Keeping the Lights On: The Importance of Generator Hire in Construction
A generator is one of the most critical pieces of equipment on a construction site. Without a reliable source of electricity, projects can quickly fall behind schedule and increase overheads.
Even on sites that have mains electricity, a generator should still be considered essential.
An onsite generator is used to ensure:
A consistent power supply: Mains electricity sources can suffer from outages or power surges. A generator with the right capacity to run the tools in use, light the site, increase security and keep workers safe.
Provides enough power: Construction sites typically run power-hungry equipment – something a mains supply might not be able to cope with. Installing a generator ensures that whatever kit is in use, the power will remain steady.
Work can continue in inclement weather: Heavy rain, intense heat, high winds etc can all cause mains electricity sources to be unstable. A self-contained outdoor use generator has no such issues and will keep powering along, no matter what Mother Nature throws at it.
Keeping costs down: Drawing constant, high-yield energy from the mains is expensive. Taking power from a generator, on the other hand, can often provide more affordable energy and reduce expenses. To further reduce these costs you could also consider hiring one of the new generation of generators that runs on an alternative energy source, such as solar, wind or rechargeable batteries.
Power to remote areas: When mains electricity isn’t an option – which is often the case on construction sites and even those that aren’t that far from populated areas - the only way to provide power is with a generator.
Portability: A generator allows you to bring power to where it’s needed without the need to run metres and metres of extension cables. Not only is this convenient, but it’s also an important health and safety consideration. Every additional cable presents a potential entry point for water or dampness to get in, not to mention being a trip hazard.
The risks of power outages
Losing power on a construction site has multiple repercussions. Whether you choose to hire a generator to supply all of your electricity needs or simply as an emergency backup, it removes risks, such as:
Security: With construction vandalism and theft a constant battle, reliable lighting is essential during the hours of darkness.
Safety: In the same vein, workers and other site personnel need to have good visibility at all times, even when it’s dark. A generator will ensure the lights remain on, even during a blackout.
Interruption: Not being able to run equipment because of a mains power outage will impact completion. Every day, hour or minute that a site is without electricity hurts your bottom line – not to mention your reputation.
Profits: No one needs to be reminded how tight the profit margins are in today’s construction industry. Every cent counts – and ensuring a reliable power supply with adequate generator capacity is essential for a successful project.
Generators come in all shapes and sizes. At McMahon Hire Solutions, we’ve got the widest range to suit all construction site needs. From the smallest of 3kva to whole-site power generation with a 50kva skid-mounted option, our experts will ensure that you hire the right one for your project.
Call us today for a no-obligation discussion.