When it comes to finding the best industrial generator for your business, the choice can be overwhelming. Investing in an industrial generator is an important decision for any business and one that will require a significant investment of capital upfront. However, having a backup power source is essential to ensure that your business can keep running during unexpected power outages or in an environment with no other reliable power source. With that in mind, we’ve put together some information that will help you choose the best industrial size generator for your business.
Set A Budget
The first thing to do before you start looking at industrial generators is to set a budget for your new purchase. The price of commercial generators will vary depending on the type, power capacity, fuel type, and brand. It’s important to establish a budget for your initial purchase and to consider the long-term costs associated with maintenance fuel, and potential repairs. Keeping the initial cost, as well as costs that may spring up down the road, can act as a starting point in your search.
Do Your Research
There are several types of industrial size generators for you to choose from and each of them has different advantages for different businesses. In order to pick the generator that best suits your needs, you will need to understand the different types of generators and their specific features.
- Standby Generators – these generators are designed to automatically turn on when a power outage is detected. In this instance, a standby generator will provide backup power to your facility. These generators are meant to be installed permanently and connected to your facility’s electrical system. An automatic transfer switch allows the standby generator to start within seconds of a power outage. Standby generators are ideal for businesses that require uninterrupted power supply to critical operations and can provide power for extended periods.
- Prime Generators – these generators are designed to provide continuous power for extended periods of time and are best suited to businesses that require a reliable source of power for prolonged operations. Prime generators are typically larger than standby generators and have larger fuel tanks and enhanced cooling systems. These industrial size generators are best suited for businesses that operate in remote areas or have unreliable utility power.
- Portable Generators – these generators are typically smaller and more mobile compared to standby and prime generators. Portable industrial generators are mounted on trailers for easy transportation to different locations. These generators are suitable for operations that require temporary or mobile power, such as construction sites or outdoor events. Most portable generators fall within the 10kW to 500 kW range, but industrial size generators can be customized for outfits that need 2000kW or more.
Assess Your Power Requirements
Now that better understand the type of generator you need to keep your business up and running, the next step is to determine the amount of power and wattage needed to support all of your equipment. This is a crucial, deciding factor in the purchase of any generator and will help you decide which generator is the best industrial generator for your business.
Calculating your total kVa and kW power requirements will help you narrow down your generator size choices into a specific capacity range. This will also inform your decision about the size of generator you need for your business. To calculate your power requirements in a commercial application, use the following equation: 30 kW + 5 watts per square foot. This will give you the rating for the generator size you need. Alternatively, you can work with a licensed electrician to figure out the power requirements for your generator purchase.
Consider The Site Conditions
Now that you know how much power your operation consumes, it’s time to consider where and how the generator will be used. In order to select the best industrial generator for your needs, you will have to decide the following:
- Am I using my industrial size generator for standby, primary, or emergency power?
- Am I looking for a stationary industrial generator or a portable industrial generator?
- Do I have a limited amount of space or other environmental concerns that inform my decision?
- Will my power requirements call for a single-phase or three-phase unit?
Making The Final Decision For Your Generator Purchase
Once you know how you will be using your generator, the power rating that is required to keep your operations running, and the environmental conditions of your job site, you can focus on selecting the right industrial size generator for your needs. One of the first big decisions you will have to make is whether to buy or rent a generator. This decision comes down to your business’s power requirements. While purchasing a new generator will cost more initially if you work in one location and require a lot of power, a stationary gen set may be the best option for you. However, renting a portable industrial generator is an ideal option for contractors or construction site managers who require mobile power sources and a more temporary power solution.
Once you have decided between buying and renting, there are three key tips that can help you find the best industrial generator for your needs. Keep these three tips in mind before you hand over your hard-earned money and to ensure you are buying the generator that you actually need, rather than one that is underpowered or not suitable to the task at hand.
- Research generator providers – look for reputable generator providers with a proven record of delivering both high-quality products and reliable customer service. Reading customer reviews is a good way to gauge a provider’s reputation and reliability.
- Evaluate features and specifications – compare the features and specifications of different industrial generator models to make sure they meet your needs. Features to consider include fuel tank capacity, run time, noise level, emissions, and safety features.
- Check the warranty – when making such a costly purchase, it’s a good idea to consider only generators that come with a comprehensive warranty and reliable customer support. This will protect your investment for years to come and provide you with peace of mind.
Choosing the right industrial size generator for your business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little research, you will be able to understand how much power you need to keep your business running if the power supply is compromised. And once you understand that, you will be one step closer to making an informed decision about your generator purchase.
