Gas generators can be vitally important to your business, offering a backup source of power when the main energy source fails, so it's important that you have all the right supplies for gas and gasoline generators to keep you equipment in top shape. Many gas generator manufacturers offer supplies and accessories to complement their equipment like cables, adapters, switches and covers. Keep your gas powered electric generator primed and ready for service so that whether you're at a construction site or at your business facility, you have power when you need it.

You can find a variety of supplies online for commercial standby or portable gas generators. Locate the right gas powered generator accessories for your business needs, including:

1. Buy gasoline generator transfer switches.
2. Find power cords for your gas generator.
3. Improve the efficiency of your portable generator.
   

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

Find the right transfer switch for your gas generator

A transfer switch constantly monitors utility power and, when it senses an interruption, switches to your backup standby generator. Then when utility power is restored, the generator is automatically turned off. A transfer switch can automatically ensure that your business has a steady stream of electricity, whether you have an employee available to monitor the generator or not.

I recommend: Buy Gas Appliances sells a variety of automatic transfer switches from leading gas generator manufacturers. CVF Supply Company sells a variety of automatic power transfer switches designed for use with gas powered electric generators that maximize the capacity of any backup system.

Hook up your gas generators with the right power cords

Gas generator power cords can link your machine to a transfer switch or can be used to combine multiple generators and increase the backup power supplied to your business site. Be certain that you purchase a power cord that meets your wattage requirements.

I recommend: Every Generator provides generator cords from multiple name brand manufacturers that work with a variety of generators. Electric Generators Direct offers dozens of power cords from 10 to 100 feet long.

Improve your portable gasoline generator with wheel kits or covers

Portable gas generators can be a pain to lug around, but you can fix that problem by adding a set of wheels. If a generator doesn't come with wheels, many manufacturers provide kits to add wheels to their products. You can also buy generic kits that work with a variety of brands. If you store your gas generator outside, you'll want to protect it from the elements with a generator cover.

I recommend: NexTag lets you compare prices on wheel kit products from a variety of manufacturers and suppliers. Jack's Small Engines sells covers in multiple sizes to protect your portable generator.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you can't find a gas generator accessory available for sale online, contact a gas generator manufacturer directly. Manufacturers may sell supplies they don't advertise online, or at least be able to recommend a supplier for your accessory needs.

Sometimes you need a backup energy source, or maybe you have to carry an electrical energy supply with you to accomplish a remote job. A gas powered electric generator may be exactly what you need.

A gasoline generator is especially useful as a portable energy source, since it can be lighter than other generators and easy to transport. If you have a gas powered electric generator that is not as portable as you would like it to be, many models can be fitted with wheel kits to make them mobile. With a more portable gasoline generator, you’ll be able to bring your machine to a job site and wheel it to where its needed.

When purchasing a gas powered generator, here are some tips for finding the one you're looking for:

1. For good deals on equipment that still functions well, buy used or refurbished gas generators.
2. To prepare for the possibility of maintenance needs, also purchase gas generator parts when you buy the machine.
3. Look for a gas powered generator distributor who will buy or exchange used generators if you're looking to get rid of your old machine.

Action Steps
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Go online to compare prices from many diesel generator companies

You may know the specifications of the gas powered generator you're looking for but haven't been able to compare similar models. Go online for price quotes on machines from multiple companies. Compare prices to find the generator that fits your budget and meets your needs.

I recommend: Get a free price quote at BuyerZone on models built by multiple gas generator manufacturers and sold by a variety of distributors. Fill out a short survey to get a phone call from gasoline generator distributors who stock machines that fulfill your requirements.

Find a wholesale distributor of gas generators

If you're looking for the best price on a gas generator, look for gas generators for sale from wholesale vendors who sell at factory-direct prices. Companies that buy their machines directly from gas generator manufacturers can often offer better prices.

I recommend: GeneratorDepot offers portable and standby generators at wholesale prices. Browse their website for photos and written specifications on the models they sell.

Buy the accessories you need for your new or used generator

Many times it just isn't enough to buy the gas generator itself.You may need accessories to help with an onsite installation, or extra parts in case mechanical problems arise. Look for generator suppliers who sell accessories as well as the generators and purchase all the items you'll need in future at the same time.

I recommend: Find portable generators and wheel kits at GlobalIndustrial.com. Buy a ready-made gas generator, or just the engine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you only need a gas generator temporarily, many vendors will rent generators as well as sell them.

Gas powered electric generators come in a variety of sizes, and can be used as regular or standby power sources for your business needs or as portable means of energy production. Before making a purchase, consider the pricing and costs of gas and gasoline generators so you can find the right machinery for your company's needs. A small portable gas powered electric generator will generally cost less than a thousand dollars, depending on the wattage, while a larger standby gas generator can cost well over $100,000.

This guide takes a look the general prices of a variety of gas generator products on the market. Make an informed decision about the price ranges associated with multiple machine options, including:

1. Portable gas generators
2. Heavy duty standby or standard gas generators
3. Used or refurbished gas generators
   

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

Find the right portable gasoline generator for your business

Portable gasoline generators are useful for a variety of industries that need a mobile source of energy. They can be used on the factory floor or at your construction site. Smaller machines with lower watt rankings start at about $500, while larger portable generators will cost $1000 to $2000.

I recommend: Electric Generators Direct offers a handy online search tool to help you find the machine that fits the brand, grade, and wattage requirements you have. They sell portable equipment from dozens of top manufacturers that ranges in cost from $500 to $5000. Norwall PowerSystems supplies gas generators for sale from multiple manufacturers at discounts off the list price. Their gas powered generator models range from $800 to $3000.

Compare prices on commercial standby gas powered electric generators

If your business relies on a current source of electrical energy, or you're situated in an area that cannot be connected to the local power grid, you need a commercial standby gas generator system. Prices vary based on size and wattage, with a machine producing 20 kW of energy starting at about $8000 and a large industrial 2000 kW gasoline generator costing at least $500,000.

I recommend: Northern Tool + Equipment sells a variety of equipment from multiple gas generator manufacturers ranging from 20 to 200 kW. Prices start around $8000 and go up to $75,000 for larger models. Americas Generators is a leading supplier of diesel gasoline generators in all sizes. They sell commercial standby generators greater than 1000 kW ranging in cost from $200,000 to $500,000 as well as a number of smaller models.

Get great deals on used or refurbished gas generators

New equipment is likely to run better and last longer than refurbished machinery, but there are a number of reliable used generator providers online that can save your business tens of thousands of dollars on standby generators.

I recommend: Diesel Service & Supply specializes in used generators from 50 to 3000 kW, costing from $12,000 to $900,000. US Power & Environment sells refurbished machinery from a number of manufacturers. Their industrial standby generators cost as low as $5000 for a 30 kW model or $700,000 for a 3500 kW machine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Along with the initial price of a gas powered generator, figure in costs for repair and maintenance down the road. It's always a good idea to compare warranties from multiple suppliers when deciding on the right generator.

Gas and gasoline generators are used as a backup power source for homes and businesses. A natural gas generator has the capacity to handle larger jobs while gasoline generators are a smaller, portable size good for short periods of use. Both types of generators work well to provide a low maintenance and cost efficient option for backup power sources. Gasoline generators are typically produce 7kW of power or less. Power produced by natural gas generators can range from 7kW to 15kW.

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

Transfer switch

A transfer switch is a switch that allows changing from the primary power sources to a secondary power source. Using a transfer switch with a generator helps to maintain safe switching from different power sources and keeps both sources isolated from each other.

I recommend: Generator Joe provides answers to frequently asked questions about generator transfer switches, which type to choose and how to install the switch.

Sizing

Sizing is an important concept for gas generators. Proper sizing prevents underproduction or overproduction of power for the needs of the space.

I recommend: US Carburetion provides a sizing chart and information on sizing for propane and gas generators.

Heat rise

Heat rise is a process where the amount of heat rising from a generator when in use is directly related to the longevity of the generator. Heat rise is also related to the amount of copper present in the generator's alternator.

I recommend: Jobsite Generators provides information on ratings on generator heat rise.

Voltage

Voltage is the rate that energy is taken from a source to produce an electric flow inside a circuit. Voltage is expressed in volts (V).

I recommend: Electricity Central provides an explanation of voltage and how to measure it.

Closed frame generator

Portable gasoline generators have the ability to produce lots of noise, so manufacturers produce open and closed frame generators. The closed frame generator offers noise reduction to the level of sound comparable to two people talking.

I recommend: Aurora Generators provides specs on a type of gasoline generator with a closed frame designed for quieter conditions.

Kilowatt (kW)

The kilowatt of an electrical product or appliance is the measure of power the product generates. One kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. Kilowatts are often used to size generators for an area.

I recommend: Gillette Generators provides a sizing chart for generators determined by the kilowatts that need to be produced in order to accommodate a certain amount of essential appliances.