While technology is a great thing and has provided businesses with many benefits, it can also be a bit problematic. While it used to be that even during a power outage a business could stay open for patrons, it is very difficult to do so now. The cash registers and security features require electricity to operate. This means you need to have a secondary source of power to at least take care of any patrons in the establishment when the electricity goes off. A generator is a good choice for this and can be installed and set to come on automatically when there is an outage. Here are a few tips for using one effectively and safely.
Type of Generator
When you have a standby generator, it was installed by a professional and will be hard-wired into your electric system. This means you do not need to do anything to have the power come back on. Be sure to keep the door closest to the generator closed so no fumes can come inside. If you will be using a portable generator, you will need to pull it out of storage and out of the building. You do not want to have any carbon monoxide from the exhaust inside, as it can make people sick or even kill them.
Fuel
If possible, use propane as the fuel for your generator, It will be cheaper and easier to use. If you are using gasoline, you will need to empty the unit regularly to ensure the fuel does not harden or gum up the carburetor. In addition, storing full gas cans can be dangerous. When you have a propane-fueled generator, you can use propane tanks and quickly swap them out when needed, or you may be able to have a line directly to the machine so you never have to worry about it.
Extension Cords
If you are going to need extension cords to get the power to all the places you need it, even if from a wall socket to a machine, be sure they are all heavy-duty. The electricity from a generator is not always as "clean" as it should be to keep from damaging your electronics. Using only heavy-duty cords will reduce the risk of damage.
Consider where the business is located. If you seem to get hit with power outages on a regular basis, consider buying a generator. If the outages usually only last up to an hour, you can probably go with a less expensive portable unit. However, if you have a large electric load or have outages that last longer, go with a standby unit. For more information, contact a business that offers commercial generators in Novi, MI.
When we purchased our first home, we realized that there was a problem with some of the electrical work. Some of the lights flickered when we turned them on, and others really seemed to have issues if they were left on long term. I thought the issues was the light bulbs themselves at first, so I replaced several of them. However, after making those changes, it seemed like things were still having trouble. I began going through and thinking carefully about how to identify and resolve the challenges, and it occurred to me that working with an electrician could be helpful. I turned to the professional for help, and it was a good thing I did. Read more about electricians on this blog.