What to Consider When Buying an Industrial Diesel Generator
Choosing the right industrial diesel generator often comes down to finding the most affordable option, but other than price, there are a number of other things to consider in order to ensure that the generator is a solid investment.
These generators are used most often for standby and emergency systems, but can also be used as a dedicated power source. With many different brands on the market, not to mention many different sizes and capacities, generators are used in many industrial sites of all sizes and natures.
Choosing the Right Industrial Diesel Generator
How do you determine which type of industrial diesel generator is best for your requirements? Consider the following criteria to help give you an idea of which features are the most important when making your final decision.
- Standby vs dedicated. The first thing to consider is whether you will need a standby generator or a dedicated generator. Dedicated generators are used when there are no other power sources on the site, or at sites that require a generator that is in use all day, every day. These are also known as prime or continuous generators. A standby generator on the other hand acts as a backup source to a pre-existing power source. These may be used when regular power is not available, during power shortages or other infrequent use situations. These generators typically run at a lower RPM (rates per minute), as they are designed to be used in emergencies or as backup only.
- Generator sizing. Then, you will need to choose the size of the generator. Typically, generators are sized by their power capacity level (kilowatts or megawatts). Capacity levels can vary from small 5kW generators for individual use to large-scale 3mW that can power an entire plant. For industrial units, factory power requirements need to be considered along with on-site office power. Choosing a larger size is often the best way to ensure that your needs are covered, with enough power to last through emergencies.
- Reliability and value. While it’s often easier to choose the cheapest option, this can end up costing you more in the long run – especially if you are losing out on quality. Reliability and quality are essential when choosing a generator, as this will help ensure that you will not be let down during a power outage or disaster. Generators need to work every time, or else they are ultimately useless. Consider well-known, trusted brands and make sure that all systems are tested for their durability and reliability.
Sourcing your generators through a trusted supplier goes a long way in ensuring that you choose the right system for your requirements. A good supplier will not only offer input on which brands best suit your needs, but will also assist with the installation and management of your industrial diesel generator too.