Unfortunately, electrical power outages are unavoidable and increasing in both frequency and duration. They can be caused by inclement weather conditions, technical faults, human error and more.
Diesel Standby Generators
Standby Generators
As a business owner or administrator, it is essential that you are prepared for all eventualities. You’ve probably heard of a standby generator systems, but what exactly are they and how do they work?
It isn’t uncommon for people to delay purchasing a standby generator because they aren’t sure how it all works. Maybe you think a generator might be a bit complex, or that your business won’t really benefit from it.
Fortunately, at Vital Power we offer a range of leading manufacturers and high-quality diesel-powered generators. Our team of specialist engineers also offer round the clock service from our UK-wide operational hubs – with engineer available 365 days a year and 24 hours a day.
So, what is a standby generator? We have put together everything you need to know…
The User Flow
Contact Us
Looking for a generator for your site? Contact us via the contact form below or give us a call to get started with your critical power solution
Tell us your requirements
Our team will discuss your requirements with you, explaining the options available to you.
Site survey
One of our highly skilled generator engineers will visit your site to map out to take note of your power requirements, where the generator will be installed, answering any questions you may have
Delivery, installation & commissioning
Once the order has been placed, our team will then install your generator on site. We also carry out rigorous commissioning processes to ensure that your equipment is ready to support your site.
What is a Standby Generator?
Essentially, a standby generator or backup generator is your own personal electrical power source. Standby generators can be used at residential, commercial and industrial properties and are designed to be on hand in case the grid fails or there’s another issue with the electrical supply.
Within seconds of a power cut, a standby generator will automatically start up to power your business’ electrical circuits. Standby generators can come in a wide range of sizes, so can power entire business operations. At Vital Power we supply hospital backup generators, standby generators for universities, data centres and more.
How does a standby generator work?
In a nutshell, standby generators use fuel to power your electrical items in the event of a power grid failure or electrical outage. Diesel generators are one of the most popular and efficient types, and use diesel fuel (including red diesel) to generate enough power to keep your business online.
It is imperative for a standby generator to work fully automatically. The whole point of an industrial power generator is for it to start-up in the event of a power cut and become the new power supply to the property. Once power is restored the generator should also automatically turn off.
When you purchase a standby generator with Vital Power, the system and an automatic transfer switch (ATS) are professionally installed to your property’s existing wiring. The system is then able to sense when utility power stops flowing to your property for any reason. Within seconds, the automatic transfer switch will alert the generator to turn on. The generator then automatically starts and seamlessly transfers all of the property circuits that need emergency electricity. When the power returns, the switch signals the generator to stop and restores the property’s connection to the grid.
This fully automated operation makes it easy and convenient for businesses to enjoy uninterrupted power year-round. With a standby generator, you don’t have to do a thing to ensure seamless power. So, you can trust that even if you aren’t at your property when the power goes down (for example during shutdown or overnight), the generator will start to work and ensure that all electrical items continue to work.
How to install a standby generator
Naturally, generators are big pieces of equipment with lots of complex parts and inner workings (check out our generator diagrams to learn more about them!). Because they’re so important for business power plans and keeping your power on, it’s important they’re installed correctly by a power specialist.
At Vital Power we offer generator installation services across the UK, for standby and custom-built generators. Our service involves site survey, help choosing the best location for a standby generator on your premises, and more. Plus, of course, we offer a full range of service and maintenance plans for generators to keep yours in good nick so it’s ready at a moment’s notice.
What will a standby generator power?
That’s the great thing about having the right standby generator – they can power pretty much anything you want! This is because the generator is wired directly into your property, so it takes over any predetermined functions of your property.
The only limitation is the size and strength of your generator, which you’ll determine according to your needs. So, it is important to ensure that the generator that you choose has a fuel time big enough and a run time long enough for your power requirements. Our team at Vital Power can help answer the question of “what size standby generator do I need?” and provide recommendations from our range of units.
Common usages for business include powering factories, university settings, labs, warehouses, data centres and more.
Are standby generators worth it?
We may be a little partial, but for UK businesses, standby generators are an essential consideration. Ultimately, investing in a standby generator will give you complete peace of mind that if the power fails, your business operations won’t.
For some business properties, the loss of power could be hugely detrimental. With the unpredictability of the national grid, knowing that if there is a power cut your generator will kick in to pick up the slack will be a real relief.
Standby generators are more expensive than their portable alternatives but, they are also more powerful, long-lasting, quieter, and safer. At Vital Power we can assure you that they are well worth the investment, and ensure you have a fail-safe, fool-proof plan for keeping your business running.
How much does a standby generator cost?
Because of the huge variety in fuel tank size, control system type, physical size and more, the cost of standby generators can vary. At Vital Power we offer a range of manufacturers and options for generators, along with cost-effective service and maintenance plans that we can schedule. Our fuel management services include generator refuelling and fuel quality testing so you can make sure you’re getting the most efficient performance and best value.
What Our Customers Are Saying
"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."
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"
Maintenance Manager
"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"
Site 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."
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."
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."
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"
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!"
Engineering Manager
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