Determining What Size Commercial Generator Is Needed For Your Business

Commercial generators are intricate pieces of equipment that power your building when the electricity fails to operate.

For a business, having a commercial-grade generator can make all the difference in continuing operations. It is essential to keep in mind that you will have to hire a commercial generator installation service once you have purchased the product.

A generator still has the power to protect your business. It can keep the building's alarm functioning, therefore protecting your property and products inside. These pieces of equipment are complex. Therefore, it can sometimes be challenging to determine which generator is right for your building. Have you begun to feel the confusion mounting? If so, don't hesitate to give the professional team at Virginia Power Solutions a call.

Our team has been providing the Richmond, VA metro area with high-quality generators for both residential and commercial clients. Our team even offers installation of your generator and has the necessary credentials and permits to complete that installation.

3 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Generator and Commercial Generator Installation Service

1. Required Wattage

A commercial generator can power everything in your business. However, determining the correct wattage needed is essential to proper functioning. Setting the bar too low can have disastrous consequences for your business.

In order to calculate the wattage you need in your generator, consider all of the items you want it to power when an outage happens. Do you have important computer systems that must stay online in order to prevent loss of data? What about refrigeration or freezers?

These are important things to consider when choosing your generator. It is possible to calculate the size generator you will need. However, it is always better to rely on a professionally trained team that can help you make an informed decision about what generator you need.

Typically, the same team that helps you choose a generator can provide a commercial generator installation service for you. Additionally, they can often provide maintenance needs for the generator. This means you can easily make sure it is running at full capacity in the case of a power outage.

2. Voltage Dips

When calculating the wattage, you will need from your generator, you must consider two things: voltage dips and frequency dips. Every electrical appliance has a running wattage. However, it takes more power to start the appliance, usually about three times the running wattage.

For instance, if your refrigerator has a running wattage of 350 watts, the amount of power needed to start it will be 1350 watts. The formula for calculating wattage looks like this:

(running wattage x 3) + starting wattage = Total watts required

The amount of wattage you need to start your generator will be three times the amount you need to run it. A voltage dip refers to the dip in wattage your generator will experience once it starts up and begins running.

All generators come with a maximum allowance for dips in voltage. It is important to bring this up with your generator salesman. Their expertise will help you determine the correct size. Don't forget to ask about their commercial generator installation service!

3. Primed vs.Standby Generator

There are two types of commercial generators: prime and standby. A standby generator is the only one that requires a commercial generator installation service. A prime generator is your primary source of power.

Most of these generators are also portable. As a result, prime generators are used by business owners. These generators are ideal for those who frequently travel and set up at events, festivals, rodeos, and more.

For instance, if you have a food truck, a prime generator would be the answer for providing sufficient and reliable power to fit your needs. On the other hand, a standby generator is a solitary piece of equipment that permanently resides outside your business's building.

This type of generator is much more powerful and provides complete backup power to your building. Need help determining the wattage or size generator you will need? If so, consult with your local professional commercial generator installation service team: Virginia Power Solutions.

Commercial Generator Installation Service

Virginia Power Solutions is a division of the H O Feild Electric Co. and a dealer in Generac commercial grade generators. Our technicians meet the high expectations for quality customer service because they are trained by the best in the field. You can count on us for your commercial generator installation service too!

The best way to protect your business during a power outage is to take the pre-venture measure of purchasing a commercial generator. This is a solid investment for your company and ensures you are ready in case of an emergency.

Furthermore, when you purchase a generator from Virginia Power Solutions, we make it easy to keep your equipment operating at full capacity. Our certified and professionally trained technicians are available seven days a week to provide important maintenance and emergency repairs to your generator.