What Small Business Owners Need to Know About Generators

Summary: Generators can be one of the most cost-effective purchases you will make as a business owner.

In the wake of a natural disaster, small businesses will likely suffer power outages. While larger companies may have numerous locations that can pick up where the other center Justify off, the same is not true for the standard small business.

As a result, small business owners need to take every available precaution to protect themselves. In fact, failure to plan for a power outage could results in a temporary closure, loss of inventory, and the inability to communicate with clients or customers. Companies can combat these issues by obtaining a generator or a ground power unit which will restore electricity in the event that power goes out. H

Categorizing Generators

Two basic types of generators are available on the market. You have the automatic generators which are permanently connected to a building’s electrical system, and automatically detect and restore power to a building. On the other hand, there are portable generators which run on gasoline or diesel and must be manually installed once a power outage occurs. While automatic generators require little or no work for the owner, they are generally more expensive.

Always Prioritize Safety

When it comes to generators, safety should always be prioritized. Portable generators often emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide which can be fatal if exposed to high levels. Therefore, they should never be placed indoors when operational. Rather, most manufacturers and industry experts such as Start Pac recommend placing generators at least ten feet from the building. This reduces the overall possibility that harmful emissions will enter the building.