Top 6 Things to Consider When Hiring a Power Generator

There are many uses for generators. For example, you can use it as back-up power for your home or place of business in cases of outages.

Events like concerts, outdoor weddings, small weekend markets, and the like can benefit from power generators, too. Farmers can also use a generator as a permanent power source in sections of their property where it’s too impractical to connect it to the main.

In some situations, it’s wiser to buy a power generator. However, in most cases, hiring would be a better option. To help you make a choice, here are a few things to consider when you’re looking for generators for hire.

Power Requirements 

Your first priority when hiring a generator is to figure out how much power you need. Make a checklist of all the appliances that will be powered by the generator followed by the wattage of each. Note that bigger appliances and other electrical equipment might need more power than what’s indicated in their labels or manuals, so make sure to account for this when you make your estimates. In fact, it’s good practice to always hire a generator with a higher voltage than what you actually require to ensure that you always have adequate power. Overloading a generator can cause it to overheat and become a fire and explosion hazard. The appliances connected to the generator can also end up being damaged due to the intermittent and inconsistent power.

Duration

Do you need the generator for a whole-day event or only for a couple of hours? Is there a blackout and the power company needs at least two days to restore service? Knowing how long you will need the generator will help you decide which model to get. There are some that can run for about three to six hours, while there are more powerful ones that can last for a day or longer, depending on how many appliances you plug in. Another thing that you should factor in when making your decision is whether to choose a diesel- or petrol-powered type. Note that, in Australia, diesel is more expensive than petrol. However, diesel generators can produce more power.

Noise Factor 

As much as possible, you want a generator that operates with minimal noise. You don’t want to ruin an event like a wedding or an intimate garden lunch with the background droning or a power generator, do you? What’s more, if you’re using the generator in a residential neighbourhood, a loud generator is definitely a no-no. Luckily, newer models of generators are specifically designed to have a low noise output, so this isn’t too much of a problem.

Space

Remember that generators emit carbon monoxide. Therefore, you should place it well away from where people gather. More importantly, it should be out-of-reach of children. If there’s going to be food at your event, make sure to provide enough distance between the generator and the dining and food preparation areas. At the same time, you should also consider the gap between the generator and the appliances. It shouldn’t be located too far, especially since you need convenient access just in case something goes wrong. Finally, the location where you put the generator should have ample protection from water and snow.

Additional Features

When looking for generators, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for additional safety features such as: automatic voltage regulation, automatic shut-off features, transfer switch and, heat detection with automatic cooling. These features can minimise the risk of accidents.

Your Budget 

Your budget also matters when you’re looking for generators for hire. The bigger the generator and the longer it can operate, the more you have to pay. Extra features like those mentioned above can also add to the price. Of course, the number of days you hire the generator will also affect the final cost.

Hiring a power generator is both meticulous and straightforward. When in doubt, consult companies that offer generators for hire. They’d be more than willing to impart their knowledge to ensure that you get the most suitable generator for your needs.