Things to Bear in Mind for EPSS Rentals

Emergency power supply system (EPSS) rentals are helpful in three circumstances: any time commercial electricity is not available, when commercial electricity is hard to supply by regular means, and whenever a facility’s emergency power generator (a.k.a. genset) is offline for maintenance, repair, retrofitting, or simply replacement. In these instances, businesses and organizations use emergency power supply services that provide EPSS rentals. Yet before they sign an agreement, they should consider the price of the rental, which kind of unit they require, whether support equipment is needed, and whether renting a generator is really necessary. Below, we examine the details of each and every consideration.

Do you know how much a rental generator should cost?

The generator rental cost depends on numerous factors, such as: the type of fuel a genset uses, whether the buyer transports it or has it delivered, the duration of the contract, the unit’s voltage capacity, along with any special features. One way to save money on renting a genset would be to rent one that uses natural gas, or a natural gas and diesel mixture, instead of pure diesel. An additional way to save money is transporting the machine instead of having it delivered. A third way to save is by pursuing a lease agreement instead of a rental contract if the equipment is needed long-term.

What type of unit is necessary?

The type of EPSS an organization needs first depends on its voltage requirements. For instance, there’s significant differences between the voltage requirements of a hospital and the voltage needs of a small concert held in a sylvan setting. With the first case, renting an undersized unit could result in serious financial setbacks, as well as loss of life. In the second case, renting an EPSS that offers an excessive amount of capacity is simply a waste of money. Before a rental contract is signed, it’s far better to check with an urgent situation power service about which rentals would best meet the needs of a specific project, facility, event, etc.

Is additional EPSS equipment needed?

In some instances, only a generator is needed to supply power. However in others, extra EPSS equipment for example power distribution units (PDUs) along with connector cables are needed too. In these instances, potential renters must carefully strategize for their total power supply needs, including equipment rentals to support generator function. Ultimately, this may mean picking a company that offers additional power support equipment over one that doesn’t. Most of the time, companies who offer generator rental also rent equipment that will carry a generator’s power to the expected location.

Is a rental truly required?

Whether a building needs an EPSS while its system is offline because of switch gear servicing, engine maintenance, retrofitting, etc. depends on the nature of their services. Whereas some establishments can’t do without power for even a few moments, others can. If you can, not having a functional EPSS for a short moment of time would eliminate the cost of renting a genset. But in cases where being without emergency power would be risky for business or human safety, rentals are always the right choice.

While preparing to write this article, I learned a lot about switchgear systems and power services at PrimePower.com