If you are running a restaurant on Saturday evening and your weekend rush comes at the same time as a storm is rolling through, it is not far fetched for your power to go out. The second your power is out, food is beginning to go bad in commercial refrigerators, ovens are not running to cook meals, payments can not be taken, and you cannot even cash out your wait staff to allow them to go home.

Or imagine you are running a sports facility and the power goes out during a game. Your concession stands are not going to have a way to keep your food in good condition, you will have hundreds or thousands of fans who are in the dark, lights won’t be on to finish the game, and scoreboards will be down.

These may not seem like major inconveniences but this can make or break a business. Nothing looks worse than a business owner who is not prepared for disaster. So what are your options?

What Commercial Generator Do I Choose?

Power outages are inevitable at some point or another whether it is from a tropical storm or a problem with the power grid, trees and vines interfering with power lines, animals chewing on wires, equipment failure, etc. The devastation that a power outage can cause on your business is unbelievable. So whenever you are choosing what generator to get for your Arkansas business what do you need to consider?

What Size Do You Need

Consider what all you need to power on in your Arkansas business. Your generator needs to be able to give power to all of your equipment safely and efficiently. Small businesses like a small clothing store may only need a single -phase generator. A large commercial business such as a restaurant or a shopping mall will need a heavier duty generator.  

How Do You Fuel

Generators can be fueled in multiple different ways. Your options are  

• Natural gas
• Propane
• Diesel
• Bi-fuel

Many businesses like to choose generators that are fueled with natural gas because it is less expensive, however sometimes a larger business needs a generator that is run on diesel fuel.

How Loud Are We Talking

Some commercial generators are significantly louder than others. If your business is in an industrial area it should not matter how loud your generator is. However, if you are near homes where families are living, you will likely want a quieter generator so as not to disturb those around you.

What Are You Willing to Spend

Commercial generators are not inexpensive but one power outage could make the difference in if your business stays open or not. They pay for themselves along the way whenever you are the only business left with power when a storm rolls through. If you are curious about what a generator may cost your business, get in contact with us to discuss your needs and price options.  

Types of Generators

Cummins Generator

Cummins Generators are a great option when you live in a neighborhood. They are as quiet as they are effective. You can be sure the neighbors never call a noise complaint in on you for this generator. Not only that, but “for nearly 100 years, Cummins has powered lives across the country and around the globe. Cummins residential standby generators feature industry proven technology, backed by real world experience.” Whenever a tropical storm rolls through town, you can trust Cummins will keep your lights on.

Generac

Did you know that Generac home standby generators is the top selling home standby generator in its class? They are run on natural gas or liquid propane. This is a great option for the environment as it has lower emission standards. They sit outside and could easily be mistaken for an air conditioning unit, making it blend right in with your home. They’re convenient in that they never have to be filled up with gas which saves you time and money.

Briggs and Stratton

Briggs and Stratton home standby generators come with a limited warranty with premium protection, including 10 year parts, labor and travel, the longest in the industry, so you can trust that your generator will last. They are typically the more affordable options when choosing which generator is the best fit for your family home. Briggs and Stratton come with an oil warmer to make sure your generator works properly once the temperature gets below 30 degrees.

According to American Family Insurance a commercial generator is an integral part of your business continuity plan. Here is what they had to say about commercial generators that are wired into your businesses electrical systems transfer switch

• When these switches sense a power outage they will isolate your “emergency” electrical wiring, providing power to the selected equipment from the normal power source, then start to transfer the “emergency” load to the generator.
  
• When the power is restored, the switch also will connect to “emergency” circuits back to the utility lines and turn off the generator.
  
• In addition to the convenience of automatic switching, permanent generators offer higher power levels compared to portable units and longer run times.
  
• A permanent generator should be compatible with the fuels available in your area — most models operate with natural gas, propane or on a bi-fuel basis.
  

We, The Nalley Family of Northside Power of Arkansas, are committed to providing top of the line service and equipment to all our customers. We know that your business is your livelihood and you cannot afford to be without power. Give us a call today or fill out our contact form and let us help you keep the lights on.