Your Doors Stay Open When the Grid Goes Down

Generator size depends on which loads you want to back up and the total electrical demand of those loads. A small office or retail space might need a 20 to 48 kW generator. A restaurant or medical office typically requires 48 to 100 kW. A large commercial facility might need 150 to 500 kW or more. Our load analysis identifies the exact capacity required based on your specific equipment and operating requirements, including motor starting currents that temporarily spike demand.

Automatic standby generators with automatic transfer switches typically restore power within ten to thirty seconds of detecting a utility outage. The transfer switch senses the power loss, signals the generator to start, waits for the generator to reach stable voltage and frequency, then transfers your building’s load to generator power. For facilities requiring zero-interruption power, we integrate battery backup systems that bridge the gap during generator startup.

Natural gas generators are ideal for buildings with existing gas service because they have unlimited fuel supply from the utility. Propane generators work well for properties without natural gas access. Diesel generators provide the highest power density and are standard for large commercial applications above 200 kW. We evaluate your fuel access, run time requirements, and maintenance preferences to recommend the optimal fuel type for your situation.

Generator capacity is the biggest driver, and a smaller 20 to 48 kW unit is a different class of project from a 100 to 500 kW machine. The rest of the scope moves the number too: the transfer switch and whether you need one automatic switch or several, the concrete pad and any structural work, the fuel connections and whether you are on natural gas or a diesel tank that has to be set and permitted, the length of the feeder run back to the switchgear, and the commissioning and load-bank test. We provide detailed, fixed-price proposals based on our load analysis. Call (307) 757-5553 or visit our contact page for a free assessment.

With a load study, not a square-footage guess. We walk the panel schedules, identify the motor loads that draw the largest starting inrush (elevators, compressors, walk-in refrigeration, HVAC), and decide with you what actually has to stay running versus what can drop. Motor starting is usually what sets the size, because a unit picked on running watts alone will brown out the moment a compressor kicks in. If backing up the whole building is not worth the capital, we build a critical-loads panel instead and back up only what matters, which is often the smarter project.

It depends on the occupancy. Medical facilities, assisted living, and buildings with emergency lighting or fire pump requirements fall under NFPA 110 and carry required transfer times, testing schedules, and documentation. Most offices, retail, restaurants, and shops are optional-standby, where the generator is a business decision about downtime rather than a code mandate. The distinction changes the equipment, the wiring separation, and the inspection paperwork, so we settle it early. We tell you which category you are in before we design anything.

Yes. Regular maintenance is essential for generator reliability. We recommend oil and filter changes every 200 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first. Coolant, belts, and battery should be inspected quarterly. Full-load testing should be performed at least annually to verify the generator can carry its rated load. A well-maintained generator will provide fifteen to twenty years of reliable backup power for your commercial facility.