Choosing the right generator for hire is essential to properly powering your event. Understanding when you might need to hire a generator, determine your power needs, and operate the generator correctly.
This guide will help you master all these aspects of hiring a generator.
When Do You Need a Generator?
The first question is, "Do you need a generator at all?" - and the answer is probably yes. Generators are used in many indoor and outdoor events because they offer reliable, portable power.Everyday events that might have generator hire as a part of the planning process include sporting events, county shows, farm shows, concerts, outdoor wedding receptions, concerts, festivals, and corporate events. However, this is a partial list, as generators are used in many fields.
The Dual Importance Of a Generator
A generator is helpful for the apparent purpose of powering equipment when the location of the event is in a relatively remote location where hooking up to the grid isn't feasible. But there is another benefit of hiring a generator you should consider even if you already have access to on-site power - backup.It's never wise to run an event with only one power source. If there's a power cut, a power surge, or the equipment fails, it could cause the whole event to come to a standstill. This can happen when you put too much load on the equipment, when it's not maintained correctly, or even just through a freak accident.
It is essential to have a generator on-site as a backup so you can switch seamlessly to the generator's power if something goes wrong.
Determining Your Power Requirements
All events have different power needs, and several other generators are available depending on what you need to power. For example, powering a large outdoor music concert will require much larger generators than a small outdoor wedding reception.Determine your requirements by making as detailed a list as possible of the equipment you intend to power with the generator you want to hire. Note the power consumption of each piece of equipment and tally them together to get the combined power rating you will need.
With that, you can begin browsing the available generators that can satisfy those requirements. It's always essential, however, to have a qualified electrician help you establish your power needs or, at the very least, double-check your equipment list when it's finished.
It's also worth remembering that it's wise to invest in a generator capable of providing reasonably more power than you think you need. Don't be tempted to get a small generator that only meets your requirements to save money, as your power needs can rise unexpectedly.
Safely Using The Generator
Your generator supplier should give you an overview of the critical things you need to know for the safe operation of your generator. Pay close attention, and write them down if possible - all generators have different quirks in terms of the way they operate, and the supplier will know them best.A good rule of thumb, however, is to always keep a close eye on the oil level - keep the generator filled to the appropriate level and change the oil if the generator has been operating constantly for more than 20 hours. If you have a diesel generator, your generator supplier may supply fuel. If they don't, always use the best quality diesel you can to help with reliability.
Most importantly, if you have any questions or need clarification, ask your generator supplier.
