What Are Advantages Offered by Portable Generators?

When considering the purchase of a backup generator for your company, you will need to decide between a permanently installed generator or a portable generator. Each one has distinct benefits, but many business owners decide to opt for a portable model due to their reasonable price tag and versatility in the workplace. Here are some of the top advantages of investing in a portable generator.

Power Accessible at Any Location

The main advantage of having a portable commercial generator is that it can be taken anywhere. Since portable generators are more compact than traditional units, they are designed to be moved around with ease. You will be able to take your generator to any location where power is required. You can move it around your facility as needed or take it with you into a remote area for an offsite project.

This level of flexibility can’t be achieved with conventional generators since they only supply power to the building that they are installed on. If you are working on a project in an alternative location, you will either have to buy or rent a portable generator. For temporary needs, renting is usually a good choice. However, if you think that you’ll need a portable generator for an extended period of time, or if you plan to use it multiple times throughout the year, then you might find purchasing one of your own is the better, more cost-effective option in the long-term. If you need help deciding, the professionals from Valley Power System can advise you on the right solution for your business.

Built for Flexibility

Portable generators offer several features that make them flexible enough to use in multiple applications. Some of these traits include:

Power supply voltage switch
Durable chassis that will hold up against frequent relocations
Capability to run for extended periods of time
Available in multiple fuel types to suit your preference
Compact size makes moving from site to site easy

Cost-Effective Options Available

Compared to permanently installed commercial units, a portable generator will cost your company a lot less. Not every business can afford to install a stationary backup generator on-site right away. In this case, portable generators become the best alternative. They can be moved on-site when or if needed, and once they are no longer required, they can be moved back to a storage area.

The price of a portable generator ranges from about $500 to $4,000, depending on the make, model, and power capacity. This can be an important factor for a new business owner who may not have a large budget to work with. Portable generators also don’t require significant effort to set up, especially when you work with a qualified technician from Valley Power Systems.

Peace of Mind During Emergencies

A traditional backup generator can fail for a number of reasons, from electrical problems to issues caused by poor maintenance. If your power system were to fail, having a portable generator already on hand will help prevent interruptions to your operation. By investing in one now, you won’t have to worry about coordinating a rental or purchase during an emergency situation. You can focus on the situation at hand, keeping your employees calm and maintaining production.

Using Your Portable Generator Safely

Like permanent standby units, using portable generators also carries a certain degree of risk. It’s crucial to exercise caution when operating the unit. Following these guidelines can help ensure your safety and the safety of your employees:

Minimize water exposure.

Excess moisture can wreak havoc on your power system. It can rust internal parts and components, making the generator less reliable and significant repairs more likely. In some cases, parts could rust beyond repair, and you’d need to purchase a new unit. This is why a generator should never be used in the rain without some type of barrier to protect it. When cleaning, you should also never spray water directly on the generator’s exterior. If needed, you can use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the unit.

Keep the unit maintained.

Remember that maintenance is key to ensuring a long life for your portable generator. If you are purchasing the system, you will need to have regular maintenance performed to ensure optimal functioning. Fresh oil and filters will go a long way toward protecting your unit. If the generator won’t be used right away, ensure that the fuel tank is empty and store the generator in a clean, dry area. You should also remember to run the system at least once a month for 30 minutes. This will keep internal components lubricated, and it will also help you identify potential problems before they progress into costly repairs.

Don’t refuel a running unit.

When refueling the generator, ensure that the engine is turned off and has had sufficient time to cool down. A hot engine can be extremely dangerous if fuel happens to spill over while you’re refueling. The fuel could splatter on you and cause second or third-degree burns.

Avoid using the generator indoors.

Generators emit carbon monoxide, an extremely poisonous gas that’s virtually odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Often, people don’t know that they’ve been exposed until it’s too late. If you need the generator for your facility, you can protect yourself and your employees by placing the generator outdoors a good distance from the doors and windows. You should also install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the building.

Contact the Power Experts

Whether you are seeking a portable generator to run a few appliances or to use as the primary backup generator, Valley Power System is here to help you find the generator that is perfect for your facility. We have been serving businesses of all sizes in California for years, and we look forward to helping you locate the right power solution. Contact us today to figure out which size and type of portable generator will best meet your power needs.

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