How to choose the right size of rental generator, according to Red-D-Arc

Picking the right generator size is vital.

Red-D-Arc Welderentals is renowned for its industrial welding equipment, but it also sells and rents power generators. Having a rental generator on hand can save a business thousands in emergency power outages caused by weather, brown-outs, or natural disasters. But customers must pick the correct sizes and types of generators.

Choosing the appropriate size of power generator is one way to get the most out of it, according to a recent Red-D-Arc blog post.

Calculating estimated fuel use

Although an under-powered rental generator may save money in the short run, an incorrect size may damage both the generator and equipment it powers, which leads to unnecessary repair costs. Red-D-Arc recommends choosing a unit based on the high end of the estimate for emergency power needs. This way, the generator lasts longer and is less likely to cause electrical fire or overheating. It will offer less risk of capacity overload, of damage to equipment, and of system failure, plus more consistent performance and quicker, easier maintenance.

When determining the size of a rental generator, the first step is to list everything the unit will need to power during an emergency outage. The list should include lighting, heating, and cooling systems, plus office equipment, heavy machinery, and other necessities. Next, record the wattage required to power on and run every item on the list.

Add these figures to determine the total power needs in watts. (Wattage data are typically printed on equipment or in manuals.) The generator should have ten to 20 per cent more capacity than the resulting estimated total wattage. This gives the user extra capacity to cover underestimation of requirements, under-performance of the generator, or equipment upgrades that may need extra power.

A more powerful generator is typically more expensive to buy or to rent. But customers also have to take fuel costs into consideration, as a larger unit always burns more fuel to operate. It is important to calculate estimated fuel use for estimating costs and to ensure that enough fuel is stored onsite to keep the generator functioning during an emergency.

For more information, contact Red-D-Arc Welderentals.

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