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Backup Generators

Power outages happen, and in the case of emergency it’s vital to have a reliable replacement power solution to keep you switched on. Vital Power is a leading specialist in providing top quality backup diesel generators for customers across the UK’s public sector and retail industries.

Standby, or backup, generators are crucial for maintaining service and guaranteeing no interruptions. Keep the lights on, machinery running, heating working and ensure your business is always protected. Make sure you have a contingency plan for energy outages in place with a standby generator, so in the event of a power outage you can carry on, business as usual.

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Backup Generators for Business

Diesel generators have been steadily growing in popularity in recent years, owing in large part both to their proven safety and cost-effective power supply that can transform business output and productivity.

At Vital Power, we have worked with businesses in a wide range of industries and sectors to provide an adaptable and dependable power solution for when you need a backup. We offer a range of diesel generators, additional critical power options and power supply solutions. We have a team of experts on hand to answer any questions ahead of hire or purchase.

How do Backup Generators Work?

Backup generators are designed to function automatically, detecting power outages within seconds. This is accomplished through sensors that constantly monitor the incoming electrical supply. Upon sensing any disruption or voltage drop, the generator springs into action.

When a power outage is detected, the backup generator’s control system initiates the engine’s start-up sequence. The engine generates the mechanical energy required for subsequent steps.

As the engine runs, the alternator begins converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. A voltage regulator ensures the produced power remains consistent and within acceptable limits. This electrical energy is then distributed through the generator to connected circuits.

Simultaneously, the backup generator’s transfer switch activates. This critical component disconnects the location from the main power grid and links it to the generator, ensuring a supply of power to essential circuits without risking damage to connected devices.

While the generator supplies power to the premises, it operates until the main power grid is restored. Once grid power stabilises, the generator undergoes a cooldown period before automatically shutting down, allowing the facility to revert to its normal power source.

Do I Need a Backup Generator?

Having a backup diesel generator is becoming more and more popular for businesses in all sectors, and for certain companies and industries, it is simply crucial. We supply backup generators to several key sectors, including:

Medical Facilities

Hospitals, nursing stations, residential homes and other healthcare facilities are vital to everyday life. Even the most routine of modern medical procedures rely on electrical and electronic devices – from dialysis machines to oxygen tanks and surgical tools – so it’s essential to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for equipment.

We specialise in hospital backup generators and contingency power supplies for medical settings. These diesel generators are cost-effective and compatible with a range of systems. We can provide a range of options for budget planning, because we’re passionate about ensuring businesses in the medical sector aren’t priced out of the market for vital, life-saving equipment.

Universities, Schools And Higher Education Services

The great British weather can often pose a few problems for heating and supplies, particularly as the winter months set in. Particularly at schools, universities and higher education buildings, campuses can be home to critical research laboratories. These and similar facilities require a constant power supply to maintain data, research and experiments.

Other factors – such as student livelihood, wellness, campus activities and more also require a constant power supply. Providing heating, hot water, lighting and electricity for students and teaching staff is vital. In the event of a power outage through weather or technical fault, having a dependable diesel generator can save countless resources.

Our range of backup generators for schools and universities offers a range of solutions to provide a safety net for teachers, tutors and education administrators. Our generator offering includes a full range of supplementary services perfect for maintaining and ensuring the safety of your school generator, including refuelling and repairs.

Restaurants, Cafés And Food Service

Save food and drink perishables in the event of a power failure and guarantee your patrons, customers, staff and stakeholders are kept safe and happy. Safeguard your operation and protect your stock in the case of an emergency outage of your refrigeration or storage facilities.

In addition to our range of tried and tested range of diesel and electric generators, we can also create bespoke, custom built generators for more challenging or unusual projects.

Other Industries That Benefit From Backup Generators

Having a backup power supply is a good idea for any business. Over our years creating tailor-made power solutions these are some other industries we’ve supplied…

  • Telecommunications
  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Commercial
  • Residential

How Long Do Backup Generators Last?

The lifespan of a diesel backup generator is primarily influenced by its fuel supply, making the generator’s runtime directly dependent on the amount of fuel in the tank. Since fuel tanks can vary greatly in size, the duration that your generator can run without needing a refill will consequently vary based on the capacity of the tank linked to your generator.

In addition to fuel capacity, several other factors influence how long a diesel generator can operate:

Generator Quality and Maintenance: High-quality generators that are regularly serviced can last for many years. Routine maintenance is crucial in extending the life of a diesel generator, including regular checks, and replacing parts as needed.

Usage Frequency: How often a generator is used can also impact its longevity. Generators that are used frequently may require more frequent maintenance, whereas those used less often might last longer but will need periodic testing to ensure they remain in good working condition.

Operating Conditions: The environment in which a generator operates affects its lifespan. Generators working in harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures or dusty environments, may have a reduced lifespan due to greater wear and tear.

Type of Load: The type of load the generator supports — whether it’s running at full capacity, at a variable load, or intermittently — can also affect its durability and operational lifespan.

Installing a Backup Generator

At Vital Power, we’re your go-to experts for all things generator and power supply services, with a specialisation in generator installations for various industries. Our range of services includes expert advice on selecting the right generator, assistance with servicing and maintenance, and a wide array of support options.

It all starts with your initial enquiry. When you reach out to Vital Power, our dedicated team is there to assist you in every aspect. Whether you require a backup power solution or a primary power source, our experts are here to guide you through the process. Following your enquiry, we’ll arrange a site visit with one of our generator specialists. This crucial step allows us to gain a deeper understanding of your specific requirements and the unique features of your location.

During the site visit, our team will assess your power needs. We take into account factors such as the size of your facility, the criticality of your power requirements, and any relevant industry standards or regulations.

Identifying the ideal location for your generator is key. Our experts will work with you to determine the optimal placement for efficiency and safety. We also evaluate connection details to integrate the generator into your power infrastructure.

Drawing from this information and your specific needs, we create a bespoke solution tailored to your site. This solution not only meets your current power demands but also anticipates potential future requirements. Once you’re satisfied with the proposed solution, the generator enters production. Upon completion, it’s promptly delivered to your site, ensuring a smooth and timely process. Our team will then install your generator. We guarantee that the setup is performed accurately, ensuring reliable performance. Before concluding the installation, our engineers conduct commissioning tests to verify that the generator is fully operational and prepared to support your site whenever necessary. We take every precaution to ensure that everything is in optimal working order.

Benefits of a Backup Generator

Low Costs

Because standby diesel generators are relatively straightforward in design, they are often a much more cost-effective and affordable option for businesses, particularly when compared to prime generators and other alternatives. Diesel power generators come with low running costs and installation costs, meaning you can arm your business with a permanently installed contingency plan, without draining resources.

Easy Maintenance

Diesel generators require regular service and maintenance, which is easy with Vital Power. Our in-house team of experts and engineers is on hand 24/7, 365 days of the year to respond to any emergencies with your standby power equipment. We also offer planned, regular maintenance and service visits to keep your generator in top condition. Maintenance, refuelling and repairs can all be carried out while your generator is running, meaning no disruption to service or your working day.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Reviews summary

"I wanted to say a big thank you for the way my generator was installed by one of your engineers. It was done extremely professional and quickly. The engineer projected a tremendous sense of enthusiasm and confidence – and his small-talk is also most interesting to hear. I was left in awe of his complete understanding of the installation requirements. He even management to iron out a difference on the auto start that the manufacturer did not tell him about. A very clean and good working in all respects, he is a tribute to your company"

5 Stars
Site Manager

"Your engineer was absolutely brilliant - he got the generator working again really quickly and so I have power; he was also really professional and a real asset to your company. I would recommend your company in a heartbeat. Thank you all for helping me out in a time of need. I'm very grateful."

5 Stars
Site Manager

"I would like to say that your company is very customer driven. To offer a service outside your normal scope to fulfil a market need is exceptional and professional. When our new generator requires a service, I will contact Vital Power again"

5 Stars
Maintenance Manager

"Everyone at Vital Power is very professional. I was really impressed with Managing Director, he worked very hard to make sure we were happy and got everything right. The engineers were superb and extremely professional when they came to inspect our cabling requirements. We couldn't be happier with the result and I couldn't fault the work at all. We're really pleased."

5 Stars
Site Manager (BituChem)

"Very happy with the engineer that was on site yesterday to get involved with the power switchover. All went successfully and brilliant result! Thank you."

5 Stars
Maintenance Manager

"Credit to Warren, he's been absolutely unbelievable. To get the generator working in the time that he has is amazing. Great work and thanks again."

5 Stars
Contracts Manager

"I have just received a phone call from the client in regards to the engineer’s visit yesterday. They were very impressed by him, so much so they are thinking of switching all other generators they have over to you. It’s so good to get positive feedback, thanks again for your help"

5 Stars
Contracts Manager

"Your engineers are great, they are keen to help and work proactively to get things done. We were also seriously impressed with Phill Walters getting an emergency hire set to us in just 2-hours from the initial phone call!"

5 Stars
Engineering Manager