How Long Do Commercial Generators Last?

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial generator is much like a residential one, except that they are usually more rugged, dependable and often have a far greater power output. They’re designed for critical systems where disruption of electricity would be disastrous. They often will have a heavy-duty automatic transfer switch that will react immediately when your business in Woburn, MA experiences a power outage. Here’s a quick description of how they work and how long you can expect them to last.

How Do Commercial Generators Work?

At its most basic, an engine is used to provide rotational mechanical energy to an alternator, much like it does on your automobile. Engines can use a variety of fuels, including

• Gasoline
• Diesel fuel
• Natural gas
• Propane

The amount of electricity produced is directly proportional to the amount of horsepower the engine puts out, so the larger the engine, the more amps you have. Large generators will also have a radiator to cool them, including water radiators and heat exchangers. Small ones will often use simple air cooling, but it’s less common with commercial systems.

How Long Will Your Generator Last?

Your results will vary based upon usage, maintenance, quality, and environmental conditions, but for general business planning, you should consider the life expectancy of each type of generator. Well-maintained diesel generators will typically last for up to 30,000 hours of usage. Gasoline engines provide usually around 1/10th of that.

This starts by inspecting it for any visible problems, such as worn wires, fuel leaks or damaged components. The manufacturer may recommend some kind of fuel maintenance, especially for diesel engines, and lubrication levels should be checked. They also usually need to be started and run regularly and their power output needs to be verified occasionally.

If you’ve experienced commercial storm damage in Woburn, MA you need a professional storm cleanup company to come in immediately so they can tarp and board the location to protect the remaining assets. They’ll remove any floodwater and excess moisture and quickly begin to restore your business to its normal state.