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Technical Brief #16
Planning for a generator

Planning for power backup with a generator
What to consider - what is the process?
Limited-time electrical power back up (up to an hour or two) can be done with an adequately-sized UPS system.   UPS systems are a necessary and critical component of a reliable infrastructure for data centers and telecommunications systems.   The modern on-line UPS provides clean power, 100% of the time on utility power and through to its designed run time on batteries.   When a generator is installed, the UPS provides the "bridge" to maintain power during the brief time required for the generator to startup and be brought on-line.   UPS systems usually back up the power for critical electrical and electronic systems only.   Other electrically powered systems, such as air conditioners, pumps, area lighting and even individual PC workstations are often excluded - rightly so - from the UPS support.   Some of these systems, especially cooling, must be included when planning for generator backup.
Learn whether a generator may be installed at your location.  
  Some cities and regions are under strict environmental regulation having to do with engine emissions, noise, location of flammable fuel, etc.   Sometimes the regulations are sufficiently strict that the cost of compliance is very high or compliance may not allow a generator on the property at all.   The services of a licensed Engineering Consulting firm with local experience will likely be necessary to assure that a generator can be installed.  
Create an estimate of the electrical load the generator will support.  
  In some cases, the generator is planned to support only the datacenter and telecommunications loads.   This scenario would be likely for a business engaged heavily in e-commerce. In other cases, such as telemarketing operations, it may be desirable to have the generator back up everything, so people can continue to work.   The choice impacts the size of the generator needed and the cost of engineering and installation to get it done.   To make this decision may also require Engineering Consulting services.  

Create a "strawman", i.e. budgetary, proposal of expected costs for engineering, hardware, mechanical, and electrical contracting services for installation.

  
  Since a generator is often under consideration at a time when budgets have already been established for a fiscal period and exceptions must be reviewed by top management, it is very important that a budget estimate be made. If not approved for immediate execution, the "strawman" helps to lay the foundation for approval in a later fiscal period.  
Hire a licensed, Engineering Consulting firm with local experience on similar projects.  
  The expected deliverables from the consultant are: complete electrical and mechanical drawings and specifications for the work to be executed by electrical and mechanical contractors; permits obtained from the appropriate agency or agencies for all work planned.  
Purchase the generator and other equipment needed and hire the contractor or contractor(s).  
  Some contractors can purchase and install, others prefer to just do the installation.  
Assure that contractors have access to all the necessary places and people to do their work.  
  Assure that the all equipment delivery can be made safely, in a timely manner.  Some installations will require access by cranes, forklifts, tractor-trailers, etc.