When the time comes to install or replace a backup power generator, you want to answer some questions about your company’s power needs, how much you can spend, and how to house the generator. A commercial electrician will be able to help you decide how much generating power you need, what fuel to use, and where to set up the generator.

1 – How Much Power Do You Need?

This is an engineering question for any new generator installation. If you plan to replace an existing backup power generator, you’ll want to audit your power needs. As a rough estimate, you can use your highest monthly power consumption from the past 12 months. Either way, consulting with an industrial or commercial electrician is a good idea, so you make sure you end up with enough generating capacity.

2 – What Standards or Regulations Apply?

Your business may need a generator that meets certain government standards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 110 standard for emergency power supplies. They have separate standards for hospitals, mental health facilities, and restaurants for example. If you want to comply with environmental protection rules or a “green” certification like LEED, there may be additional requirements. An industrial electrician can help you understand how applicable standards in the industry will affect your costs.

3 – What Is Your Budget?

This is a three-part question. How much will it cost to buy a generator that meets your needs? How much will installation cost? Maintenance and fuel also cost money. How much generator can you afford, and how much will it cost to meet your likely power needs? If you finance your purchase, payments and interest need to consider. You may need add-ons like an automatic transfer switch, an improved muffler, or a backup propane fuel tank.

4 – How Much Noise and Pollution Can You Accept?

Diesel generators are cheap to operate but they are also noisy and a bit dirtier than generators running on natural gas. Potential noise pollution from a big diesel generator could be a problem in some facilities.

5 – What Kind of Fuel Will You Use?

Natural gas and diesel are the main options, though some commercial models can run on propane or biofuels. And natural gas for power is only a good option if you can connect the generator to a gas line. Depending on the model, you may be able to adapt it to run on propane or LNG (liquefied natural gas) tanks. However, diesel generators are relatively affordable to run and are dependable.

6 – How Will You Ensure the Generator is Accessible?

Make sure you have enough open space to hold the generator and still provide maneuvering room for maintenance and repair people. If the generator uses gasoline or diesel, it needs to be easily reached by fuel trucks. Maintenance people also need to get at the generator to work on it. Don’t put the generator in an area that requires some special pass or that only one or two senior employees have the key for.

7 – How Will You Protect Your Generator?

This will definitely impact the installation cost for a new generator. You need to protect the generator from environmental hazards like flooding. You also need to secure it against tampering or theft.  A locking fence, roof, or elevated concrete pad might be required. If you are replacing an existing generator these costs might still be necessary. If the area is prone to flooding and the generator is just sitting on a concrete pad now, the replacement might need to be elevated.

Have a Commercial Electrician Help You Set Up a Backup Power System

If you need to buy or replace a backup generator, you have quite a few factors to consider. A commercial electrician can help you clarify what you need and talk about the process of getting that generator installed and running. Give us a call today.