Perkins Generator: How to Choose the Right Size for Your Business
For any business to run without interruption, a dependable power source is absolutely vital. A Perkins Generator delivers exactly that, providing steady and efficient power for all kinds of commercial activities. However, figuring out the correct size Perkins Generator for your specific business needs can be a bit tricky. Several important things need careful thought to make sure you have enough power without spending too much on a generator that is larger than you actually require. This guide from OTC Power will clearly explain the steps involved in how to size a Perkins Generator properly for your business demands.
Understanding Your Perkins Generator Options
Perkins Generators have earned a strong reputation for their consistent performance and long-lasting reliability. These generators, which are powered by diesel engines, are an excellent choice for businesses that simply cannot afford any power outages. When you are considering selecting a Perkins Generator, it is crucial to take into account several key aspects. These include the specific type of business you operate, the total amount of power your equipment needs, and the typical number of hours per day the generator will be running.
You definitely want to avoid ending up with a generator that lacks the capacity to handle your power requirements. Equally, you don’t want to overspend your budget on a unit that offers far more power than you will ever use. OTC Power offers a range of Perkins Generators to meet diverse business needs.

Key Steps in Sizing Your Perkins Generator
To make sure you choose the ideal Perkins Generator, follow these essential steps:
Carefully Identify Your Total Power Needs
The very first step in correctly sizing your Perkins Generator involves thoroughly understanding exactly how much electrical power your business typically uses. Make a detailed inventory of every single piece of equipment that requires electricity to operate. For example, this includes all your computers, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, all lighting fixtures, and any heavy machinery you use. Each individual device will have a specific power requirement. This is usually measured in units called watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Carefully add up all of these individual power requirements to arrive at the total amount of power your business needs to run smoothly.
Think About Starting Power Versus Running Power
It’s important to understand that different types of equipment have different power demands depending on their operational state. While certain equipment might have a relatively low power requirement once it is already running, it can demand a significantly higher amount of power when it is initially starting up. This difference between starting power and running power is particularly important to consider for machinery that includes motors, such as air conditioners, large pumps, or other heavy-duty equipment. It is absolutely critical to ensure that the Perkins Generator you select has the capability to handle these sudden spikes in power demand during startup without experiencing any performance issues or overloads.
Always Account for Potential Future Growth
As your business grows and expands over time, it is highly likely that your power needs will also increase. Take some time to consider any potential future additions to your current equipment inventory or any planned expansions to your business operations that will likely result in increased electricity consumption. By proactively factoring in this potential future growth in your power requirements, you can avoid the inconvenience and added expense of needing to purchase another, larger generator sometime down the line.
A slight but reasonable overestimation of your current power needs can provide you with valuable peace of mind and ensure you have sufficient power capacity for many years into the future. OTC Power can help you anticipate your future power needs.
Evaluate Your Typical Operational Hours
The amount of time each day that your business requires a continuous power supply from a generator is another important factor to consider. Some businesses operate around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and therefore need a constant power source. Other businesses might only need a generator to provide power during specific working hours or as a backup during occasional power outages.
Carefully consider how often your Perkins Generator will actually be in use. If your business operates continuously, it would be wise to choose a Perkins Generator with a higher power capacity to ensure it can run efficiently and reliably even when operating under a consistent load for extended periods. However, if you only anticipate using the generator during certain specific hours, you can likely size it more precisely to match those more limited power needs.
Consider Fuel Type and Overall Efficiency
Perkins Generators are most commonly powered by diesel fuel. Diesel power offers a strong combination of reliability and cost-effectiveness for many business applications. Diesel generators also have a tendency to be more fuel-efficient compared to some other types of generators, which makes them a particularly good choice for businesses that have a frequent or continuous need for a dependable power supply. When you are in the process of selecting a generator, make sure to carefully factor in the ongoing costs associated with fuel consumption and routine maintenance. This will help you determine if a diesel-powered Perkins Generator is indeed the most suitable and cost-effective option for your specific operational requirements and budget. OTC Power offers fuel-efficient Perkins Generators.
Sizing Your Perkins Generator in Practical Terms
To guarantee that your chosen Perkins Generator is sized accurately for your business, it is highly recommended that you utilize a professional generator sizing calculator or, even better, consult directly with an experienced power generation expert, such as the team at OTC Power. A general rule of thumb that is often used in the industry is to select a generator that offers approximately 20% to 25% more power capacity than your calculated maximum power requirement. This additional capacity acts as a safety margin to effectively handle any unexpected fluctuations or temporary surges in power demand that might occur.
For a practical example, if your thorough assessment of your equipment indicates that you require a total of 50 kW of power under normal operating conditions, you should aim to choose a Perkins Generator that is rated in the range of around 60 kW to 65 kW. This extra power buffer provides assurance that the generator will be able to comfortably handle any sudden increases in power demand without experiencing an overload or failure. Furthermore, operating a generator slightly below its maximum capacity can also contribute to extending its overall lifespan, as it will not be constantly running at its absolute limit.
The Benefits of a Silent Perkins Generator for Businesses
Certain types of businesses may have a specific need for a silent genGeneratorerator. These specialized Perkins Generators are engineered with advanced noise reduction features and sound dampening enclosures. This makes them particularly well-suited for businesses that operate in noise-sensitive environments. Examples of such businesses include hospitals, educational institutions like schools and universities, or commercial establishments located in or near residential areas. When you are considering sizing a silent Perkins Generator, it is essential to ensure that the chosen unit still provides sufficient power to meet all of your operational needs while simultaneously keeping noise levels within legally mandated or otherwise acceptable limits for the surrounding environment. OTC Power offers a range of silent generator options.
Exploring Options for Used Generators for Sale
If your business is operating under a more constrained budget but you still recognize the critical importance of having a reliable backup power source, you might want to explore the option of purchasing used generators for sale. Many businesses choose to sell their previously owned generators when they decide to upgrade to newer or larger models. These used generators for sale can often represent a significant value proposition, providing high-quality performance and dependable power at a more affordable price point compared to brand-new units.
However, if you are considering purchasing a used generator, it is absolutely crucial to conduct a thorough inspection of the unit before making a final decision. This inspection should aim to verify that the generator is still in good overall working condition and has been properly maintained throughout its previous operational life.
Integrating Solar Power Stations with Your Generator
In some strategic cases, businesses may also find it beneficial to consider incorporating solar power station technology as a way to either supplement the power provided by their diesel generator or, in some instances, to potentially replace the generator as their primary power source. A solar power station offers a sustainable and environmentally responsible way to generate electricity. By strategically utilizing solar energy in conjunction with your Perkins Generator, you can effectively reduce your reliance on diesel fuel consumption, which can lead to significant cost savings over time and also lower your business’s environmental impact.
Solar power station systems often include solar panels that are used to charge batteries. These batteries can then store the generated solar energy for later use, particularly during periods when sunlight is not available. This stored energy can help to further decrease your dependence on the diesel generator. OTC Power offers comprehensive solar power station solutions.
Selecting the Right Electric Generator for Your Home Customers
If your business also involves providing services or products to residential homeowners, you may occasionally encounter questions about what type of electric generator for home use would be the most suitable for their needs. For typical residential applications, the overall power requirements for a generator are generally less demanding compared to the needs of most commercial businesses.
However, the same fundamental principles of generator sizing that apply to businesses can also be helpful for homeowners in selecting the right electric generator for home use. When advising homeowners, always recommend that they carefully consider the types of appliances and electrical devices they want to be able to power during an outage, the total combined wattage of these devices, and any potential future power needs they might anticipate.
Conclusion
Properly sizing a Perkins Generator for your specific business requirements is a multi-faceted process that involves a thorough understanding of your current and potential future power demands. This includes carefully assessing both the continuous running loads of your equipment and the higher starting loads of any motorized machinery. Additionally, it is wise to consider your typical operational hours, the type of fuel that is most practical and cost-effective for your business, and any potential benefits of incorporating noise reduction features or integrating renewable energy sources like solar power.
By thoughtfully taking all of these important aspects into careful consideration, you can confidently select the ideal Perkins Generator for your business. This will ensure that you have access to a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective power supply for many years to come, allowing your business operations to run smoothly and without interruption. Contact OTC Power today for expert advice on selecting the perfect Perkins Generator for your needs.