Power play: Red-D-Arc’s essential tips on choosing the right generator size

Red-D-Arc carries power generators for rent or sale.

Welding solutions are the specialty of Red-D-Arc Welderentals, but the manufacturer also offers power generators. These are essential for planning for emergency power outages resulting from weather, brownouts, or natural disasters. Generator rental can save a business thousands of dollars in lost revenue – but choosing the right size is crucial.

A recent blog entry by the Red-D-Arc team advises customers on how to get the most out of their generators by selecting the appropriate size.

Less chance of failure

It is tempting to use an under-powered generator to save money. But using the wrong size of generator can damage both the generator and the equipment it is powering, which leads to needless expense. Red-D-Arc cites several reasons why it is wiser to select a generator based on the high end of the customer’s estimate when determining emergency power needs: a longer-lasting generator; less chance of capacity overload; more consistent performance; less chance of system failure; lower risk of equipment damage; reduced chance of overheating or electrical fires; higher employee safety; and easier, quicker, less frequent, and less expensive maintenance.

To determine the right generator size, the first step is to make a list of everything the generator will need to power during an outage – for example, office equipment, heavy machinery, and lighting, heating, and cooling systems. Next, record the wattage required to power on and run all these items. This information should be either printed on the equipment or in the user manuals; otherwise, try the manufacturer’s website, or look up an online estimate for various equipment types.

Once total wattage has been estimated, the customer should choose a generator with 10-to-20 per cent more capacity than this figure. This will offer additional capacity to cover underestimation of needs, under-performance of the generator, or equipment upgrades that may need extra power.

More powerful generators are typically more expensive to rent or buy. But it is also essential to consider fuel costs, as larger units burn more fuel. Calculating estimated fuel use is vital for determining cost and making sure sufficient fuel is always stored onsite.

To learn more, contact Red-D-Arc.

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