Though there are many challenges that come into play when running a business, one of the most disruptive occurrences is that of a power failure. Interrupted power supply can certainly cause a great many challenges and frustrations for any business. Whether your business relies heavily upon complicated machinery, IT systems or computers, operating without power is just not an option in most cases. With these occurrences always a possibility, it is critical that businesses who rely upon their equipment uptime or those in areas where power failures or blackouts are common, have some type of a backup plan. In today’s world, there are two primary options for providing backup power to businesses. The first is that of a backup generator and the second is an Uninterruptible Power Supply system or UPS. Each has its pros and cons which we will cover here.
Gervais Electric, Inc. can help you choose the perfect backup plan for your business. Our certified electricians are trained and skilled in all types of electrical services, including backup generators and UPS systems.
Backup Generators
Backup generators need either gasoline, propane or diesel to generate power. They are available in a range of sizes. Small, portable, backup generators can provide power for one or two items, while larger backup generators provide power to an entire warehouse or factory.
Purchasing a small backup generator is easy to do since they are remarkably easy to come by. They are also very easy to operate and maintain. A larger generator, however, would need to be special ordered from the manufacturer and cannot be purchased by simply walking into a store. Furthermore, a large generator must be professionally installed by certified technicians, such as those at Gervais Electric, that are skilled to perform these complex installations.
Backup generators do present with a couple of downsides. For starters, they require fuel for operating and secondly, they pose a lag time between the power going off and the generator being started. The lag time that occurs can be as much as one minute, depending upon the size of the generator as well as its configuration and settings. In addition to these obvious cons, backup generators typically give off fumes and can be quite noisy, not to mention they still need to be inspected from time to time. They truly are, however, a rather simple machine to use.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) System
UPS systems are very sophisticated, innovative batteries that are installed as a component to your existing power supply system. When the power is on in your factory or warehouse, the UPS system charges by way of the current flowing through them. They build up a power storage so that when the power goes off, they can continue to supply power that has built up.
UPS systems present with no lag time, which makes them an ideal component for installations that always require absolute consistent power. They are available in a wide range of styles, types and sizes. For businesses with complex computer systems, a UPS system can be used to ensure that your server and computers remain on for an extended period to allow for a safe shutdown when a power failure occurs. In addition, there are UPS systems that are large enough to power an entire building, warehouse or facility.
The downside of these systems is the obvious fact that they are remarkably expensive and the longer the battery backup they provide the more expensive they become. Further, due to the simple fact that they are battery based, there can be challenges maintaining or servicing them.
Whether you are interested in a backup generator or a UPS system, be assured you can rely upon the professionals at Gervais Electric to help you in your decision-making process and with the installation of your chosen backup system. Reach out to the experts at Gervais Electric today for your power supply backup needs and any other electrical needs you may have. Don’t get caught without power. Contact us today. We look forward to serving you. Have a safe and happy holiday season.