Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Collect some info on the costs of new electric, gas and diesel generators

Portable models allow a wider range of distributors, including wholesalers and retail markets. You can spend anywhere from about $400 to more than $1,000, depending on the size and features. Industrial generators begin small in the thousands of dollars range and can climb to $100,000 to $500,000 or even into the millions for the largest-scale equipment.

I recommend: Start getting some estimates on the pricing and costs of generators by checking out several generator suppliers. Diesel Service and Supply distributes large-scale industrial generators; you can also check on their used machinery prices (more on that in Step 2). For smaller and/or portable generators, compare prices for several kilowatt categories at Northern Tool.

Consider saving money by looking into used generators

For the purchase alone, you can sometimes save between 25 and 50 percent on used generators. What you have to consider for the long run, however, is the potential cost of maintenance. A generator with more hours on it may require a lot of money in repairs and upkeep, so it's a good idea to inquire about the life of the equipment and the number of hours it's been in operation.

I recommend: Get some more pointers on the advantages and disadvantages of buying used generators by looking at Buyer Zone; you can also get some further ideas for generator pricing in general and request quotes to compare from different generator companies. Look up a listing of used equipment at Baker Street Resources and get a better idea for the range of prices.

Check out a few generator manufacturers and maintenance companies for parts and repair costs

Another long-term consideration will be the cost of regular maintenance, potential repairs and necessary supplies. For instance, a gas generator will require fuel; since diesel is usually cheaper than refined gas, you can save money with a diesel generator. You should also take the prices of replacement parts and maintenance services into account early on to get an idea for what your future costs will be.

I recommend: Get some operational tips on running your generators from Turbine Generator Maintenance, or ask a question about the cost of various services. You can also get an idea for the price of several supplies and accessories by looking at Electric Generators Direct.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your needs dictate the use of portable generators and you only need them temporarily, you might consider the option to rent. Gas and diesel generators are available for rent from various companies, saving you money and the problem of storage once you're done using it.

Here are three reasons backup power generators are essential:

1. They can save you from lost productivity.
2. Business flow is not interrupted.
3. They can prevent everything from lost data to lost supplies to lost customers.

Here are the most common and affordable types of backup generators and power sources to consider for a small business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Natural gas generators

Natural gas generators are probably the easiest of the different types to manage. The energy supply flows directly from the property's gas line. Typically there won't be a simultaneous disruption in natural gas supply when there is an electric power outage, which makes this a good backup energy source.

I recommend: Pepco Energy Services supplies natural gas, energy consulting services and generators. You also can buy generators from Kohler or a provider in your area.

Diesel or gasoline generators

They have to be filled by hand but the fuel is easy to get – just store it safely.

I recommend: Kohler has a mix of diesel generators that can be customized for small businesses. Diesel Service & Supply sells new and used equipment from a variety of makers.

Battery powered generators

These quiet models are always on, charging from the build power supply till needed.

I recommend: Gaia Power Technologies sells the Gaia PowerTower as a battery-run generator.

Portable generators

There are plenty of choices for smaller generators to cover spot emergencies.

I recommend: ReadyPower stocks several makers. Honda is a familiar name that's also in the generator business.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you have somewhere to store a fuel tank outside if you get a diesel generator.
• •  Backup power costs more than power generated from a grid.
• •  Consider an automatic power switch that starts, operates, and shuts down the generator automatically.
• •  Watch for wattage requirements.
• •  Keep up with regular maintenance in between power outages.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about generator basics and how generators can help your business

Essentially, a generator is a provider of power. It might be used a back-up system or as a way of converting power. Generators can provide electricity in remote areas or supply power to large groups of machinery or appliances. Many industries make use of a genset, which is a full generator system set up near the equipment it powers.

I recommend: Start learning some of the basics of generators by perusing the information available at FindGenerators.net, which can also connect you with an article about how to choose the right commercial generators for your business. Find out more about gensets by checking out the information at Wise Geek; there are also related articles that can be of further help.

Gain info about industrial and portable diesel and gas generators

The type of generator you want depends on the purpose. Portable generators are good for providing relatively small amounts of electricity for remote use or back-up systems. This often suggests the use of a diesel or gas generator. Take your existing power availability into account for larger models, and get to know some of the specific types available to your company.

I recommend: Check out Generator Joe for in-depth information about different types of equipment, like electric and diesel generators and industrial and portable generators. Find usage tips there as well, or check into types, features and manufacturers at Genset Central, where you can also request pricing information.

Get to know details about diesel generators and generator operation

A common type of generator is the diesel-powered model. Becoming familiar with its advantages and disadvantages can help you decide whether it's the right type of equipment for your business. Consider things like power output, maintenance and fuel costs. Also, get to know some of the operational safety issues involved in running your equipment.

I recommend: Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of a diesel versus an electric generator by going through the information and tips at PoweredGenerators. Also, check out safety and related generator info at Red Cross, including buying the right model for your utility restrictions, proper maintenance and refueling tips.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Another option you might look into would be used equipment. Many businesses offer used generators for sale when they upgrade their equipment; taking advantage of this possibility might save you money.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Electromagnetic induction

Electromagnetic induction is associated with generators because the process converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generators use a motor device to provide electrical energy for a home or a building.

I recommend: All About Circuits features an article and a description of electromagnetic induction.

Amperage

Amperage reflects electric current and its strength. It is measured in amperes (amps), or the measure of electric current flow. Amperage applies to the power capacity of generators.

I recommend: Information on amperes and how they are converted can be found at The Solar Guide.

Continuous load

Continuous load refers to the overall, long-term wattage load that the generator is able to withstand. The wattage load depends on the maintenance quality of the generator's engine.

I recommend: Compare power generators with continuous loads and other features at the Honda Power Equipment website.

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

Ground fault circuit interrupter devices monitor the circuit current flow. A common feature of GFCIs includes switch-off controls to prevent serious, and sometimes fatal, electrical shocks.

I recommend: The Consumer Product Safety Commission gives the facts about ground fault circuit interrupters.

Portable vs. standby

Portable generators are movable devices that must be removed from storage and started manually. Standby generators install in one location of a home, factory or office building. The standby models start automatically upon the loss of power.

I recommend: Assess additional differences between standby and portable generators at the Honeywell Generators information site. Find features and specifications of portable and standby generators at Generac Power Systems.

Automatic paralleling, exciter paralleling

Automatic paralleling, also known as exciter paralleling, automatically synchronizes two or more generator systems.

I recommend: Sommers explains the process of automatic paralleling, as well as the basics of generators, such as the components of a generator system, monitoring capabilities and operating procedures. Cummins Power Generation also describes exciter paralleling and how it applies to generators. The company also publishes brochures on different types of diesel, gas and standby generators.