Find a Diesel Generator That Fits Your Needs?

Answer 1

A diesel generator is important for businesses that often operate in areas where electricity is not available or when their offices are located in areas where the power often fails due to storms or infrastructure problems. Two types of diesel generator are available: standby units and portable units. Both types can be vital to your company.

A diesel generator configured as a standby power source automatically starts and goes on line when its circuitry detects power irregularities. These are usually permanently installed units meant for single site operation. Standby generators are available in different sizes ranging from fewer than 10 kilowatts to several hundred kilowatts of power. Prior to purchase, you should have professionals measure the electric load of your site to make sure that the standby generator you buy is big enough. Because of the complexity of a standby diesel generator, you should probably have the unit professionally installed.

A portable diesel generator is usually smaller than most standby units. These can easily be transported to different locations such as construction sites, disaster areas, or remote locations where no access to the electric utility is available. Although portable generators are available with capacities as low as 1 kilowatt, units that produce as many as 200 kilowatts are available. Before buying, you should evaluate the generating capacity required for your typical application. You should also make sure that you have a vehicle available with enough strength to move it.

Other options also come into play while shopping for a diesel generator. For example, you may have to choose between a model that is air cooled and a model that is liquid cooled. Air cooled models are usually less expensive, although they normally operate at higher RPMs and are noisier than liquid cooled models.

The voltage required should also be considered. A diesel generator may produce 120 volts (normal household power), 240 volts (for appliances, air conditioners, etc.), or three phase (for industrial applications). A generator that produces the wrong voltage is going to be useless to you and could damage equipment, so checking on the voltage you need is an important step in the purchasing process.