Standby diesel generators are designed to provide backup power when the grid supply fails, without manual intervention. Permanently connected to the mains, they are designed to detect outages and start automatically within seconds. They deliver dependable power, supporting business continuity and critical applications 24/7.
Standby, or backup generators are permanently installed outside your business. Their purpose is to provide power within seconds of an outage, using an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).
Most commercial standby generators are diesel-powered, offering exceptional reliability, fuel efficiency and extended runtimes.
Contact Vital Power
What Is a Standby Generator?
A standby generator is a permanently installed backup power system that automatically supplies electricity to a building when the mains power fails. Connected to a property’s electrical system through an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), it detects power outages, starts automatically within seconds and restores power to critical equipment until the mains supply returns.
Unlike portable generators, standby generators are permanently installed and designed to provide reliable, long-term backup power automatically, as soon as the power goes out. They are connected to a building’s electricity supply and continuously monitor mains power. If there is an interruption to supply, the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) transfers the electrical load from the grid to the generator.
Standby generators are essential in industries where continuous power is critical.
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Manufacturing and production plants
- Data centres
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Retails premises and supermarkets
- Offices and commercial buildings
- Schools, universities and public sector buildings
Our experienced engineers design, install and maintain commercial standby generator systems tailored to your operational requirements.
Contact us
How Do Standby Generators Work?
A standby generator is designed to provide uninterrupted backup power whenever the mains electricity supply fails. It does this within seconds of a power outage using an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). The ATS automatically transfers the power supply from the mains to the generator as soon as it detects a dip in supply. This process is essential for many applications, providing uninterrupted power for critical operations.
- Mains Power Fails
- ATS Detects the Outage
- Generator Engine Starts Automatically
- ATS Transfers the Electrical Load
- Generator Powers the Load
- Mains Power Restored
- ATS Transfers the Load Back to the Grid
- Generator Performs a Cooling Cycle and Shuts Down
Standby Generator Installation Requirements
Professional installation is recommended to deliver a safe, compliant standby generator. Every site has different power demands, environmental considerations and operational requirements, making expert planning essential.
- Site survey to assess electrical load, operational requirements, site layout and future expansion plans.
- Generator sizing to ensure your standby generator meets your backup power needs.
- An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is recommended for seamless power supply in the event of an outage.
- The installation site should have enough space for fuel storage, airflow and a safe, stable foundation to prevent vibration.
- Ventilation and cooling are crucial to prevent overheating.
- A suitable exhaust system is necessary to discharge exhaust gases.
- Acoustic canopies should be installed in noise-sensitive locations.
- All electrical connections should be installed by a qualified engineer to comply with UK regulations.
- A standby generator should be fully commissioned and tested before entering service.
Invest in reliable backup power.
Contact the team
The Benefits of Standby Generators
With increased power outages and reduced energy reliability, many businesses are turning to generator ownership to solve their backup energy needs. And for organisations that rely on a continuous electricity supply, a professionally installed and maintained standby generator can be crucial to operations. A standby generator system starts automatically by detecting power outages as soon as they happen. It can restore power in seconds, keeping essential equipment, IT systems, lighting, refrigeration and security services up and running, with minimal disruption.
Businesses benefit from reduced downtime, improved safety, reliable power and peace of mind that essential operations can continue.
Choosing the Right Standby Generator
Choosing the right standby generator is essential to ensure your business has reliable backup power when it needs it most, and generator sizing is probably the most important part of the decision-making process.
The ideal generator should be able to power your critical electrical loads, including their additional start-up load. Choosing an undersized generator will underperform, and an oversized unit will impact cost and efficiency.
Other factors, including expected runtime, fuel storage requirements, noise levels, site location and future business expansion plans, all feature heavily when it comes to selecting your standby generator installation.
Not sure what size diesel generator you need? At Vital Power, every generator installation begins with a professional site survey.
Contact us now
Why Choose Vital Power?
At Vital Power, we provide a complete end-to-end service, from initial site surveys and generator specification through to generator supply, professional installation and commissioning. Our support doesn’t end once your standby generator is operational. We also offer comprehensive generator servicing, preventative maintenance, load bank testing, fuel management and rapid emergency repairs to ensure your backup power system remains reliable when you need it most. With a team of nationwide engineers and decades of experience supporting businesses across the UK, Vital Power delivers dependable standby power solutions that keep your operations running, whatever happens.
Looking for dependable backup power?
Speak to the experts
Share:
