How to Choose a Generator for Your Small Business

A power outage can be a big pain for your small business. Without power, your business could suffer lost productivity, revenue, customers, and even assets. That’s where a power generator can help. Generators can supply a seamless energy supply in the event of an outage. Read on to learn if investing in a generator is the right move for your small business.

Types of Generators

There are three main generator types: portable generators, inverter generators, and standby generators. Let’s take a look at their pros and cons, starting with portable generators.

A portable generator provides electricity by way of its engine that’s fueled by gasoline, diesel, or propane. The generator is equipped with power outlets that allow you to plug in your electrical equipment, appliances, and devices. Portable generators can range from 900 to 10,000 watts. 

Portable generators are super convenient because they can go wherever the job takes you. A mainstay on construction sites, these generators bring power to wherever it’s needed and eliminate the need to draw power from a central location.

Let’s look at some pros and cons of portable generators.

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Inverter generators are a "smarter" type of portable generator in that they’re designed to adjust their engine speed based on the current electrical demand. Traditional portable generators run at the same speed no matter the electrical load. Inverter generators adjust the speed and are therefore quieter and burn through less fuel, making them more energy efficient. 

If you’re powering up more-sensitive electronics such as laptops or smartphones, an inverter generator may be the way to go. Portable inverter generators can range from 1,000 to 5,000 watts. 

Let’s look at some pros and cons of inverter generators.

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Standby generators differ from conventional portable generators and inverter generators in that they are permanently installed and they are designed to provide backup power in the event of a power outage. Standby generators are often used on construction sites when the primary generator fails. Some models are powerful enough to provide backup power to hospitals in the event of an outage. Standby generators can range between 10,000 and 22,000 watts and they run on diesel, propane, or gasoline.

Let’s look at some pros and cons of standby generators.

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Generators, like all small-engine machines, produce dangerous carbon monoxide fumes. Here are some safety protocols to always keep in mind. 

• Never operate a generator in an enclosed space.
• Always keep your distance when the unit is on. 
• Always point the fumes from a portable generator away from homes or offices.
• If you or someone else is experiencing dizziness or other symptoms, move immediately to fresh air before getting medical assistance.
• Never refuel a hot generator—always let the machine cool down first. 
• Don’t refill the unit near a heater or other hot equipment such as portable lights. 
• The muffler on a generator gets extremely hot. Don’t touch it! 
• Don’t place anything on the generator unless you know it has cooled off.

Are you ready to find the right generator for your small business? Shop Zoro.com for a wide selection of generators from the brands you trust at competitive prices.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.