UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL GENERATORS

Are you thinking about getting a new generator for your property in Toronto or throughout Ontario? In this blog, Paramount Power Systems tells you everything you need to know about the differences between residential and industrial generators.

Key Functional Differences Between Industrial and Residential Generators

• Size and power capacity – Residential generators are usually smaller in size, with a power capacity ranging between 12 kW to 100 kW. Industrial generators though tend be much larger. Their power capacity can range from 25 kW to 3000+ kW.

• Noise levels – Residential generators operate at noise levels ranging from 50 to 75 decibels. Industrial generators are typically noisier, with noise levels that can reach beyond 90 decibels.

• Fuel efficiency – Both types of generators are available in fuel-efficient models. Industrial units though tend to have more advanced systems designed to further optimize their fuel usage.

• Type of fuel needed – Residential generators can run on natural gas, propane or diesel. Industrial units, on the other hand, require either diesel or natural gas due to their larger sizes.

• Initial and long-term costs – In general, residential generators carry lower upfront and long-term costs than industrial ones.

• Customization options – Industrial generators are normally far more customizable than home generators. They can for instance be modified to better suit the power needs of businesses based on their operations.

Applications and Uses

Residential and industrial generators both play crucial roles in ensuring continuous power supply during outages, but they differ in scale, complexity, and the types of operations they support.

For homeowners in Toronto and nearby regions, residential generators are designed to keep essential household systems up and running, such as lighting, refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning during power outages. These generators typically come in smaller sizes and can be powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel, providing a convenient solution for maintaining comfort and safety during extreme weather events.

On the other hand, industrial generators are larger and more powerful, catering to organizations that require a significant amount of electricity to operate without interruption. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and data centers, for example, rely on these generators to ensure critical systems like life support machines, IT infrastructure, and communications stay online. In factories and industrial sites, the impact of a power failure can be even more pronounced, leading to costly downtimes, production halts, or even safety hazards. Therefore, industrial generators are usually designed for extended runtimes, with higher capacity and advanced features to ensure reliability under demanding conditions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Generator

Ready to invest in a new generator? Here are some factors to consider when making your purchase:

• Budget – When planning your budget, it’s important to consider both the upfront investment and the long-term maintenance costs of the generator.

• Run time – Residential generators need to be refueled more often than industrial ones, which might be an issue for property owners who need an option with a longer run time.

• Noise level – If noise is an issue, for instance for buildings located in the residential areas of Toronto, residential generators might be the better option.

• Location – Consider where you’d like your generator to be set up. While residential generators can be placed in a garage or other location close to the house, industrial ones generally require a separate dedicated space, such as a generator room.

• Power needs – You should also consider the power needs of your property before investing in a generator. A small household for instance will not have the same power needs as an industrial site.

High-quality Generators in Toronto

Are you looking for a new generator for your home or industrial site in Toronto? Serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers across Ontario, Paramount Power Systems carries a large inventory of Kohler generators from 12 kW-150 kW. All of our generators and power solutions are also CSA-compliant. Contact us today to learn more about our generators in Toronto.