When working on a construction site, you often need a power source to keep your tools and equipment going. This is where a reliable generator comes in handy.
But with so many different options ranging from small, lightweight units to larger, heavy-duty models, it’s important to choose a generator that suits your project and your needs.
Why should I consider a generator on-site?
Many construction sites, especially those in remote locations, newly developed areas, or outdoor spaces like highways or bridges, don’t have access to the main electrical grid. And even if your site is connected to the grid, heavy machinery and power tools can put significant strain on the grid, leading to power outages and interruptions. With this in mind, it’s often a good idea to have access to backup power just in case.
Generators are a reliable way to provide power in these locations until a permanent electrical connection can be established. Not to mention, generators also act as a backup power source in the event of blackouts. That way, work can continue, avoiding any potential delays and penalties for late completion.
Tips for choosing a construction site generator
Each construction project will have its own unique needs and power requirements. With this in mind, it’s important to consider a range of factors when it comes to choosing a site generator.
Assess your power requirements
First things first, you’ll need to assess your power requirements on site. To calculate the total power requirements for a construction site and estimate the potential power load, start by creating a list of all the electrical equipment, tools, and machinery that will be in use on the site. This includes items like lighting, power tools, welders, compressors, concrete mixers, cranes, and office trailers.
From here, you’ll need to determine the power ratings of each item and add them together to give you your total power requirement. It’s also worth noting that some tools, especially tools with motors, will require a bit of extra power to get them started. With this in mind, it’s often best to overestimate the power requirements when calculating the running watts of all the equipment on site.
Similarly, you’ll need to account for power losses of 20-30% too. Generators aren’t always 100% efficient, so be sure to add a buffer to your final power requirement figure.
Consider the type of generator
Once you know what type of power requirements you have on-site, you can take a look at the different types of generators.
Single vs. three-phase power
Generators will often operate on single or three-phase power.
Single-phase power uses a single alternating current (AC) wave to deliver electricity. These generators are best suited to smaller tools and equipment, like power drills, saws, lighting, and small pumps. They’re ideal for sites with relatively light electrical loads.
On the other hand, three-phase generators use three alternating current (AC) waves to provide a continuous and balanced flow of power without the peaks and dips that occur in single-phase systems. Thanks to the higher power supply, three-phase generators can cater to heavy-duty construction equipment like large pumps, cranes, welders, compressors, and mixers.
Diesel vs. petrol generators
Generators will typically use either petrol or diesel. Petrol generators are commonly available in smaller capacities, making them ideal for powering small tools, lighting, or temporary use on smaller construction sites.
Alternatively, diesel is often used to fuel generators with a higher power output. They’re generally more fuel-efficient than petrol generators, especially under heavy loads. With this in mind, diesel generators are the better choice for large construction sites or long-term projects that require heavy-duty, continuous power.
Portable vs. standby generators
Generators are also available as smaller, portable operations or larger standby units. While portable generators are ideal for small jobs with smaller power requirements, many large-scale construction projects often have larger power requirements that call for standby generators.
Run time and fuel efficiency
Tank size plays a key role in determining how long a generator can run between refuelling, as it directly impacts the amount of fuel available to power the generator.
Larger tanks can hold more fuel, which allows the generator to run for a longer period without needing to be refuelled. Smaller tanks, on the other hand, will require more frequent refuelling, due to their smaller capacity.
The fuel consumption rate also plays a key role in generator run time. This figure is often listed under the specifications. The actual run time depends on the fuel consumption rate, which varies with the generator’s load. For example, a generator running at only 50% load will significantly extend the run time compared to if it was running at full load.
Safety features
Generators will often come with a range of safety features and specifications that can make them more suitable for specific sites, including:
- Automatic voltage regulation (AVR): Ensures stable voltage output, which is critical to avoid damage to sensitive equipment.
- Automatic transfer switch: Enables seamless switching between the generator and the main power supply in case of a power outage.
- Low oil shut-off: Protects the engine by automatically shutting down the generator if the oil level is too low.
- Circuit breakers: Prevents overloading by cutting off power when necessary, protecting the generator and connected devices.
- Fuel gauge: Allows for easy monitoring of fuel levels, preventing unexpected outages.
At Control Hire, we’ve recently introduced a range of generators as part of our collection of equipment for hire. Whether you’re after a compact, portable generator that can be easily moved around site or a large standby generator to power multiple equipment at once, we have a number of different generators to suit various needs and site requirements.
Explore the range or get in touch with out team of experts for help choosing the right generator for your next construction project.