While it’s safe to say that every business benefits from backup generators, some types of business are at high risk of safety, quality and health hazards if proper precautions are not taken to prepare for power outages.

These generators are used to ensure that systems remain powered, even in the event of load shedding or unplanned power cuts. Ranging in size and capacity, generators are used across multiple sectors, including residential.

In the world of industry, who benefits most from backup generators, and how do these vital planning aids help to prevent disaster?

Industries That Benefit from Backup Generators

If you had to think for a moment about what would happen if a major food processing plant had to suddenly shut down in the middle of production, you would quickly see how important emergency planning becomes. Aside from the risks of spoilage, when equipment is shut down suddenly without warning, workers are in danger too. Then there is the cost factor – millions of rands can potentially be lost when a large-scale manufacturing factory has an outage on the assembly line. Some of the industries who cannot afford to be without backup power include the following:

• Manufacturing. From auto factories to the various other plants that make products that are used on a daily basis, the manufacturing process relies heavily on complex machinery, equipment and tools. Power outages can lead to huge losses, as well as quality issues, occupational safety hazards and time delays that could lead to lost business – in turn this could greatly affect the country’s economy too.

• Transport industry. There are many, many types of businesses that operate within the transport industry, that require non-stop power in order to function. Airports, trains, cars and buses aside, additional transport areas such as traffic lights and transport manufacturers also need to ensure that there are no power interruptions.

• Agriculture. As for the agriculture sector, which employs a large labour base and contributes significantly towards the economy, power shortages are equally unwanted. Farming relies on a time dependent schedule, with many variables to consider from seasons to time of day, weather conditions and natural disasters. Electricity issues should not be another worry for those in this sector.

• Processing. Processing plants help to ensure that foods, beverages and many other consumable products are safe for consumption. They also deal with medical products and additional goods that cannot be spoiled by a drop in temperature, interruption during processing or any other unforeseen problem that could arise in a power outage. If any consumable products are contaminated, the potential for disaster is huge.

• Commercial. The commercial industry needs power too. A large number of companies are found in South Africa, all of who do their part to contribute towards the country’s stability and economy. From hospitals and state buildings to schools, universities and the private sector, even a few hours of down time can be devastating.

Luckily, there are generators to suit just about every type of business, and even ones designed for home usage. With the help of standby generators, operations can continue with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that things can continue to run even without power.