Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Generator Company ...

30 Jun.,2025

 

Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Generator Company ...

Powercut!

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That is the last thing you want to hear in the middle of production, and yet it can happen. If you operate a company, you know how crippling it can be to profits to have a sudden break in production.

To allay these concerns you need to create a plan to help you function in the event of unforeseen circumstances and power outages. The best step you can take to specifically address emergency power is to invest in a commercial generator that will keep your lights on and the company running when the grid goes down.

The time that is spent without electricity can be a great loss for any company. However, it can be especially disastrous for companies where reliable power is mission critical; restaurants can lose hundred of thousands of dollars in perishable inventory, cold storage facilities can be liable for damages to their clients’ losses, manufacturers, drillers, mining & aggregate companies can lose days or weeks of productivity. To avoid this, you should consider a permanent backup generator for your business.

To help you make the best decision, here are some helpful questions to ask your commercial generator company.

1. What is the Power Usage of the Commercial Generator?

The first thing you want to determine is how many watts is efficient to keep your business running. If you operate a small business then you’re likely only needing to keep office lights, servers, computers and printers up and running– a relatively low power load.  In contrast, a large manufacturing plant has to power all of the above in addition to larger production machinery which will demand much higher KW.

One way to know the amount of wattage you’ll need is to assess your electricity bill. Look at it your power usage over the past year to determine your daily needs, and this will help narrow the field of generators that will be appropriate to your business.  Typically, monthly power bills will outline your business’s peak usage — a good indicator of your requirements.  To ensure you have enough reserve power, it’s advisable to ad 25% above your peak usage when calculating your overall backup KW needs.

Regardless, while the above advice will point you in the right direction, you will still want to have a professional generator dealer evaluate and advise you before purchase.

2. What are the Types of Fuel?

The amount of wattage you use is an effective way to determine the type of generator you will need. However, you should also be aware that the electricity that the generator will produce is dependent on the engine.  With that, you will need to think about the fuel that the generator will use as well. There are several types of fuels available, however both your power usage, the frequency with which you will need to use your generator, and whether or not the fuel will be stored on site need to all be taken into consideration. For example, if you’re looking, if you’re power requirements are in excess of 100KW and you will be storing fuel on site, then diesel is likely ideal.

Let’s take a closer look:

Natural Gas

If your business has a natural gas line, then this fuel type may be best suited for you. It saves you the cost of storing fuel on your property and is always available for usage. It remains functional even when it’s cold, and while these engines consume more quantity of fuel, operation is very cheap and convenient.

Diesel

This fuel type is the most popular among commercial generator fuels. It is very convenient and it runs efficiently. This fuel is also one of the most affordable types to both operate and maintain. It works well when the weather gets cold and can be stored on-site for up to two years.

Dual Fuel

Did you know there are engines that can run on both diesel and natural gas?  Well, these engines are especially well suited for businesses operating generators for prime power, while their versatility ensures that regardless of what fuel you have immediately available, your operations stay up and running.

Gasoline and Propane

For small businesses with low power needs, these can be viable options.  However, at scale, both of these fuel types can be quite expensive and for different reasons.  Propane can be stored indefinitely, but carries a high price tag; gasoline may be cheaper, but only has a one-year shelf life.

3. What is Running Time Like?

The next factor to consider is the period of time that you will need the generator to power your business. You will not know how long a power outage might last so to anticipate the time period will be a bit difficult.

Despite that, you still want to purchase a generator that will run indefinitely since it will be the main source of power. The running time goes hand-in-hand with the fuel type so it is always important that you get the most efficient fuel for your business.

Whether it is a small business or a manufacturing company, you want to ensure that the fuel is able to support your generator for a lengthy period. Once the fuel runs out, your generator will stop running so consider the fuel source at all times.

4. Is the Generator Stationary or Portable?

An important question to ask about your commercial generator is its mobility. Depending on the type of business you run you may or may not need a stationary generator.

A stationary generator connects to your electricity line and monitors your electricity. Should there be a power outage, the generator will automatically switch on to supply your business with electricity. This is especially useful if your business sells or manufactures frozen or perishable goods.

In this case, you would never want to be without a way to get power fast. A stationary generator will also ensure that your security lights stay on should a power cut happen at night.

Portable generators are very useful as well and tend to be more affordable. If you wish to perform renovations on your business and will need to disconnect the power supply this is a great option.

These are also great if your business is located in an area that is prone to hurricanes. Good models to try are the CAT XQ500 or XQ.

These generators are a good choice if you have an office and want to ensure that your computers will still run and your security systems will still be powered if there is a power outage.

Both portable and stationary generators help to boost safety and security when the power goes out. For example, if you have an office that is dark and usually needs lights during the day, a portable generator can help to prevent accidents.

5. Is the Generator Cost Friendly?

Your generator should be able to fit within your budget. However, do consider that sometimes even when the cost is cheaper you are not necessarily getting a good deal. This is because you have to consider the cost of maintenance that will come sooner or later.

Commercial generators usually require frequent maintenance, servicing, and testing to ensure that they are running efficiently and effectively. This sometimes can become very costly for you, so factor this into your budget.

One additional factor to consider is the fuel cost which usually fluctuates so it is difficult to determine what the price will be. However, when choosing a generator try to project future fuel costs and let it be a guiding force in your choice of generator.

Want more information on Diesel Generator Supplier? Feel free to contact us.

Choosing a Generator

All businesses require equipment that will allow it to function in the event of an emergency. As long as you operate a business, you must consider all options to save you time and money. Invest in a commercial generator that is most suitable for your business and be sure to consider all the factors discussed here.

If you run a large business you want to ensure that your generator can operate efficiently with the right fuel and is connected to your utility line. If you run a small business you can get away with using a small portable generator.

Frequently Asked Questions | New Diesel Generators

GFE Power Products have a fantastic range of generators featuring the world renowned Perkins engines. From 13kVA generators up to kVA generators, GFE Power Products has the right Perkins Powered diesel generator for you.

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GFE Power Products sell new diesel generators that have Perkins engines. We have our top of the range GFE Perkins Powered diesel generators that combine the fantastic, reliable Perkins engine with GFE engineering. Take a look at the full GFE Perkins Powered range and explore the options of standby power for your home or business.

Here at GFE Power Products we have a have a huge range of Kohler diesel generators available. Explore our collection of Kohler diesel generators. From 22kVA to 825kVA we have the right Kohler generator for you. Ideal for standby and backup power applications. Get in touch and order your new generator today.

GFE Power Products have a dealer based in Bangladesh that can supply you with support throughout the process of purchasing to installing your new GFE Perkins Powered diesel generator.

Read about a recent client acceptance test visit here, where we welcomed some of our Bangladesh clients to visit our headquarters in Pershore, Worcestershire, UK.

Are you passionate about engineering and eager to represent top-tier power products? At GFE, our dealers are more than just sellers; they are knowledgeable partners who embody the spirit of British engineering excellence.

If you would like to join our growing dealer network, get in touch!

Learn more about the GFE Power Products Dealer Network in our blog post, African Review Feature: GFE Power Products seeking partners.

GFE offers comprehensive support that includes sales, marketing, business strategy, financial planning, logistics, and engineer training. We take a slow, systematic approach to building a deep understanding of your business needs, ensuring you have the support to thrive where other suppliers may fall short. Would you benefit from our support? Contact us today.

Yes, you can connect a generator to your home and in the event of a power cut, the generator will prevent the power cut from affecting your home. Using an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) would mean your generator automatically turns on once a loss of power is detected. Read our blog post for more information on ATS panels.

A blackout is a complete loss of electrical power in a specific area, often due to severe faults in the power system, storms, or infrastructure failures. In contrast, a brownout is a partial reduction in electrical power, where the voltage drops but power is not entirely lost, typically caused by high demand or deliberate measures to prevent a full blackout. Blackouts result in a total outage, while brownouts lead to dimming lights and reduced performance of electrical devices.

Power cuts can be caused by a range of issues including severe weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, maintenance work, or accidents like vehicle collisions with power lines. They can also result from overloading of the electrical grid or deliberate shutdowns for grid management or safety reasons. Don’t let you company be affected by power cuts, buy a new generator from GFE Power Products Contact us.

Whether or not you need a generator this winter depends on several factors, including your location, the severity of the winter weather in your area, and your specific needs. Here are some considerations to help you decide.

Determining if a 20kVA generator is suitable for your house depends on your specific power requirements, such as the number of appliances and their power consumption.

Generally, a 20kVA generator can power a small to medium-sized house, but it's essential to conduct a thorough assessment to ensure it meets your needs adequately.

Consult with the GFE Power Products team, our generator specialists can evaluate your household's power demands accurately and advise you on the best size generator for your needs.

Absolutely! Servicing your diesel generator is essential for several reasons. Regular maintenance not only ensures your generator operates efficiently but also helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Diesel engines are designed for longevity and heavy use, but without proper care, they can suffer from wear and tear, leading to reduced performance, higher fuel consumption, and even safety hazards.

Routine servicing involves checking and replacing vital components like oil, filters, and belts, as well as inspecting electrical connections, batteries, and the cooling system. This upkeep is crucial in extending the lifespan of your equipment, maintaining peak performance, and ensuring your generator is always ready to provide reliable backup power when needed.

For a more in-depth understanding of why maintaining your generator is so important, including how regular servicing can save you money and increase safety, check out our latest blog post: why should I service my generator/engine?

There are a number of ways to preserve the quality of your stored diesel. These include: adding antioxidants and stabilisers, using additives and separator filters, topping off the tank and storing the fuel in a cool, dry area. To find out more read our article here.

If you need a fuel tank for your new diesel generator, GFE Power Products can provide the perfect fuel tank for you.

If you are unsure of the fuel tank size you need contact our sales team and we can advise you on the best set up for your business.

A generator does require a battery. Batteries are the most critical, but often forgotten, part of a diesel genset. Without a battery your backup power source will not even turn on and will be unable to provide the electricity you need at critical times. Learn more about proper maintenance of a generator battery.

Prime describes a generator that acts as the primary power source for an application without using the grid and can be run 24/7 at near to their maximum load. A standby generator acts as a backup power source in the event of a power cut.

When a generator is run below its operating temperature, has been unused for a long period of time or is operated at less than 60% of its rated load the unburnt fuel, carbon and moisture can gather around the exhaust system causing a thick, oily substance to accumulate.

Apparent power (kVA) Is the combination of working power and reactive power. A generator must be rated accordingly to carry the sum of both the waste energy and that which does the work.

Reactive power (VAR) is the energy which returns to source in each complete cycle of the AC waveform. This power does not perform work but is essential for providing the voltage levels necessary for working power to be useful.

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