby and prime power generator. Here we have compared and contrasted the two different generators so that you can have an easier time picking one for your needs.
Standby Generators
Standby generators are the most common type of generators primarily used in homes. The main purpose of a standby generator is to provide emergency power in the event of a power outage. The generators don’t have any overload capability or the ability to provide additional power temporarily in case of higher than rated normal current.
The power output of standby generators is about 70 percent of the total load capacity.
Standby generators are designed to be used only during a power cut. They are not expected to be used continuously for more than 10 to 20 hours a day. In addition, the generators are not designed for operating more than 500 hours in a year. The generator should be serviced at least twice a year or more frequently if you use the generator for longer periods.
Huntsville Prime Power Generators
Prime power generators, on the other hand, are used in situations where there is no public utility service in the area. They require less maintenance as compared to standby generators. The generators are designed to be used for long duration continuous use. These generators can be run safely at maximum power unlimited number of hours each year.
Moreover, the generator can handle maximum power and variable load up to a rated power for an unlimited number of hours each year. The generators are generally used in remote construction sites, drilling operations. The exact power output of the generators ranges from 70 to 100 percent capacity.
Prime power generators may be cheaper to generate electricity in remote areas. The generators are built to last for longer periods and can sustain heat for a longer period. That’s the reason generators are generally more expensive than standby generators.
Which Type of Generator Will Work for You?
Standby generators are suitable for emergency situations. The generator is best suited when you have an alternative power source. The recommended usage is for a limited duration such as until the utility power resumes. Regular maintenance is essential for this type of generator.
In contrast, prime power generators are designed to serve as an alternative to public power, and not just as backup power. The generator can be used for an ‘unlimited’ period of time. This is the ideal choice for use in remote areas where there is no public utility service. Generally, Huntsville prime power generators are used for commercial purposes and used in mining and other projects in remote locations where public utility is not available.
If you depend solely on the power supply from Huntsville prime power generators, it’s recommended to install two generators so that if one unit fails, you can continue to receive power without any break.
Whether you buy a standby or prime power generator, one of the most important decision when buying a generator is the power requirements. Make sure that the power ratings of the generator meet your load requirements. To get more detailed information on this subject, you should contact a Huntsville prime power generator specialist today.