These power failures are far more common than ever before. Generators maybe be gas or diesel powered and have a large external tank that will usually allow them to run for up to 48 hours before refuelling. A Standby Generator power back up system is also becoming more common for banks, distribution centres and private businesses that can not allow any disputation in their critical systems, especially if they are locked into a 'supply from stock contract' with their key customers.

Simply speaking, a standby generator is a robust commercial engine mounted on a skid, fitted with a large alternator, radiator, on board fuel tank and electric governing, housed either in a weather proof canopy or within a purpose built building. Sometimes referred to as 'a lorry without wheels', they are far more sophisticated than that. Each standby system has to be ready to start up at any given time, winter or summer, rain or storm without any possibility of failure, to ensure you have some level of disaster prevention .

The generator will be cabled into the incoming supply distribution board via an 'Automatic Transfer panel' also referred to as an' AMF' or 'Automatic Mains Transfer Panel' This is the nerve centre, constantly monitoring the sensitive harmonics of the National Grid supply for any deviation or fluctuation to the regular pattern. If such a deviation is sensed, then it is this panel that will instantaneously sent the 'start up signal' to the generator

Is the generator really on permanent standby? Yes. Every standby generator has a water heater that keeps the engine at a constant temperature so in the event of be required at a moments notice, the engine is already at its optimum temperature.

Can a standby generator fail ? Yes, like any mechanical equipment it needs regular maintenance and servicing. Though if maintained correctly, a standby generator will give over 30 years of faithful service ready to fire up and hold the building load within 60 seconds, day or night. What could I do to prevent any level of failure? You require N+1 disaster prevention.

Are standby generators noisy? Every generator is built to E.U noise level standards. Each has a silencer and can be either an openset, which has no housing or an enclosed set which is much quieter usually 85db at one metre and 65db at 7 metres.

In today's climate of fear, loss of power has become a serious issue. The technology of generators has been around since the birth of the combustion engine and yet they have become one of the most 'must have items' of any new commercial buildings in the 21st century.

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