Planning for a generator is crucial to your construction site’s success. Whether you need electric power for your equipment or lighting, planning ahead of time and implementing the right safety precautions will make all the difference in ensuring that you can get work done on time and with minimal risk. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid potential risks.

What will you be using the generator for?

The first thing to consider when planning for a generator is what you will be using it for. Many construction sites can have a very high need for power, meaning you will likely require a fairly large generator. In addition, is it important to plan where the power will need to go? If you have a particularly large site, it may be beneficial to have two medium-sized generators as opposed to one large generator.

Do you need to plan space for your generator?

When planning your site you have a lot to take into consideration, from office space and rest areas, however equally important is allocated enough space for your generator. Many high power industrial generators are the size of a shipping container and so it is not a case of finding space down the line. The space will also need to be stable and level ground. You also need to think about how accessible the generator is, continued access will be needed for monitoring the generator’s control panel and to refuel the engine.

How to prepare for your generator

Prior to the arrival of your generator, there are some important things to prepare for. The biggest of which is will there be a clear route to the delivery vehicle or equipment. It is sometimes best to arrange for your generator to be installed first, this has the added benefit of allowing you to use the power from the generator during the development of the rest of your site.

How will you route the cables from your generator?

Cabling runs should be planned well in advance on a modern industrial site. With heavy machinery moving around the site and potentially loose or uneven ground, you must ensure the cables are routed in a way to not pose a risk of damage to the cable or inhibit the day to day running of the site. It is often not feasible to bury the cable as would be done at a permanent site, however, you do have many other options, such as overhead cable runs or cable shrouds.

Will your generator be easy to access?

Wherever you choose to locate the generator on your site, easy access is essential. You will frequently need to access the control panel to check everything is running correctly and you must be able to perform refuelling safely and within obstruction. Also if your site will be operating for an extended period you should consider how easy access would be in the case of a mechanical issue.

What security will be in space?

Like many pieces of equipment on a construction site, generators are expensive and must be secure to ensure no malicious damage is done to the generator. However, unlike power tools and other equipment, you cannot lock a generator away overnight. For this reason, it is advised that if you do not already have 24-hour security at your site, you arrange this from the date the generator is installed. It is also important that only people fully trained on the use of generators have access, this can help prevent accidental damage.

Will your site change over time?

Many industrial and construction sites change as the work being carried out progress, you need to take this into account when planning your generator installation. If the space you have your generator at the start of construction will be needed down the line for another piece of equipment, then you need to be prepared for the arduous task of moving your generator. This will likely mean fully rerouting the cabling for the site and the potential for days without power.

Will you need more power later down the line?

Just like planning for the site layout down the line, you will need to plan for the site’s power needs throughout the site’s life. There is little point in installing a generator at the start of construction which can only provide 50% of the power you will need by the end of the site’s life. It is far easier to have excess power output at the start and a simple ramp up as required.

Planning for a generator is important, but it can also be confusing. With this blog post, we’ve given you some things to consider when choosing where and how to install one of these machines on your Construction/Industrial site. Not only will having the right location help with functionality, safety and efficiency; knowing what size machine you need before purchasing may save you money in the long run as well! Whether it’s one or two decades old or brand new, Bellwood Rewinds has something that will work for your construction company at an affordable price point. If there are any questions about our products please feel free to contact us.