How to Find the Right Construction Generators to Fit Your Project Needs

Having the right amount of power is the backbone of any construction project. You can have the best crew and the best tools, but you won’t get much accomplished without a reliable power generator.

Construction generators are an essential part of getting the job done safely and efficiently. With so many different types of generators on the market, it’s important to research all your options to find the one best suited to your needs.

Here are some vital things to consider when looking for the right construction generator for your project. 

Determining Your Power Requirements

In order to find the right size, you’ll need to first figure out exactly what you’ll be using your industrial generator for. Make a list of all the tools you’ll be using throughout the project. Add up their combined wattage, taking into account both their starting wattage and running wattage.

The wattage information is usually displayed on a tool’s nameplate. You may need to convert different power units to determine a tool’s wattage. The total wattage of all tools you’ll be using plus the starting wattage is the minimum power requirement for your generator. 

When choosing a generator, it’s better to have too much power than not enough. Using a generator that’s too small for the job can cause damage to the generator and to the tools hooked up to it. 

How to Find Good Quality Construction Generators

Although there are many different types and sizes of construction generators available, there are certain indicators of quality that are the same across the board. Here are some general things to look out for when shopping for a generator. 

Well-Made Parts

When looking for a reliable generator, make sure that all its components are well-made. The engine should be high-quality, and the overall steel construction should be durable. 

Fuel Efficiency

A quality generator should also offer good fuel efficiency. Look for a generator with automatic idle control to help cut down on fuel usage.

Safety

You’ll want to make sure the generator is safe to use in the conditions you’ll be working in. It should be EPA and OSHA compliant. The generator should also have been properly tested by reputable industrial testing companies and received safety certifications. 

Easy Maintenance

Your construction generator should also be easy to maintain to ensure it lasts the long haul. The service components, such as oil filters, air filters, and fuses, should be easy to access. When a generator is easy to service regularly, it reduces the risk of unexpected maintenance later on. 

Fuel

Diesel generators are the most common type of generator for most construction projects. This is because most heavy construction machinery runs on diesel as well, so it’s likely to be readily available on most job sites. Smaller electric generators are also popular in construction, but they’re generally used for smaller tasks when portability is needed. 

You’ll most likely want to look for a generator with a long run time. This helps minimize how often your generator will need to be out of service for refueling. A large gas tank can also help with this, but it will affect how portable the generator is. 

Noise Considerations

Some projects allow for more noise than others, so you’ll want to consider the amount of noise your generator will make. Open-frame generators are the most common type of generators used for construction projects, and they generally range anywhere from 2,500 watts to 13,000 watts. These types of generators produce about the same amount of noise as a large lawnmower. 

Inverters are the quietest type of generator. An inverter works by turning a direct current into an alternating current. Inverters are smaller and more portable than other types of power supply. 

The power is run through an inverter board, which regulates fluctuations and provides power that is very stable. This type of stable power is also known as clean power. Clean power is often used for very sensitive electronics. 

Synchronized Generators

If you’re looking for maximum efficiency and reliability, you might consider using synchronized generators for your construction project. Synchronized or paralleled generators are two generators working together to provide backup in case one fails.

There are many advantages to using synchronized generators, including increased efficiency. Having two generators helps avoid the potential for work to be shut down should one fail. Unexpected downtime can be costly for any project.

Using multiple smaller generators can also be more cost-effective than having one large generator. The purchase cost of multiple small generators is often less than one large one. Running multiple small generators is also often more fuel-efficient. 

It’s also possible to have more than two synchronized generators if the project calls for it. You can learn more about synchronized generators here: https://krugerpower.com.au/synchronised-generators-paralleling-generators-load-share.html

Finding the Right Generator for Your Project

Having the right construction generators for the job is important to the overall success of any project. If you choose a generator that doesn’t suit your project’s needs, you run the risk of damaging equipment, paying extra costs, and delaying project completion. 

Before purchasing a construction generator, make sure to do all the math to determine exactly what your needs are. Research all the types of generators available to you to ensure you find the right fit. 

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