What Kind of Generator Does Your Office Need?

You understand that your office needs a backup power source to maintain critical operations during power outages. But how do you pick the right generator for your office? This is one of the challenges business owners and property managers face when setting up a backup power supply. The electricians at Mr. Electric of Virginia Beach specialize in electrical repair and generator installation, so they understand what goes into choosing the right size generator. Today, we’ll explain how to pick the right generator for your office.

Why Proper Generator Sizing Matters

Installing a generator in your office is a substantial investment that you want to get right from the word go. Choosing the wrong generator can be too costly, both in terms of ongoing operation expenses and the potential damage it can cause. An undersized generator can be insufficient while an oversized one can damage your local electrical in Seaford, VA systems and cost you more money to run than necessary. That’s why you need to make the right choice from the outset and consult widely before making a purchase.

How to Choose the Right Size Generator

1.     Assess Your Power Requirements

Before you even start looking at generators, take a hard look at what you actually need to power. Make a list of specific appliances, tools, or equipment you want to run. Think about lighting, computers, refrigerators, heating or cooling systems, and any other critical devices. This detailed inventory will form the foundation of your power needs assessment.

2.     Add Up Your Wattage Needs

Once you have your list, it's time to get down to the numbers. Each appliance or piece of equipment has a wattage rating, which indicates how much power it consumes. You can usually find this information on a label on the appliance itself or in its user manual. It's important to differentiate between starting wattage and running wattage. Starting wattage is the surge of power an appliance needs when it first turns on, while running wattage is the power it uses continuously. Use a wattage calculator or create a spreadsheet to add up the running wattage of all the items you want to power simultaneously. This total will give you a good estimate of the minimum generator size you'll need.

3.     Account for Future Expansion

To avoid problems later on, think about the future. Do you anticipate adding more appliances or expanding your business? If so, it's advisable to choose a generator with a little extra capacity to accommodate these future needs. It's much easier and more cost-effective to buy a slightly larger generator upfront than to have to upgrade later. Consider adding a buffer of around 20-25% to your calculated wattage needs to ensure you have enough power for future growth.

4.     Consult an Experienced Electrician

While you can do some of the research yourself, it's a good idea to consult with a qualified electrician. They can help you determine the correct size generator for your needs and ensure proper electrical wiring and installation. The experts will also make sure your generator complies with all local codes and regulations.

Talk To Mr. Electric of Virginia Beach Today About Generators

If you’re considering installing a backup generator in your home or business, the licensed and insured electricians at Mr. Electric can help. Our team is here to assess your power needs and find the right generator for your home or office. If you’ve already chosen one, our electricians will get to work and ensure it’s installed properly. Contact us today for more details and to speak with one of our electricians about your electrical needs.