Understanding What Are Construction Generators and How They Help on Job Sites

Understanding What Are Construction Generators and How They Help on Job Sites

Meta Description: Find the best portable generators for powering construction tools, equipment, lighting, and more with reviews and advice from equipment rental experts on choosing the right generator for any job site.

This article provides an overview of portable generators used at construction sites. It examines the key benefits these generators provide when primary grid power is unavailable, including acting as reliable backup power sources.

Various factors to consider when selecting an appropriate portable generator are discussed, such as calculating power needs, choosing fuel types, and focusing on quality manufacturers. Proper sizing and installation tips are also highlighted.

Key Takeaways

• Portable generators provide reliable power for construction equipment when projects start before grid connection.
• Proper sizing involves calculating the power needs of all tools and adding a buffer. Diesel or natural gas options require considering fuel access.
• Renting from reputable dealers ensures quality equipment. Consultation helps select the best generator, considering power demands, fuel type, and other project factors.
• Logistics involve transportation, installation, and maintenance by experienced professionals for hassle-free operation.

Understanding Construction Generators and Their Importance on Job Sites

Construction sites require a continuous supply of much-needed electric power to operate various construction equipment and tools. Temporary construction job sites are often located in remote areas without a reliable grid supply, so generators are essential to produce power for activities on-site.

Types of Construction Generators

• Several types of portable generators are used in the construction industry to meet the power requirements of projects of all sizes. High-powered generators are needed for significant construction sites working on massive commercial buildings and roads, powering machinery like earthmovers, concrete mixers, and road-building equipment.
• Medium-powered generators ranging from 5Kw to 200Kw are suitable for smaller jobs like single houses, low-rise apartments, and rural roads, powering electric equipment such as circular saws and air compressors. Standby generators act as a stop-gap arrangement in case the primary generator fails to ensure construction activity is not disrupted.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Construction Generator

• Several essential features must be considered when selecting a generator for your construction needs. The power required continuously depends on the job site’s size and the type of equipment used. The generator must produce energy reliably in harsh environments while meeting single or three-phase power output requirements.
• Fuel type selection, like diesel or natural gas, depends on availability in remote areas. Rental generators provide flexibility to draw power from various construction sites without complex infrastructure. Temporary jobs may require portable units to transport energy to different locations as work progresses. Proper sizing ensures enough running watts to avoid overloading during peak construction activity.

Diesel vs. Natural Gas: Comparing the Two Main Fuel Types

As the construction industry relies heavily on power generators to provide the much-needed electric power at various construction sites, it is essential to understand the key features and benefits of the two primary fuel types used – diesel and natural gas. The fuel choice depends on power output needs, availability, and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits of Diesel-Powered Generators for Construction

Diesel generators are one of the most commonly used power generators in the construction industry due to their reliability and portability. They provide higher power outputs to run heavy construction equipment like earthmovers, concrete mixers, and road-building machinery.

Diesel fuel is also energy-dense, so these generators can operate longer without refueling if equipped with larger fuel tanks. However, diesel generators may require setting up fuel storage tanks at job sites and arranging regular fuel deliveries, which can increase operational costs.

Benefits of Natural Gas Generators for Construction Sites

• Natural gas generators require no such fuel logistics and can draw gas directly from existing pipeline networks, making them more suitable for urban construction projects. Natural gas is also a cleaner fuel, meeting stringent emission regulations.
• These generators offer lower fuel and maintenance costs in the long run compared to diesel. While natural gas generators may have lower power outputs, they can run continuously for days with a steady gas supply, acting as an essential stop-gap arrangement during power outages or grid failures.

Properly Sizing Generators for Construction Projects

When undertaking construction projects, selecting generators that meet the site’s power needs is crucial. Proper sizing of the powered generator ensures smooth operations without disruptions.

Calculating Total Power Needs

The first step in selecting the right generator involves calculating the total power needs. Please list all equipment, tools, and appliances that require electric power and their starting and running wattage. Add these wattages to determine the overall power requirement.

Critical electric equipment includes air compressors, concrete mixers, saws, and other power tools.

Allowing for Surges and Future Equipment

Allowing power surges during equipment startup is essential as some require higher starting power. Additionally, keeping future equipment additions in mind will ensure the generator can adapt to evolving needs.

A good practice is to size generators at least 10-20% higher than current power requirements. This acts as a buffer for surges and future additions.

To calculate power needs accurately:

• Make an exhaustive list of all equipment and its wattage
• Include starting and running wattages
• Consider equipment used for tasks like plumbing, finishing work, etc
• Account for simultaneous equipment startup surges
• Allow extra capacity for future additions
• Consider power for temporary site facilities like office trailers

Following these steps, you can determine the minimum continuous power output required from generators. This will help choose the right generator from rental companies to avoid issues due to insufficient power.

Proper sizing maximizes efficiency while ensuring uninterrupted power for construction activities.

Maintaining Construction Generators for Maximum Efficiency

Proper maintenance is crucial for construction generators to function optimally and continuously deliver much-needed electric power throughout construction projects. With rigorous use across various construction sites to produce power for concrete mixers, air compressors, and other equipment, generators require routine servicing to sustain their performance.

1. Routine Maintenance and Inspections

Regular maintenance and inspections help prevent downtime of generators at construction sites. It is recommended to conduct monthly maintenance checks on fluid levels, filters, and belts and look for leaks. Biannual deep cleaning of parts removes accumulated dirt, which can affect efficiency.

Annual services ensure generators run smoothly, including tune-ups and replacing worn parts like spark plugs. This upkeep extends the life of generators used at temporary construction jobs.

2. On-Site Storage and Transport

Proper storage and secure transport of portable generators between sites protect their essential features from damage. Sheltering generators under a roof and on a flat surface prevents fuel, oil, and coolant leakage during transport.

Safety chains or straps securely lock generators on trailers to avoid any accidents. Regular checks on fluid levels and electrical components pre and post-transportation help troubleshoot issues for continuous power supply to all construction site generators and equipment.

3. Using Generators Safely on Construction Jobsites

With construction sites requiring much-needed electric power continuously for the operation of various equipment, using generators is imperative.

However, to ensure construction activity continues smoothly without any safety hazards, following key safety guidelines for electric tools and generator operation and having emergency procedures in place are essential.