Preparing Your Site for Generator Installation
Category: Equipment and Solutions
When you work in manufacturing, data processing, healthcare or many other industries, a reliable backup power source is critical to your ongoing success.
Generator Site Preparation
When you work in manufacturing, data processing, healthcare or many other industries, a reliable backup power source is critical to your ongoing success. Owning a commercial or industrial standby generator ensures your operation remains safe, productive and regulatory-compliant in the case you experience a breakdown of your primary system or an unexpected outage.
Just as important as choosing quality equipment for the reliability and efficiency you need is making sure generators are accurately installed. Whether you’re wondering where to install generators or the basics involved in generator site preparation, the following provides an overview of the essential information required in the process.
What You Need to Know About Generator Site Preparation
What’s the use of having a backup or emergency source of power if it’s not installed correctly? The results of a bad installation job can result in anything from reduced efficiency and disruption of workflow to uneven performance or failure to respond when you need it the most.
A thoughtful, informed and measured approach is the only way to go when installing a backup generator at your business. This process starts with a thorough evaluation of technical factors, environmental concerns, logistics, power capacity, local codes and regulatory requirements. Before you go ahead with a generator installation, you need to consider the following primary factors in the process.
Type of Generator and Enclosure
Not all emergency generators are created equal. The unit you need to power a construction site is likely very different than what’s ideal for a facility that stores and processes data — or a hospital. The three most common generator set-ups include permanent enclosed, portable enclosed and units located inside of a facility.
Which type of model is right for your business will go a long way in determining your generator install location as well as fuel type, controls, sound levels and other features.
System Size and Power Requirements
It is crucial to account for the maximum amount of electrical output necessary to power your entire system. Whether you need a lightweight unit, a large, standalone industrial generator or a paralleled solution will help you decide where to install generators. In addition to the physical size, additional attributes to take into account include the weight of the generator and fuel capacity, fuel consumption, reserve fuel supply and required accessories.
Indoor or Outdoor Generator Installation Factors
After deciding if your generator is going inside or outside, you’ll need to pinpoint the areas in and around your facility that can accommodate your unit specifications. Installing indoors means you’re potentially losing valuable floor space, including the area the unit takes up as well as the clearance required on all sides of the equipment.
Additional factors to account for include your ability to safely transport and place equipment inside a facility, airflow requirements within the space, fuel delivery and security and access. Outdoor generator install locations also require accounting for airflow and sound and vibration levels, as well as clearance and wind patterns, environmental concerns and accessibility.
Generator Installation Preparation
Generator site preparation is significantly impacted by the type of model you are installing. Whether you’re working with an outdoor or indoor unit, there are a variety of things to consider to ensure your power systems are installed successfully and meet local and federal regulations. From pouring concrete pads and having the right number and locations for skid mounts, to intaking and cooling air, fuel supply lines, exhaust systems and electrical drops, everything needs to be ready to go the moment your equipment arrives for installation.
