You need a generator for maintaining business continuity. But, with so many options available, the first question is how to choose a generator that suits your business. We will try to answer this central question through the following paragraphs. But, before beginning, let’s try to clear one misconception surrounding the use of the generator.

Most people think they do not need generators as their area does not experience too many power cuts. But, think again. In a digital-first world, businesses are dependent on the internet and electricity for virtually every business aspect.

Electricity drives everything from your point of sale systems to lights, security systems, computers, refrigerators, etc. So, even brief periods of power outages shut down everything from hospitals to data centers. This can mean you are losing connection with customers, leads, and the opportunity to make sales.

However, you can mitigate these risks by having a commercial generator at your premises. Having a generator in standby mode can mean that you always have power at your premises, and there is never a disruption. But with such a wide variety of generators availing, choosing the best can be challenging.

The following section will offer a step-by-step guide on choosing a generator that suits your purpose.

How to Choose a Generator? – A Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Define Needs

Before purchasing one, the first thing that you need to consider is identifying your needs. Do you need a generator to cover for occasional power outages? Or in a hot standby mode for ensuring uninterrupted power supply to mission-critical operations? Or as a permanent on-site power generation solution?
Emergency Power
These generator systems can offer power to mission-critical operations and keep them running. During emergencies, they can support these processes and prevent significant mishaps.
Standby Power
A kind of emergency power, they act as an independent power source when the primary source cuts off. Unlike emergency power, most systems can connect to a standby source during local power outages and keep the business running.
Primary power source
Some businesses use generators as the primary power source to save utility bills, reduce carbon footprint, and power up a remote location far off from the grid.
Understanding your needs is essential to investing in the right generator that suits your purpose. Another important distinction you should be considering while evaluating the generators is whether you want them as a stationary or portable power source.

Step 2: Consider the amount of power you need

After deciding on the power and generator type, consider the facility’s load requirement. Following are some of the parameters you need to consider while estimating load-
Wattage
The first parameter in load calculation is wattage. To calculate the total wattage, add the wattage of all appliances that the generator needs to keep running. You either power the entire building or provide emergency backup only to specific sections.
For powering the whole building, you can also rely on the peak load figure given in your utility bill. Alternatively, if you want to offer backup power only to specific equipment and are not too confident about wattage calculation, connect with experts from a leading generator company.
Time
For calculating load, time is another critical parameter. Primary generators can continue running indefinicalltoy and only needs proper maintenance and a regular fuel supply. You should have at least three weeks of fuel in your inventory to cover any significant outages lasting for a maximum of three weeks.
Phases of the generator
Considering whether to invest in a single-phase or three-phase generator is another critical parameter. The answer depends on the business size. A single-phase generator might suffice for small businesses. But, big commercial establishments need a three-phase generator.

Step 3: Consider Fuel Type

The next step is considering the fuel type you will use. The two primary options available are-

Natural gas
This fuel is cheaper and cleaner alternative compared to diesel. It also does not require storage as it arrives through the utility’s gas pipeline.
Diesel
Diesel is the most common generator fuel. This readily available fuel offers a fast start time. However, some businesses wish to avoid it because of its carbon footprint.

Step 4: Consider Location

Since generators produce a lot of noise during operation, the ideal location is an important consideration. For outdoor, remote placement is recommended to avoid inconveniencing customers, employees, and neighbors. For indoors, the use of enclosures or mufflers is recommended to suppress noise.

Final Points

We have talked about points that you should consider before purchasing a generator in the above paragraphs. So, read through the sections before choosing a generator that suits your business.
Want to know more about how to choose a generator or have one for your business? Connect with us now.

A Detailed Guide on How to Choose a Generator for Your Business