Step 3: Answer the Basics, Save Time and Money.

Think about the following before the power goes off at your facility:

• How will the generator sets get from the dealership to the facility? Most dealerships deliver, but if you pick up the equipment yourself, you need to determine what size truck you will need. Most generator sets are towed on semi-trailers and pull trailers. Others are skid mounted and require lifting equipment for loading and unloading.
• Where will you put the generator sets? The largest generator sets, also referred to as power modules, measure 8 feet wide by 40 feet long. If tight quarters are a consideration, two or more smaller units will provide the same power at about the same price.
• How will you get cable from the generator sets outside your building to electrical distribution boxes inside? Consider installing a weather head, or a cable access door in an outside wall of you facility that can be closed when not in use. Then, you won't need to route cable through windows and doors that should remain shut during off-hours or inclement weather.
• Where will you get cable? Not all dealerships supply it. If the dealership you work with does not, use the work sheet in the Power Planner to list your cable supplier and an alternate.
• Can you store enough fuel close to the area where you plan to keep the generator sets? During extended generator set runs, an auxiliary tank of fuel will reduce service calls from your fuel supplier.
• Do you have people on staff who can hook up the generator sets and check to ensure they will operate properly? If not, make sure your dealership or an electrical contractor can do the hookup, or have the dealership walk your staff through the procedures.

Visit the dealership (Fabick Power Systems) to get to know the people you'll need to rely on during scheduled shutdowns and emergency power outages. Cat Rental Power brings you the strength of Caterpillar and the global Cat dealer network.

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