Almost every ISP today needs a generator. Choosing one is a big decision, and ISP owners share their advice in this article.

[September 11, 2008]

On the ISP-Tech list in August, KB asked:

"Hello, I am looking for recommendations on a 60 KW minimum generator. Should be natural gas."

[TC suggested] "Might give these guys a look:

http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com

We've done business with them before and they are good folks."

[CP replied] "Generac is a good generator company. When I used to work in the RV industry I saw a lot of them and Onan, they are a direct competitor to Onan. They have a good service and support department. Parts are usually readily available and the fact they are in proximity to you is definitely a plus. If their pricing is good for what you are looking for, then you should go with them."

[KB elucidated] "Well, I figured around $12,000 to $13,000 for the generator, between $1200 and $1700 for the transfer switch, about $1000 for a concrete pad, and then the plumber for the natural gas and the electrician to hook everything up. I'm thinking around $16,000 or so."

[I added] "Remember to think about maintenace too. Not everyone's as hardcore as DaneJasper at Sonic.net but these generators do have ongoing costs:

'...we still must test fire the generator once every week, top up its fuel every few months, and trade out old fuel for new periodically. Its full generating capacity is totally load tested every few years by hooking it up to a massive resistor/heater bank. The maintenance and load testing is critical to assure that the power will be there when we do need it.'"

[KB agreed] "Good point, and the main reason for choosing Natural Gas over Diesel. No fuel to top, lower maintenance and longer life. Easier to service too. Maintenance is pretty much "tune up", ie., plugs, oil, filters, etc... Yes, it will still have to fire once per week."

—End