How to Pick the Right Commercial Generator for Your Business

Whether it’s an outage due to a severe storm or problems with the electrical grid, losing power can be devastating to your business. Even a few hours with the ‘closed’ sign on your door can mean the loss of a significant amount of business revenue. Having a commercial generator is essential for almost every type of business, and there are several important decisions that need to be made when choosing which is the best for your particular needs.

Determine the Right Size

The first step when selecting a commercial generator is determining exactly what it will power. Analyze the needs of your business and determine what will need to be powered and what size of generator will be able to safely supply that power in the event of an outage. You’ll have to decide if you need a single-phase or a three-phase generator. Smaller businesses that only need to power basic electronics should probably choose a single-phase generator. A larger company that is powering machinery or large equipment will likely need a three-phase.

Select the Type of Fuel

Natural gas, propane, diesel, and bi-fuel are all fuel options for generators. Each type of fuel has its pros and cons. Natural gas generators are often chosen because when the gas is supplied by a utility, a business doesn’t have to worry about refueling. Diesel is often used for generators in remote areas that may not have access to natural gas lines. It should also be noted that natural gas is normally more cost-effective for smaller generators while diesel is usually more cost-effective when a larger generator is needed.

Consider the Noise Level

Most generators are located outside of a facility or business. The noise and vibration from an operating generator can still create a large amount of noise. If your business is near a residential area, there may be noise ordinances to consider. Where you’ll install the generator, how close other businesses and homes are to your building, and what your hours of operation are will all be considerations when selecting a specific model. While most generators come with a muffler, a business owner may decide to choose a higher grade muffler to decrease the noise level.

Decide What You’re Willing to Spend

While the financial aspect should be taken into consideration, an automatic generator will prove invaluable during a power outage. The amount of loss that could be incurred by a business if the power goes out for even a few hours should be factored into the decision of how much to spend. A small commercial generator can be purchased for under $10,000. Larger models tend to cost considerably more.

For more information about a commercial generator for your business, contact A&A Genpro, Inc. today.  We’ve got the trained technicians to help with all of the deciding factors on your purchase, and are on hand and ready to install your new generator.

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