Firms that manufacture products rely on machinery to remain operation all the time. Downtime can be costly as the fixed overheads add to the cost of production. Selecting the right generator is essential for manufacturing businesses to ensure cost efficient operations.
In this blog post, we will share some tips to select the right commercial generator for manufacturing businesses.
1. Generator Size
Generator size is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a generator. Manufacturing businesses power requirements generally range between 20 kW to over 2 megawatts. It is important to select a generator that will meet the requirements of the jobsite.
Generator power is generally rated in watts. Some manufacturers quote the power in amps and volts. To convert the power is watts, you should multiply amps with volts.
Consider buying a generator with a large capacity that will power all the electrical machinery. Avoid buying a generator that is too small. It will overload the generator resulting in accelerated wear and tear. It will damage the engine parts and components that will greatly reduce the life of the generator.
2. Generator Type
Apart from size, you should also consider the type of generator that is most appropriate for your manufacturing business.
- Do you want a generator for a backup power or primary power source?
- How long do you want the generator to operate?
- Do you want the generator to start automatically?
Consider asking Huntsville roofing experts to know the right generator type. The expert roofers will guide you in selecting a generator that will support your manufacturing operations. You can compare different brands to ensure that you buy a generator that meets your power requirements.
3. Generator Fuel
Generator fuel is also an important consideration when buying a generator. There are different types of fuel option for commercial generators. The primary power source for industrial generators is diesel. The fuel type results in efficient generator operations.
You can expect a generator that runs on diesel to last longer as compared to others. Diesel also generates more electricity as compared to gasoline with the same amount of fuel. If you want dependable and long lasting performance, you should consider diesel generator for continuous manufacturing operations.
4. Rated vs. Maximum Power
An important consideration when buying a generator is the rated power. This power is different than the maximum power that is generally quoted by manufactures.
Maximum power is the maximum output of the generator. A generator can output this much power for a short period. In contrast, a rated power is the continuous load output of the generator. You should look at the rated output when selecting a generator.
5. Single Phase vs. Three Phase System
Generators can be single or three phase systems. A single phase generator generates a single wave at a time. The wave produced by the generator reaches the peak value then falls to zero. The duration between two waves is undetectable due to which the generator seems to be producing constant power. This type of generator is not suitable for manufacturing businesses.
Businesses with large power requirements should consider a three-phase generator. These generators provide a constant stream of consistent power. It generates three waves at a time. As the peak of one wave falls, another wave approaches peak values. There will be never a dip in the output power that makes them ideal for powering sensitive machinery used in manufacturing business.
Final Remarks
The unique job requirements will determine whether you should rent or purchase a generator. You should consider the cost of renting and ownership to know which decision is more cost effective.
Generac Superstore offers generator sales services in Huntsville, Birmingham, AL, and Nashville, TN. We offer all types of generators for industrial and commercial companies. We provide sales, installation, and after-sale service for diesel and gasoline generators. Contact us today at (855) 880-1880 for more information.