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Guide to Backup Power Generators and Supply

A power outage could bring a serious cash-flow outage to your business

By Cherie L. Berkley, Owner, Legacy Letters, LLC


Power supply loss can devastate a small business. Having an efficient backup system can be a corporate lifesaver. Backup power generators kick in when they detect a drop in line voltage or a power loss. Even if your company has a backup generator, it may be insufficient. Some only cover computer power outages.

Here are three reasons backup power generators are essential:

  1. They can save you from lost productivity.
  2. Business flow is not interrupted.
  3. They can prevent everything from lost data to lost supplies to lost customers.

Here are the most common and affordable types of backup generators and power sources to consider for a small business.

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


Natural gas generators

Natural gas generators are probably the easiest of the different types to manage. The energy supply flows directly from the property's gas line. Typically there won't be a simultaneous disruption in natural gas supply when there is an electric power outage, which makes this a good backup energy source.
I recommend: Pepco Energy Services supplies natural gas, energy consulting services and generators. You also can buy generators from Kohler or a provider in your area.

Diesel or gasoline generators

They have to be filled by hand but the fuel is easy to get – just store it safely.
I recommend: Kohler has a mix of diesel generators that can be customized for small businesses. Diesel Service & Supply sells new and used equipment from a variety of makers.

Battery powered generators

These quiet models are always on, charging from the build power supply till needed.
I recommend: Gaia Power Technologies sells the Gaia PowerTower as a battery-run generator.

Portable generators

There are plenty of choices for smaller generators to cover spot emergencies.
I recommend: ReadyPower stocks several makers. Honda is a familiar name that's also in the generator business.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Make sure you have somewhere to store a fuel tank outside if you get a diesel generator.
  • Backup power costs more than power generated from a grid.
  • Consider an automatic power switch that starts, operates, and shuts down the generator automatically.
  • Watch for wattage requirements.
  • Keep up with regular maintenance in between power outages.

The official source of Backup Power Generators and Supply is
the Generators page at Business.com

Aggreko Rental Generators
A global leader in rental generators. Aggreko has over 40 years experience solving the power and temperature control issues affecting your business.
Power | Temperature | Oil-Free Air | Moisture Control
Aggreko.com
Diesel Generators
Find Diesel Generators. Search listings and reviews of retailers, specialists and services in your local area now.
www.justclicklocal.com
Generators - Free Price Quotes
Easily Compare Prices & Save. Visit Now to Find the Best Deal!
Free Price Quotes | Start Request Now
Generators.BuyerZone.com
GlobalSpec.com: Generators
Database of suppliers for signal generators, electrical power generators, gas generators, venturi vacuum generators, packet generators and more.
www.globalspec.com

Recommended Solution Providers

MaxTool: Generators
Provider of a variety of backup power generators.

Northern Tool: Generators
Offers a selection of portable and standby generators and accessories.

Honda: Power Generators
Manufacturer of various power generators.

Kohler Power Systems: Backup Generators
Kohler provides a number of different power systems, including residential backup systems, rental generators, and mobile generators.

Best Sites to Learn More

BuyAGEnerator.com: Generator Info
Articles on types of generators and how to buy them.

Electric Generators Direct: How To Pick the Perfect Generator
Articles discussing how to the pick a portable or standby generator.

BuyerZone: Generator Buyer's Guide
Buyer's guide and articles on selecting a generator.



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