Thinking of installing a residential generator on commercial premises? We’ve got a list of differences that might shock you.

Key Takeaways:

  • Florida and generators are an essential couple
  • Residences need small generators, commercial premises need big ones
  • Commercial generators can save time, money, reputations, and lives
  • The correct power source keeps you on the right side of the law

Florida life without a residential generator is just asking for trouble. In recent years, we led the nation for power outages, and we’re a sitting duck for many of the classic power failure causes. Hurricanes? Check. Are torrential downpours flooding underground power lines? You bet. Lightning capital of the USA? That’s us, all right…and even during a “lightning drought.”

The only thing worse than not having a residential generator is having one – if you’re a business, that is. Bosses may think that sidestepping the expense of a commercial generator is a smart move. However, they’re only painting a bullseye on their head for the Sunshine State to do its worst.

Yes, business owner, we’re talking to you

We’re really not here to explain why homes shouldn’t have commercial generators. In fact, we couldn’t think of anything more awesome for emergency domestic power needs in an alternate reality. It would be like tagging Bruce Lee into a bar fight.

Our target audience is businesses that want big backup from an insufficient power source. Every enterprise should be clear on the differences between residential and commercial generators if they want to protect their people, operations, and bottom line.

Similarities and Differences Between the Two

Both residential and commercial generators usually run on diesel fuel, natural gas, liquid petroleum, or gasoline. This gives them a power source they can count on if the main electrical grid goes offline and allows the generator’s alternator to convert its fuel into electrical current. Size is the first obvious differentiator.

Residential generators can be those small, portable, and typically noisy power rigs you may have seen in your own backyard. You often see them powering construction site equipment by the road or keeping the burgers coming at a tailgater near you. Residential models may also be smaller, quieter fixed position generators installed near the home much like an AC unit. Consider which of these two could suit you best.

Commercial generators are far larger, much tougher, and are fixed in place on a concrete slab. They have bigger engines to deliver more power and more effective radiators to keep the unit cool during the demands of extended use. These are the megawatt juggernauts that businesses, care facilities, and government buildings all trust to keep the lights on when things go dark.

Residential reliability vs. commercial care

The smaller residential generators are not built to handle the same demands as their commercial cousins. These models can perform impressively for their size, that’s for sure. Some can provide thousands of hours of power over decades if they’re well-maintained and used only in emergencies.

However, residential generators can only cover the relatively small power needs of a home. They also require owner maintenance regularly because there’s no state mandate requiring it. Lazy ownership and reluctance to pay for professional care means many residential generators couldn’t power an electric toothbrush when the time comes if they even start at all.

Not all residential generators respond immediately in a power outage, either. Some require manual activation (which we’re sure is great fun while ducking lawn ornaments in a Category 5. Commercial and industrial generators operate under stricter regulations. Federal legislation states that these must be professionally maintained by a reputable electrical contractor on a monthly and annual cycle.

Commercial models are more powerful (and to many people’s surprise, much quieter) than residential generators. They are designed to always kick in immediately when power fails. Seamless switchover in a residential or commercial setting can mean the difference in being a huge saver or a massive loser.

What do businesses and facilities stand to lose without a commercial generator?

Take a second look at our reasons why Florida homes are sitting ducks for power shortages. Commercial power loss situations mean more than breaking out the hand fans and no Netflix for a while. Businesses stand to lose everything a home can, and then some.

Downtime is detrimental to a business’s bottom line and customer profile. Commercial generators have the juice and stamina to kick in automatically and keep mission-critical services functioning where a residential generator would be totally overwhelmed. This is a major plus when considering that the average high-priority data outage lasts 117 minutes at a cost-per-hour of $61,642!

Downtime can be devastating if your business is healthcare, and you don’t have a well-fitted and maintained commercial generator to back you up. Consider one of our proudest jobs where we installed 3 nursing home generators. Their residents will have reliable, life-preserving power when the next outage strikes. Will yours?

Operational interruptions, data loss, and physical endangerment can wreak havoc on a business’s reputation and lead to costly liability and litigation outcomes. Consumers, shareholders, and the press will be extremely unforgiving when an organization they trusted chose insufficient fail-safes or didn’t maintain the ones they had. Spending on a quality generator plan today can save lives and money tomorrow.

Not all generators are created equal

Even being certain that you have the right category of generator is only the start of smart power practice. Your home or facility will have different power demands from the people next door. It will also need to be able to scale backup power effectively for those needs in an emergency. We recommend getting the best team onto your premises to assess every factor before deciding how to proceed.

Connect with Universal Electrical Services for your commercial power needs

Our team has kept the residential and commercial communities of South Florida powered up since 1999. We handle every aspect of your power needs, from the first installation to ongoing or on-call maintenance.

We can give you the professionalism and peace of mind you need against the unforeseen, no matter what you are. Connect with us to get started or call us in an emergency. UES will get the job done!

Universal Electrical Services is a full-service, experienced, licensed electrical contractor serving homes and businesses in South Florida. Drop by our contact page to call us, pay a visit or leave a message.