A construction project is no small feat. There’s the logistics part, distribution, taking care of the workers, law regulations you have to abide by, and all the resources that go into making the project a reality while meeting deadlines and the wishes of the investors. The worst thing that can happen is to have an energy cut that doesn’t allow you to use your machines and equipment to finish it on time. A generator is a very powerful source of energy, it’s a backup plan, a safety net, so to speak. It makes it easy and possible to generate energy (the name) whenever there’s a shortage or power cut in place. But they come in a lot of sizes and shapes, mostly with the intent to meet the necessary demands. To choose the right one, you need to make sure you can define your requirements, and with that in mind, you make the perfect pick, making sure you can keep on working no matter what obstacle you come across.
How Much Power Is Too Much?
Without getting political, the power in play is electricity, the power you need to keep everything going. A generator can make as much power as its design allows it to. So to make a choice you need to assess your energy needs and what you can use it for. In the case of an electricity shortage, we’ll assume the cut-off is a short-lasting momentum, so the main goal is to supply the necessary machines that can’t go without energy even for a short amount of time. Suppose the energy shortage disrupts the machine’s operating ability. In that case, if it can create damage and slow the whole project from getting finished on time, the generator should be powerful enough to regulate this and create a steady supply for some time. So you’re trying to assess the needs of the heavy machinery and maybe some smaller equipment. Too much power and you’re looking at unnecessary costs you can avoid. Less than what you need, and again, you’re looking at repair costs that will slow everything down.
What Does It Run on?
A generator is not a wonder machine that makes energy out of nowhere. It needs fuel for the whole process, so before making a pick, you can look at the type of fuel and what the best and least costly option is. If you have an eye for a good old standby diesel generator, you prefer and appreciate the durability, and a machine that can run without much trouble for a longer period. Then again, some generators use propane, a good and safe option if it’s hard to get natural gas and diesel. Safe and reliable, it is often cost-effective. Natural gas is a more environmentally friendly choice. Minimal emissions cost a fraction of the price of classic diesel, clean, and it also gets the job done. It’s a lot to think about, but every option has its benefits. So, diesel, if you don’t mind a bit of extra money, and you need something strong and reliable. Natural gas is doing its part in keeping our planet safe and clean. And propane for those hard-to-reach places that often face shortages of energy.
Big or Small?
Portable standby generators are great. They’re easy to transport, mobile, and often on wheels. The size depends. If it’s too small, you’ll face issues with the power supply. Too big, and you might fry your machines and add a few zeros on your monthly bills. We sometimes think bigger is better. A bigger car has more horsepower and a more powerful engine. But do we need it? Does it meet our needs? If you have a really big car and you use it only to get around town, are you just throwing money out of its window without any obvious explanation? Probably yes, so we can say size does matter.
Installing It
Generators differ depending on the model and requirements. You’re working on a construction project, you already have a lot going on, and an overcomplicated installation procedure is making things only worse. The solution is small, flexible, and easy to carry around, so the standby generators we mentioned. A stationary generator is a bit more complicated to install, yet it stays there for the long run. So, for a smaller project, something a bit more portable is far superior to spending a lot of money on a stationary generator that is also not easy to install only to disable it just a few months later.
It Shouldn’t Be Too Noisy
When you are mowing your lawn, your neighbors might find it a bit disturbing, but they’ll get over it once you’ve finished doing what you do. When it comes to construction projects, people tend to be a lot less patient. If the project is taking months, even years, to finish, you’ll need to think about noise and environmental emissions. Noise pollution is a serious thing, especially if you’re on a site where it can disrupt wildlife and nature. Or, if you’re in an area that’s “noise sensitive”, like a nice suburban area where people just want their piece after a long day at work.
Newer models come with a lot of these noise cancelation features; the sole purpose is to make sure it doesn’t disrupt anyone or anything. And it’s a better option, as the last thing you need is for someone to call the police on you because of the noise your generator makes.
It Should Be Easy to Maintain
The easier, the better. If everything about it is complicated, one small malfunction and you need to call the manufacturer. These small repair emergencies can take time, they also cost money, and they make it harder to finish on time. An easy-to-maintain generator with less complicated needs is a better option for a construction site. The best and safest option is to go for a good brand with a good reputation.
Who would have thought a generator requires so much thought, but all the thinking ahead is better than headaches later on?
