Unlike static generators that are permanently secured to the ground, portable generators offer businesses mobility and ease of use for occasional or less-demanding applications. If your business doesn’t often experience power outages, a portable generator’s cost-effective nature and ability to provide emergency power to critical equipment make it a smart choice. Static generators will kick on automatically in a fixed location, so it’s crucial to be aware of how to use them properly.
Review our portable generator buying guide for commercial use to find out more about how to choose a generator and how to use portable generators appropriately.
How to Choose a Portable Generator for Commercial Use
When you want to know how to choose a generator, you can start by learning more about the main factors to consider when selecting a portable generator. It’s easy to buy a portable generator, but you’ll want to have a set of criteria to judge the best portable generators. For example, if you want a quiet generator, you might want to gear your search toward portable silent generators.
Most portable generators are powered by gas or diesel, making them suitable for providing the power needed to support equipment and essential business operations. These fuel sources deliver the high wattage required for running larger appliances and tools, ensuring that your operations remain efficient during power outages. It’s important to note that electric generators are typically designed for small devices, such as laptops or phones, and may not meet the demands of commercial applications. When selecting a portable generator, prioritize models that can handle the specific power requirements of your business to ensure reliability and performance.
To find the best portable generators for your needs, check out some of the main factors to think about when buying portable generators:
- Potential power applications: When you’re looking for a portable generator, it’s crucial to start by determining what you’ll need to power. If you only need to supply a few items with minimal energy requirements, you may want a generator with a lower power output. However, if you have many systems you want to power, you’d be better off with a more powerful option. By listing what you need to power, you can make a better decision.
- Equipment power starting needs: Another major factor in evaluating a portable generator is the starting wattage required by the equipment you plan to power. Because starting wattages can be two or three times higher than what’s required to run equipment, it’s crucial to check the starting wattages of crucial equipment to ensure your potential portable generator can handle them.
- Overall power requirements: Alongside checking the starting wattage of your essential equipment, you can evaluate portable generators by checking if they can handle your overall power requirements. To calculate your general power needs, add up the running wattage of the items you plan to run simultaneously. Additionally, calculate the total of your highest starting wattages. Add these two calculations together to find out how much power your portable generator needs.
- Transportation ease: As you might expect, portable generators should be mobile. Check that any portable generator you’re thinking of buying is easy to transport. For gas and diesel generators, portability usually entails wheels. Ensure the wheels are tough enough to navigate rugged terrain consistently.
- Tank size: When selecting a portable generator for commercial use, consider the tank size carefully. If your business requires extended operation during power outages, choose a generator with a larger tank to minimize downtime due to refueling. Assess how long the generator will run on a single tank to ensure it meets your operational needs.
- Number of outlets: Another critical factor to consider is the number of outlets available on the portable generator. In a commercial setting, it’s essential to ensure that the generator can accommodate all the equipment and appliances you need to power simultaneously. Assess your power requirements and determine how many devices you plan to connect at once.
How to Use Portable Generators
Once you’ve selected a portable generator, you’ll want to know about the best practices of using it. The first thing you’ll want to do is check the owner’s manual to ensure you know how to use the portable generator safely. Alongside reading the owner’s manual, review some of the top tips for using portable generators below:
1. Place the Generator in a Safe Location
When you first set up your generator, ensure you place it at least 20 feet from your business. Never run it indoors or in any other enclosed space, as these generators will release carbon monoxide at a lethal level. Additionally, place the generator on a stable and flat surface and have the exhaust vents pointed away from doorways and windows.
2. Start the Generator
Once you’ve placed your portable generator in a safe location, check that it has a full gas tank and doesn’t have any cords plugged into it. Then, see if the generator can use propane, gasoline or diesel and add the right fuel to it. After adding the appropriate fuel, review your owner’s manual for how to start the generator properly. Ensure you have the generator’s breaker turned off when you start the generator and give the generator a few minutes to warm up before switching it back on.
3. Plug in Equipment
With the generator turned on, start by plugging in a heavy-duty exterior extension cord or multiple extension cords into the generator. Keep in mind these extension cords should have a grounding pin, be outdoor-rated and have a heavy-duty construction. You can run these extension cords through a door or window, connecting your generator to your indoor equipment.
Remember to never connect your generator to a wall outlet, as the generator’s current could harm workers trying to fix a utility line.
4. Refuel the Generator
Eventually, your generator is going to run out of fuel. When you go to refuel your generator, first turn off any electronics or appliances connected to it. Next, let the generator run for a little longer before turning it off. Unplug your extension cords and turn the fuel switch off. Let the generator cool off and then refuel it.
5. Inspect the Generator
When your generator isn’t in use, you should regularly inspect your generator to ensure it’ll work appropriately when you need it. By inspecting your generator and maintaining it throughout the year, you can reduce the chances of parts breaking down and requiring major repairs. Some common inspection tips include:
- Looking for damaged or clogged fuel lines
- Cleaning or replacing dirty air filters
- Checking the spark plugs’ condition
- Ensuring your generator doesn’t have old fuel resting in its fuel tank for long periods
How to Repair a Portable Generator
Like any mechanical object, a generator can experience performance issues that require attention. Many of the problems listed below are well suited for do-it-yourself (DIY) portable generator repair efforts.
Battery Failure
In many cases, human error causes a generator’s battery to malfunction, such as when a technician shuts off the electrical board while servicing the unit. Flipping the appropriate circuit breaker back on usually corrects the problem. Removing dust and dirt from the terminals connecting the battery to the generator or tightening them could also resolve the issue.
Low Fuel
If the generator’s fuel level is too low, air can enter the system and cause performance issues. You may need to manually operate the fuel lift pump to remove the trapped air. Check the fuel gauge regularly to ensure the unit has enough fuel to prevent this from occurring.
Insufficient Oil Level
Generators need oil to lubricate the moving parts and prevent engine damage. If there isn’t enough oil in the system, you may be unable to start the generator. Like an automobile, a generator has a dipstick that allows you to check the lubricant level.
Clogged Air Filter
The air filter plays the crucial role of screening out dirt, debris and other contaminants that can cause engine or system damage. If the unit is running inefficiently, changing the filter can often correct the problem. You should also inspect it regularly to ensure it is clean and free of clogs.
Coolant Leak
Generators rely on coolant to keep the engine from overheating or freezing. The coolant hoses can eventually wear out, which is another common portable generator repair issue. Inspect the hoses regularly and replace them if you notice cracks or other signs of damage. You should also change the coolant at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
Turn to Prime Source for Your Portable Generator Repair Needs
Even when you inspect your generators regularly, they still require repairs from time to time. While you might know how to repair portable generators yourself, it’s often a good idea to turn to a company specializing in generator repairs. At Prime Source, our trained technicians can help identify issues in your portable generators and make the needed repairs to ensure you always have emergency power. Besides making repairs, we can also provide you with planned maintenance services to keep your portable generators in the best condition possible.
Review our portable generator repair and maintenance services today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.