Backup Generator Sizes
Commercial and Industrial Generators
With the modern-day reliance on power for daily business operation, power outages can cause unexpected disruptions, costly delays and prohibit function. A commercial or industrial generator is the simplest and most effective way to mitigate these challenges. These units play an increasingly fundamental role in emergency responses to power outages and have a wide variety of applications in the commercial and industrial sector.
Different Generator Sizes
Generators are classified in terms of their power potential, an output measured in kilowatts (kW). Larger units have a more significant kW potential, meaning they can service larger appliances and systems, such as large hospitals, data centres or multiple centres within a venue. Smaller generators are much more compact and designed for application at smaller sites, such as local businesses or small accommodation facilities. Some appliances also require more significant power on startup, than for the continued running of the unit. This kW difference is due to the different levels of energy needed to move from stationary to moving, rather than just to keep moving. While some units are capable of servicing a device at running kW usage, the startup requirement can trigger the generator to fail.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
There are numerous factors to consider when you’re planning to purchase a generator. The cost, size and power capacity will determine the most appropriate unit, and making the right decision is fundamental to getting the most value out of your generator. Before buying a generator, you will need to identify:
• What is the generator’s kW capacity?
• What are your kW needs?
• Can the generator be easily transported?
• How noisy is the generator?
• What is your allocated budget for the purchase?
• How often do you expect to use the generator?
If you’re unsure about any of the above, the skilled technicians at Reactive Generators can assist you.
Calculating the required Kilowatts
The first step in selecting a generator should be to calculate the total electrical load and steady-state load of your operation. Reactive Generators are equipped to assist with this process, and will generally visit the site before making a recommendation. This assessment will consider the intended usage before calculating that load into the generator sizing. This step is essential when selecting the correct unit, as different appliances require different amounts of energy. Heating and cooling appliances like refrigerators and air-conditioners consume a lot of power, while smaller electrical tools and lighting require much less energy.
Other Considerations
The required start-up kW of your appliances is another important consideration. Equipment such as fans and pumps that have moving parts consume a lot of power on start-up, but do not require the same level of energy to continue running. This power difference is due to the energy needed to move from stationary to running, compared to continuous running.
Smaller generators can also be much noisier than larger units. While the sound level may be tolerable for short periods, the constant noise can become overwhelming. Excessively loud generators can unnecessarily disturb your business or customer, and disrupt your daily operation. When selecting a generator, it is fundamental to consider how the size and noise will impact on your commercial or industrial entity.
The Importance of Picking the Right Generator
Choosing the right size generator to suit your needs is fundamental to its reliability, lifespan and efficiency. If you select a generator that is too small, you will not be able to service heavy-duty appliances such as fridges and freezes or effectively run essential services during a power outage. Overloading a generator may also lead to a breakdown or irreversible damage for the appliances using its power.
Conversely, a generator that is too big will incur unnecessary costs for purchase, installation, fuel, maintenance and repairs. These units generally take up much more room, which can present some challenges in finding a suitable location to house the unit. Excessively big generators will also unnecessarily waste extra power.
Reactive Generators
The skilled technicians at Reactive Generators draw on a wealth of experience in the industry to assist you in selecting the most appropriate generator. Located in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich, our friendly team members offer on-site visits and in-store consultations to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re a small, local business or a large private hospital, we are dedicated to providing innovative and efficient solutions to all of your power generator needs.
