When it comes to commercial settings, power outages can be a nuisance. Even a short cut in electricity supply can result in substantial losses of production and efficiency. Customers can be lost and revenues effected greatly. This is one of the main reasons why commercial facilities opt for stand-by generators. If your facility is in a place that faces constant outages then a generator should jump to the top of your preferences list.
While a generator is important, the fact that you have to research appropriately before selecting one is also crucial. Here is a list of things that you should consider before purchasing a commercial generator.
Be aware of your power requirements
Generators come in various sizes and power output options. Purchasing a generator that under-serves or over-serves your requirements can cause a considerable loss of resources to your company. Therefore, first and foremost is the fact that you should analyze your requirements.
You can begin with a simple question; in the case of an outage would you want the generator to run the entire facility or just a few emergency circuits. Once you’ve determined this, you can have an electrician analyze the output that would be needed and also separate the emergency equipment from the rest in case you want the generator to power certain things only.
Installation and maintenance
Contrary to popular belief generator service and installation are things that have to be considered before the purchase decision is made. Make sure that you’ve chosen a reputable company or technician for both installation and maintenance. This ensures that the generator delivers peak performance for a long time. Having an immature electrician install your generator could result in added hassles for you when you are already bogged down by power outages.
Fuel type
Stand-by generators are available in gasoline, propane and diesel fuel compatibilities. Before you make the appropriate choice make sure you figure out which one of these is suitable for you. Availability of the fuel, the relevant costs and storage of excess fuel are factors that should come into account when making a decision.
With gasoline and diesel you might require an on-site fuel source but propane or natural gas is pulled directly from the system and thus doesn’t require storage. Gasoline has a short stability life and so it is viewed as a poor choice but it is the most convenient. Each fuel has its respective pros and cons but the decision lies with you and is based on the environment that you’ll be using the generator in.
Wiring and transfer switches
Before you purchase a generator it is important that you have a certified electrician analyze the electrical infrastructure of your facility. The wiring and whether or not it can handle the loads of the power coming from the generator. Another important aspect is the choice of transfer switches. Automatic switches are preferred because they ensure time and cost efficiency but manual ones can also be installed if you choose to.
Enclosure and location
The place where the generator will be placed is quite important. If it is to be placed outdoors then there should be adequate protection against theft and natural elements. On the other hand, if you choose to place it indoors you have to accommodate for the noise as well as the ventilation that the generator would require to function effectively. In terms of noise, it is important that you ensure that the generator is neighbor friendly.
A generator is a substantial investment but this asset might become a liability if you fail to support the purchase with effective research and considerations. Huntsville generators can help you evaluate your options effectively. For more information, get in touch with us today.