Renting a generator is not as straightforward as it seems; it takes more than picking a generator at a generator rental shop and loading it onto your truck. You must first determine the kind of generator that you want; otherwise, you may end up returning the generator to the shop because it does not suit your needs. Here are a few things about generators that will help you pick the right one:

Three-Phase And Single-Phase Generators

Three-phase and single-phase generators are classifications of generators based on the amount of power the generators deliver. Both types of generators provide the same type of current, which is the alternating current, or AC. The difference is how the current or power is delivered. Note that alternating current refers to a type of current where the charge carriers (electrons) reverse their directions multiple times in a second. In fact, they switch back and forth 60 times per second.

In single-phase generators, power is delivered in one wave, but the level of power depends on the electrical current coming in. This implies that power levels can fall to zero. In a three-phase generator, though, power is delivered in three separate waves and in a sequential order. Due to this, it is rare for power levels to drop to zero; a reason why three-phase generators are used in places where there is a great demand for power.

To get a clear idea of the difference between the two, imagine a man who is pushing a car up on a hill. This person will eventually tire and give up. But what if there were three people pushing the car up in sequence? That would be easy since when one person is tired, another one takes charge. That is how single-phase and three-phase generators work. When it comes to selection, pick the three-way generator if there is a great demand for power. But if the power is to be used for light work like heating at home, a single-phase generator should do.

Voltage And Ampere

Another issue that affects the choice of generator is voltage and ampere (amps). To understand these two, think of water passing through a pipe. Amps can be compared to the volume of water flowing through the pipe while voltage can be compared to the water pressure.  In electrical terms, voltage is the force behind the electric current while ampere is a unit that tells about the size of the electric current.

Generators have different voltage settings. Settings of most single-phase generators fall between 120 and 240 volts while three-phase generators have voltage settings that go up to 4160 volts. Have your facility checked by an electrician before renting a generator so as to determine the kind of generators the facility needs based on its voltage requirements.   

For more information about your options for generator rentals, talk to the rental company. They should be able to help you decide what option you should get to meet your needs.