When looking to hire the right generator for your event or business, there are several points to consider:

What type of generator do you need?

The first point to consider is the generator type. For example, you may want to ask: What size generator do I need? An industrial-sized machine to meet the demands of my heavy-duty appliances? Or if power requirements are small, would a portable or inverter generator be more suitable for your requirements?

When deciding on the right generator for your event or business, it is wise to have a basic understanding of the type of power generating equipment required to do the job.

How do you calculate your power requirements?

After deciding on the type of generator to use, you will then need to calculate the total wattage of all the equipment that needs power. By having an accurate measurement of all your power applications, you are ensuring your generator will not overheat or malfunction for being either over worked or under used, ensuring your investment continues to work at its prime.

Are generators expensive?

Generators are a considerable expense for many businesses or events, so choosing the right one from the outset will help smooth the process along. If your generator is for the long-term and used primarily as a stand-alone piece of equipment, the cost of running your generator will be different for someone looking for something on a more short-term, ad-hoc basis.

What are the short vs long-term costs?

The short-term vs long-term costs of running a generator, added with fuel usage and maintenance costs all need to be considered. The initial purchase cost of a generator can be high, and this along with fuel and upkeep should be factored in.

Additional to this is the usage and cost. For example, those after a generator for long-term use can expect an initial higher expense, but with longer running times and fuel efficiency factored in, may end up being more cost efficient than a generator used in the short-term.

Should you hire a generator?

Looking to power some equipment for a fixed period of time? Or are you wanting to power an event, or a remote facility? For a temporary power source, hiring a diesel generator and/or hybrid generator is certainly one the most obvious ways to achieve your objective.

Are there any other requirements?

Once you’ve decided on your generator type, power requirements and how much you are willing to spend, it is wise to put together a shortlist of requirements. Whilst they don’t need to be ironclad, they are useful to act as a guide for your supplier, helping them to find you a suitable solution faster.

Examples of requirements may include

• Site access – where the generator is going to be delivered to and where it is to be installed
• Power demands
• Time of usage (night-time, daytime etc.)
• Environmental concerns and noise requirements.

Whilst it is recommended to speak with a generator hire expert at your earliest opportunity, there are some other considerations that may also help aid the process along.

What are you powering?

Perhaps the most important question which needs to be answered is what exactly needs to be powered by the generator? Is it for specialist, high powered lighting, or machinery on an active construction site, or perhaps it’s just for AV equipment at an event?

By drawing up a detailed list of your generator’s use, you will help your supplier calculate and size up the correct generator for your needs.

It can be difficult to understand the exact power requirements for each piece of equipment. Fortunately, generator hire experts are well versed in sizing your power equipment along with any other installation considerations.

What time of day will your hire generator be used?

Will your temporary power system be required to run all day? Will it need to run throughout the night? If it’s the latter and your site is located in a built-up area, noise may be a potential issue, which will need addressing through various noise suppression techniques e.g. acoustic canopies which your power expert can help with.

Where should you install your hire generator?

Location is everything when it comes to installing your generator. Before settling on your chosen spot, you will need to assess whether your site is in a secure and safe location. Can your site be accessed by others? Is your generator on show? For generators that are set to be installed within a busy constructions site, is it likely to be subjected to dust and grit? If all the above is a reality, a containerised generator may be the option for you.

Are there any site access difficulties?

Is your site in a difficult to reach location? Is it in an extremely rural location? Site access issues are very common for a variety of businesses and event companies and can have a significant implication on the specification of generator you require.

Whilst some generators can be delivered and positioned quickly and easily, some larger generators may require flatbed lorries to transport them. This is a vital piece of information which your generator hire company will need to know. It is important that you notify your supplier so they can advise and prepare as necessary.

How does Regulatory Compliance affect hiring a generator?

The health and safety requirements that go into the hiring out of a generator are very thorough. Your supplier will need to ensure strict protocols surrounding fuel safety, noise control and safe use are always being adhered to. A worthy generating hire company will have this in place.

Generator hire at Rehlko – here to help

At Rehlko we have a large fleet of high-spec generators for hire 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With so many considerations to undertake before settling on the right generator for you, it is a good idea to speak to the experts with the knowledge and expertise to help guide you on your way.

From transport costs, fuel tanks, load banks, cables, traffic management to UPS, safety concerns and fuel compliance we can help you every step of the way. At Rehlko we understand that every job is different and because of this we offer plenty of flexibility – you can hire for any amount of time to suits your needs.

At Rehlko we have everything covered! From the delivery and positioning of your new generating equipment, to the location and installation of your new set, utilising our own fleet of 4x4s, flatbeds and HIABS, we’re with you every step of the way.