Generators are beneficial additions to any property, but they are usually the life force of many industrial operations across Australia. Industrial properties are generally based in some of the country’s more remote locations, so they cannot rely on the national power grid for power. Therefore, they need more complicated installations and more comprehensive generator repairs in Brisbane than in any other sector. Regardless of the purpose is of the industrial property, they may prefer standby power over prime if it’s only for a temporary residence. There are differences between industrial generators for prime power and standby use. Before we get into what you need to consider before choosing the right generator solution for you, let’s discuss what industrial generators are for.
What are industrial generators?
These are usually large, stationary generators for backup power during outages and primary power supply for remote businesses that operate off-grid or large events. They can be costly to install because they are large units. You can refer to our industrial generator cost guide for more specific details. This type of generator is used in situations where something as elementary as a portable generator would fail at being sufficient for the power level the job requires. Due to a typical industrial generator’s size and weight, the installation may require heavy-duty equipment like a crane or forklift. These generators are typically stationary for long durations before being moved. Maybe they’d be moved from one mining site to another or at the end of a festival or carnival. Some industrial or commercial businesses may also hire these units for extended job requirements. Because of their size and the complexity of energy, they have to supply, a licensed expert can only handle generator repairs and servicing. It’s a requirement stated by the Queensland Government’s electrical safety laws. Stationary industrial generators usually 3-phase power, which uses three wires to accommodate extra loads. 3-phase generators are best suited for jobs requiring more extensive power loads delivery. Typical uses for industrial generators include:
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- Mining and other industrial sites
- Standby power in data sites and big high-rise offices
- Farms and agricultural properties
- Commercial properties like supermarkets, restaurants and shopping centres for backup power in outages
- Large events and those who run several large-scale events during the year
- Use in council or other government buildings
- Emergency backup power in high-rise buildings and apartment complexes
Do I need primary power or standby power?
Industrial generators for prime power supply are best for situations where main power grid power is unavailable, like on remote mining sites. Standby power is only sufficient for emergency power supply for a limited period during power outages. If you know that you need a constant supply of power independent from the grid at all times, then prime power solutions are what you need. Industrial businesses that are only planning short-lived or temporary durations of operations should consider standby options.
What are continuous or prime generators?
Continuous and prime power generators operate in the same way because they are the primary power source for an industrial property. The only difference is the duration at which they are designed to work. The difference between them is that continuous units are designed to run continuously with a constant load. On the other hand, prime power generators can work for long periods, but these units will do so with a variable load. It’s not much different, but it counts when investing in a generator for business use. They both run for long periods without a break, so they must be built strong with reliable engines and parts. Many Australian businesses rely on generators for continuous power, and it’s no surprise why it’s more expensive than standby power solutions
What are standby/backup generators?
In contrast, these generators are only needed in a backup situation like in a national power outage – not for continuous use. They are still widely used in Australia because extreme weather events often happen in these parts and cause power grid outages. Most industrial generators have standby power and continuous/excellent ratings, and the listed specifications are typically in kVA.
Why do you need maintenance for your industrial generator?
It doesn’t matter if you choose a prime or standby generator unit for your industrial property. It still needs regular maintenance from a licensed technician. The difference may be in frequency, but ultimately, industrial generators are large machines that need looking after. Prime generators are usually used continuously, which means they need regular cleaning of internal parts and components. Reactive Generator can assist industrial clients of all sizes and electrical requirements in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Sunshine Coast.
