Every business is vulnerable to electrical failure. Storms are the most common cause of widespread outages. But, service to your building can be knocked out by a tree limb, a car collision, or a short-circuit in the system. A lightning strike or heat wave can damage your business if you’re not prepared.
If you lose power it’s hard to run your company. You’re in the dark without the use of your computers and equipment. The disruption grows the longer you’re without electrical service.
Generators produce power for offices, retail stores, and manufacturing when power is interrupted. Losing power to refrigeration, heating, and expensive equipment is a critical situation.
The right generator keeps essential services running during an outage. But, you can’t pick any generator and expect it to meet your needs. Keep reading to learn about sizing a generator to support your situation.
Why You Need a Generator
First, let’s review why you need a generator. It’s so much more than keeping the lights on. Power loss can equal lost production and revenue. Here are the main reasons your business needs a generator.
Communication
A generator means you can contact customers, vendors, and staff during the outage. This can be a significant advantage over your competition. Your business stays connected via phone, email, and the internet with a generator.
Lights and Security
The generator kicks in to power lights and security systems to protect your business. You won’t have to worry about looters.
Electronic Data
If there is a major storm, your computers and hard drives are at risk. The information you use to operate your business is vulnerable. A generator prevents loss of data.
Income
Losing power can close a business. A company that can’t operate faces a financial strain. Keeping the power on means no downtime. A generator lets your business stay open and operational. Standby generators installed at your building are always ready.
Definitive Use of Power
When you install the generator you choose what it powers. Choose which pieces of equipment or parts of a building receive power. Partition the building into zones to choose where power goes first. You decide where you need power most.
Types of Generators
There are two kinds of generators: portable and standby. Most portable generators are small with a gas engine. It’s mobile. You wheel it into position and plug into the transfer switch. You can connect items to with heavy-duty extension cords.
A portable generator works for small businesses. Depending on the situation, you may need more than one.
A standby generator comes in various sizes. It’s installed in the same way as an air conditioning system. It’s permanent. The engine runs on natural gas or propane. A standby generator is more expensive than a portable generator. It occupies more space. It offers immediate and automatic delivery
of power when the main power supply fails.
Choose the Right Size Generator
The big mistake people make is buying a generator that’s too small to back up the operation. Do you need an industrial generator or something smaller? How do you figure that out?
Every business’ power supply situation is different. You must consider the equipment, computers, and physical plant you want to power. An insufficient generator won’t protect your company.
When determining the size for a commercial generator you must choose:
* Single- or Three-phase Power
* Voltage
* Total Power Output
Most commercial situations need greater reserve and surge capability. This is very important when powering large motors. It’s also a factor when you have multiple independent units that turn on and off a lot.
The inflow current for large motors can be more than 200 percent of the normal current.
Insufficient reserve capacity can damage the motors, or make it hard to start them. Find the allowable voltage drop for equipment when figuring the generator’s reserve capacity.
It’s important to get the generator sizing and compliance right to protect your business. Check with local commercial building code authorities. Find out if your commercial generator requires an engineering plan and supervised installation. There may be rules governing safety systems like alarms and fire pumps.
Measure the Full Load Capacity
You can estimate the generator capacity you need by taking full-load current measurements. Do this during peak usage at the service panel. Use a clamp-on ammeter. Measure each leg of the electrical service, then add them all together. The total is the amps used by your facility.
Divide the total amps by three for three-phase current. Divide the total amps by two for single-phase current. Next, multiply the result by the supply voltage and then again by 1000 for Kilowatts (kW) needed.
This gives you the full load in kilowatts. Your reserve capacity is the full load kilowatts x 0.25. To see what you need for 100 percent power add the full-load kilowatts and reserve capacity.
Choose a generator that can supply what you need for 100 percent power.
Determine Full Load Capacity by History
Examine your utility bills to find your max usage. Most statements list peak demand for the month. Study the power usage for the past year to find your highest usage. Add 25 percent to the peak usage amount to include reserve capacity.
Square Footage Measurement
Another option for sizing the generator is the square footage method. This is often used for grocery stores, restaurants, and commercial applications.
Here are calculations you can use to determine the right generator size for your company:
* In retail situations figure 50 kilowatts + 10 watts per square foot
* For commercial applications use 50 kilowatts + 5 watts per square foot
It’s important to note that these sizing guides are for estimation only. The power requirements for each appliance vary. Always consult the dealer or electrician. Calculate your generator decision on your specific situation before you buy.
Voltage Requirements
Don’t overlook the importance of voltage. Commercial generators offer various voltages. That means they can meet different power requirements for different types of businesses. If you have 10 servers and lots of computers, you need a generator that gives you extreme amounts of power.
If you buy a generator with less power than you need you put your equipment, and the generator, at risk. Pushing a generator to over perform can backfire at the moment you need every piece of equipment to work.
Hire a Professional to Assess Power Requirements
The best way to match a generator to your business is to hire a professional electrician. Have the pro calculate your power requirements.
Generator Fuel Options
Diesel, gasoline, and propane are the three types of fuel generators use. Gas is the easiest to get. It’s also cheaper than diesel or propane. But, gasoline generators operate at a higher RPM speed. That means a decrease in the lifetime of the generator. Gasoline is also volatile and flammable.
Diesel generators run at a lower RPM than gas. This gives them a longer lifetime. Diesel isn’t as flammable as gasoline.
Many people are familiar with propane because they use it for their grills. Propane is flammable. It’s not quite as convenient as gasoline. Propane and diesel generators are around the same price.
Generator Innovations
Like everything, generator technology evolves and advances. When you’re ready to buy a generator, study the newest models. Newer generators are more fuel efficient and last longer than older models.
Look at all the factors so you choose a generator that gives you the most power, for the longest time, at the best price.
Sizing a Generator Protects Your Business
There are always potential problems for a business owner. You can end power outage problems by sizing a generator to fit your small, medium or large business.
Depending on your business, not having a generator can cost thousands of dollars. The minute you lose power you lose money. It’s vital if you use electronics, refrigeration, and machinery. You can’t afford to be without electricity.
Buying the right type of generator to meet your needs is vital. A generator that matches your power needs secures your business in an emergency. Consider the features and information explained here. Then, consult a professional electrician to find the generator to serve your purposes.
Whether you run heavy machinery or power a small space, a generator can save a business.
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