Commercial Standby Generator Safety Tips

Having a commercial standby generator at your disposal can be a big help. It can even save lives in some cases. Whether you’re using your generator to keep your business open and satisfy your customers or to keep people safe during a disaster, one fact remains the same. You always need to practice the proper safety procedures.

Here are a few tips on how to use your standby generator safely:

Practice Preventative Maintenance

Generators are complex machines that require regular maintenance to operate at full efficiency. As with anything else of this nature you shouldn’t attempt this maintenance without knowledge or experience. Generators can be very dangerous when not handled properly, and commercial generators are not something the layman should be opening up and tinkering with. Maintenance needs will vary from generator to generator. The electrical contractor who installed it should be able to help you develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Don’t Overload Your Generator

Every generator has a maximum load rating. You should be careful not to exceed this. With commercial standby generators this is less of an issue, as the generator is hard-wired to power only what you want it to and your electrical contractor should have been careful to choose a generator that can handle the load. Power needs can sometimes fluctuate, however, and if you install or replace equipment that will be hooked up to your standby generator, you need to be sure that it doesn’t cause it to go over its maximum load.

Maintain Space Around the Generator

When you install your commercial generator it should be placed somewhere that’s free from clutter and has plenty of airflow. You need to maintain this space even after it’s installed. Your generator should be at least a few feet away from the nearest objects so don’t store things near the generator. If it’s near any shrubs or bushes, make sure you don’t let them grow to the point where they interfere with the generator. Make sure to cut any grass near the generator on a regular basis.

If There’s a Serious Problem Call in the Professionals Right Away

If you know your generator is experiencing issues you need to get things taken care of right away. It can be easy to brush it off or just plain forget about it but by waiting you are creating more danger for you, your employees, and your customers. Most generators will come with internal sensors that warn you of major issues like leaking coolant, so pay attention to them and be proactive when you discover a problem.

Get It Right the First Time

Installing a commercial standby generator is no easy task and improper installation can lead to a host of issues down the line. That’s why you want to choose the electrical contractor that’s right for the job. Look for a contractor with prior experience installing generators and a history of commercial-scale projects. A properly installed standby generator can save lives and last a lifetime, so it’s worth it to spend a little extra time finding the right contractor for your business.

Are you looking for an electrical contractor in Florida who specializes in generators? Eau Gallie Electric is a contractor that can help you design and install a commercial standby generator that fits your needs perfectly. We have experience in both the commercial and government sectors that allows us to complete projects on time while minimizing costs. Don’t put it off until tomorrow, give us a call or contact us online right away.