People forget just how inconvenient it is to lose power until they’re suddenly sitting in the dark. This might be inconvenient if you’re at home, but losing power can be a critical problem for businesses and commercial facilities.
As a backup for the unexpected outage, properties rely on commercial generators to keep the lights on and the business running. Suncoast Power has over 30 years of experience installing, upgrading, and maintaining commercial generators throughout Florida. Contact us today to speak to an expert.
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Generators are used to provide temporary power to your building during an outage. Generators can run on diesel, natural gas, or petroleum gas lines. While all generators perform the same core function, there are different classes of generators that exist for different power needs.
Residential Generators
Residential generators are ones that can power a home or duplex. We do not install residential units.
Commercial Generators
Commercial generators are used to keep large buildings and running for long periods.
Industrial Generators
Industrial generators are similar to commercial generators, they can just produce more power.
Commercial generators come in two main categories: essential and non-essential. Essential generators include emergency and legally-required emergency generators, while non-essential are additional standby generators. The building codes in most states require that buildings have essential emergency generators to power certain critical systems, while optional (non-essential) generators can power the rest of the building.
Emergency generators provide power to emergency systems so that people can evacuate safely during an emergency. These generators aren’t used for non-critical systems, such as computers, HVAC systems, or industrial equipment.
Emergency generators must supply power directly to the critical panels, switches, and conduits within 10 seconds of power loss to meet NFPA 110 standard requirements. These systems include:
Under the NFPA 110 code, certain buildings must have emergency standby generators including hospitals and high-rise buildings. Emergency standby generators must provide power to critical systems within 60 seconds of power loss but can connect to your normal power system instead of needing a separate circuit.
Most buildings that need code-required emergency standby generators will have them already installed. However, since the definition of “critical” systems varies by state and municipality, it may be a good idea to work with Suncoast Power to assess your compliance and make changes, if necessary.
Emergency backup power is necessary for most buildings, but emergency generators don’t power things like HVAC, lights, computers, and printers. If your business needs backup power to continue operating in a blackout, your building will need an additional standby backup generator.
“Business-critical” processes can vary dramatically from business to business, so your expected power usage is the most critical factor when installing a commercial generator. Generators differ in size, power generation, and utility. Most buildings will incorporate these generators into their standard circuitry, which allows the generators to only turn on during an outage and turn back off once grid power returns.
According to The Guardian, power outages in the U.S. have doubled over the past two decades, and it’s unlikely that this trend will stop any time soon. Not only are outages more frequent, but they also have been reported to last longer, which can severely impact your business performance.
Installing a backup power system and having a consistent electrical supply comes with many benefits.
We installed backup generators and emergency generators in countless commercial and industrial properties throughout the State of Florida. Whether you operate hospital, residential housing complex, or a row of industrial warehouses, our team can ensure you keep the lights on. Here are some of the typical properties where we might install a backup generator.
We have installed backup and emergency generators in commercial buildings of every size. Shopping centers, malls, grocery stores, and a wide range of other properties. Our team has the experience and expertise to analyze your needs, source the right equipment, and navigate local building codes to ensure a proper installation.
Industrial facilities need stable, continuous power to prevent potential downtime, missed deadlines, and lost profits. We can design a backup power system that will keep your operation up and running even if the rest of the city is in the dark.
Residential buildings like apartment complexes and condos need to ensure their tenants are safe and comfortable, especially during a power outage. We understasnd the intricacies of planning a backup power system for the special needs of residential properties.
Businesses and corporations working out of office buildings expect that even if there’s a hurricane going on outdoors, the lights stay on indoors. We’ve installed large-scale commercial generators that can keep even the tallest high-rise office buildings running.
Many new buildings in Florida are required to have backup power and emergency power to pass final inspections. Our team understands the intricacies of local building codes as well as how to assess backup power needs for new construction projects.
Hospitals and medical facilities losing power could mean the difference between life and death for their patients. We understand the unique demands of healthcare facilities and can design and install redundant backup power and emergency power systems to ensure your building never loses power.
Hotels, restaurants, lodging facilities, and other buildings in the hospitality industry need to put the comfort of their guests before everything else. Hotels, in particular, must be able to continue providing all of their services and amenities even if they’re having power trouble. Backup generators ensure your guests have a seamless experience during a temporary power outage, or can safely evacuate in an emergency.
Local, state, and federal government facilities must continue operating, especially during a natural disaster or power outage. Our team understands that government buildings have unique requirements and are happy to tailor our process and services to meet your specific needs.
The first step in any commercial generator installation is selecting the right one for your needs. Every building has unique requirements, and no one-size-fits-all solution works for commercial generators, so it’s essential to identify your requirements and consider various factors when choosing the best option.
Most generators will use either natural gas or diesel as their fuel source. Both options are equally effective at producing power, but each has unique properties that might make it the more suitable choice for your situation.
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A primary consideration during a commercial generator installation is installing it inside or outside. Placing a generator inside allows for easier maintenance access and less work to connect it to existing wiring.
However, you’ll need to install a dedicated ventilation system and find a large enough space to accommodate the generator while remaining within building regulations and safety codes.
Space usually isn’t an issue with outdoor generators, but they tend to be slightly more expensive due to their weatherproof casing. Outdoor generators often require more maintenance and may not comply with local noise ordinances.
Running generators create extensive heat amounts and potentially hazardous emissions. Heat accumulation might trigger an automated shutdown sequence, leaving the building without power until the unit cools down sufficiently. Toxic emissions can also be a health concern for your employees who work near the generator.
Indoor ventilation typically consists of an intake, multiple outlets, and a fan to circulate air in and around the unit. All vents must be completely airtight to prevent carbon monoxide and other gasses from leaking out of the unit and accumulating in the building. The air intake must also be large enough to provide sufficient air movement to cool the unit effectively.
Airflow also plays a critical role in outdoor generators. It’s still essential to vent fumes away from the unit while providing adequate airflow for cooling. This can be especially tricky during hot summer months, and you may need to consider remote cooling solutions to prevent overheating.
Protecting your outdoor generator from vandalism while making it accessible for routine maintenance can be challenging. Many buildings install generators on rooftops or in secure rooms. If you need to install your generator outside on the ground floor, consider adding a layer of access control, such as a fence or gate, to keep intruders away.
An outdoor generator is vulnerable to severe weather conditions – hot or cold. The good news is that most manufacturers produce specialized casings for outdoor generators that are tested extensively before selling the unit.
The bad news is winds, and severe storms often produce large amounts of debris, which can block air intakes or vents. This could lead to overheating and engine damage. It’s vital to conduct regular inspections, especially during inclement weather.
Both indoor and outdoor generator systems must comply with local building codes, including fire safety and emissions regulations. Working with a professional generator installation service, like Suncoast Power, will ensure your new installation meets all federal, state, and local regulations.
Generators are extremely loud and may interfere with employee productivity. Many generator manufacturers produce sound-reducing enclosures that can reduce the impact of noise on the occupants within your building. If your commercial generator is in a location that is disruptive to employees, it may be wise to have a sound barrier installed with your generator.
An automatic transfer switch constantly monitors your power supply. When it detects a power outage, it automatically starts the generator within 60 seconds or less. After it detects a restart in the power supply from the grid, it will automatically turn the generator off.
While not strictly necessary, an automatic transfer switch can increase your generator’s efficiency and lifespan while removing the hassle of manually turning on the generator every time the power cuts out. As these switches also turn the generator off, you don’t waste fuel running your power supply and don’t require someone on the premises to switch the generator on and off when needed.
If you use an automatic transfer switch on a diesel generator, you’ll still need to ensure you have enough fuel in the tank to run it, which means regular refueling trips to keep your generator functioning.
Automatic transfer switches work best with natural gas generators connected to your gas supply. Since fueling and turning the generator on and off are both automated, this is the most convenient “set it and forget it” solution, but it’s also one of the more expensive options.
