For many businesses, hiring a generator can be extremely beneficial. If mains power fails, businesses can be left unable to operate, which can be detrimental to profits, customers and employees. In critical power situations, down time can be extremely serious, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Hiring a generator can help reduce loss to your business and ensure operations are able to continue. As well as this, generators can be the ideal solution for temporary power requirements, such as for events and temporary power during planned maintenance.
Generators range from 30-1250KVA with syncing up to multi-megawatt LV or HV, with different platforms available, depending upon your needs, including diesel, petrol and silent generators.
What are the types of generators?
There are a number of generators to choose from depending on your needs, the size of the building and your budget.
Diesel Generators
Diesel generators use a diesel engine alongside an electric generator to generate electricity in the event of a power cut or where there is no connection to the power grid. Diesel fuel is one of the least flammable fuel sources which makes this type of generator a safe option for many businesses. It also produces more energy (generally speaking) than other fuel sources so is able to power large buildings and facilities.
Diesel generators are one of the most popular hire options as they are known for durability, low maintenance and long lifespan, even under heavy use. One of the biggest benefits is fuel efficiency, making diesel generators much cheaper to run than petrol generators.
A diesel generator will begin working just seconds after a power outage so the level of disruption for businesses is kept to a minimum. They can then be used for hours, weeks or until the mains power is switched back on. This makes them well suited to emergency power supply situations, such as mains failure.
Petrol Generators
Petrol generators tend to run much quieter than diesel generators and produce fewer carbon dioxide fumes, which can help on sites where emissions levels are key.
Petrol generators can be cheaper to run than diesel generators due to the cost of fuel but may not be as cost-efficient over the long-term if they’re being used extensively or for long periods of time.
If you’re considering a petrol generator, it’s worth weighing up the short term benefits against the long term, robust offering of diesel generation. If you’re unsure which generator hire is best for you, please speak to our team using the contact us page.
Silent generators
If noise is a concern, due to location, premises restrictions or event type, you should consider using a silent generator.
Silent generators do not create as much noise as petrol and diesel generators, with most units being no louder than a standard air conditioning unit. For many businesses, or those running events outdoors, other types of generator can be too noisy.
Silent generators work inside soundproof containers or enclosures which help to muffle the sound of the generator inside. They use layers of hard material which help to bounce the sound energy back into the container. The sound energy is absorbed and converted into heat.
In some cases, CHP cogeneration can be utilised to maximise efficiency, particularly if generator hire is going to be a longer term solution.
Where can generators be used?
Generators can be used for a variety of businesses and applications including:
Events
Generators are a portable way to power events anywhere, without being tied to a mains supply. They can supply power for lights, DJ equipment, cool storage, heat and cooking equipment.
Generators are suitable for events such as:
- Concerts
- Sports events
- Business launches
- Christmas markets
- Weddings
For businesses who host outdoor events occasionally, hiring a generator provides a cheaper option than investing in one. Aside from the initial outlay, they’re also bulky and hard to store and require regular maintenance in order to comply with electrical standards.
Backup power
One of the key reasons many businesses hire a generator is for backup power in case of a mains failure. Loss of power can mean many businesses grind to a complete halt and this loss of productivity can be extremely detrimental to the business, in addition to the costs of getting everything back up and running again.
Generators can be used to backup a whole business or building or just a part of it.
As mentioned, critical power can be enhanced with generator hire, ensuring zero downtime in the event of an emergency.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry relies on power for machinery and lighting on the production line as well as warehouses that contain the products and shipping facilities. If the power is cut to these businesses, they could lose out on thousands or even millions of pounds of revenue so ensuring a backup is provided is essential.
When the power goes out, a generator will instantly fire up to keep production lines in operation and the lights out to prevent a loss of productivity.
What are the benefits of using a generator?
For businesses, there are many benefits of using a generator and ensuring that power is never completely cut.
Protect business
In the event of a power cut, many businesses can be left paralysed until the mains power can be resolved. Most modern businesses now completely rely on electricity, whether it’s to keep machinery operating or computers turned on.
When productivity drops to nothing, businesses can suffer from huge financial losses. With a reliable generator on standby, power can be restored within seconds and will keep the business ticking over until the mains power supply can be restored.
It may cost in the long-run to hire a generator but, compared to the money saved from a power outage, it could be crucial to the functioning of the business.
Keep security systems live
Aside from productivity, a mains power failure can also mean that security systems stop working. This leaves businesses open to break ins and theft. So, by installing a generator to have on standby, these problems can be avoided and security systems can be back up and running in minutes.
Keep food refrigerated
Owners of shops, restaurants or catering businesses must keep food in fridges and freezers cold and fresh. A prolonged power outage with no back up generator can be devastating to these businesses and could lead to huge losses in stock. Without a backup generator, most of the food would have to go to waste, leading to profit losses.
For restaurants, other appliances such as cookers also need to continue to operate to make sure the business stays in operation, despite a power outage.
Prevent loss of electronic data
Electronic data processing equipment such as phones, computers and cash registers use a network to communicate with each other and store information. If a business relies on these for day-to-day operation, a power outage can cause a huge amount of disruption. In addition, they also hold historical data and customer information and a power loss or surge can result in damage to the equipment.
Maintaining your generator
Generators must be maintained on a regular basis to make sure they’re operating effectively and will work when they’re needed the most.
It’s recommended that the generator is turned on and powered up every three months for around 30 minutes in order to charge the battery for the electric starter. If the electric starter is not working and the power fails, the generator will not kick in and there will still be a problem with lost productivity for the business.
To make sure the generator is in good working condition and will operate when needed, check it for leaks, assess the oil and coolant levels and check all the battery terminals and cables to make sure everything is in order.
As well as generator hire, PCAS provide comprehensive maintenance and upgrading, using industry leading components throughout. Speak to us today if you need any help or advice.