Sizing and siting
The first question is what the generator must carry. Life safety loads are required in some buildings, while other owners want to keep refrigeration, servers, heating, tills or a full facility running. A load study determines generator size, and starting loads from motors and compressors matter as much as running loads.
Placement affects noise, exhaust, fuel supply and access for service and refuelling. The generator needs clearances from openings and property lines, a stable pad, and protection from snow and drifting. Cold-weather starting aids are important in Alberta.
The complete installation
Our electrical crew, led by a Master Electrician, installs the transfer switch, feeders, conduit, grounding, controls and battery chargers, and coordinates start-up and load testing with the generator supplier. Our mechanical crew handles natural gas or fuel piping, ventilation, exhaust routing and, for enclosed rooms, combustion air and cooling.
Our concrete and carpentry work includes the pad, bollards and enclosures, and our low voltage group installs remote monitoring and alarms so you know when the generator runs. Fuel storage and gas supply connections follow the applicable Safety Codes requirements.
- Pad, bollards and enclosure
- Transfer switch and feeders
- Fuel or natural gas connection
- Exhaust, ventilation and cooling
- Monitoring and test schedules
What to plan for
Lead times on generators and switchgear can be long, so order early. Permits are required for electrical and gas work, and the utility may need to be informed. Plan a short planned outage for tie-in work.
A generator that is never tested may not start when needed. Plan regular exercising and maintenance, and we can set up building maintenance services as part of our operate offering. Fuel supply, emissions and noise rules also vary by location, so check them early.
Maintenance and readiness
Generators need regular exercising, oil and filter changes, battery checks and fuel management. Keep a log, and have a service agreement with the supplier. Test the transfer switch under real load at least once after installation.
We can add generator checks to a building maintenance programme so the system is ready when it is needed.