Articles
Choosing the Right Backup Power System for Your Venue
Selecting the right backup power for venues in South Africa has become essential for the completion of successful events. Load-shedding and unplanned power outages can last up to four hours or longer, turning a potentially successful event into a disastrous occasion. These outages can disrupt everything from lighting and sound systems to security procedures, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) at a moment’s notice for an undetermined period.
For these reasons and more, the expert industrial diesel generator manufacturers and suppliers at PacB Power Solutions will use this article as a guide to choosing the right backup power for venues, considering factors such as the size of the venue, power requirements, budgetary constraints, and regulatory compliance.
Moreover, we will highlight how we can meet these needs with our superior-quality industrial diesel generators, internationally renowned for providing unbeatable uninterrupted power supplies. You will learn why you should consider our reliable rental services and more.
Backup Power for Venues is a National Priority in South Africa
Ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply is vital for any special occasion, and venues that charge for these specialised services are expected to provide a seamless supply of power, whether the national power grid can deliver it or not.
Understanding Your Venue’s Needs
These are a few factors to take into account when considering backup power for venues:
Venue Size and Capacity
The size of your venue plays a critical role in determining the appropriate backup power system. Small venues may only need a modest generator to maintain essential functions, while larger venues, such as auditoriums, stadiums, or conference centres require much larger systems capable of supporting significant power loads.
- Small Venues: For intimate venues like restaurants or small halls, a smaller generator capacity may suffice. These generators can power essential systems like lighting, sound equipment, and basic HVAC.
- Medium Venues: For medium-sized venues such as banquet halls or theatres, a standby generator with automatic transfer switches (ATS) is advisable. This ensures a seamless transition to backup power in the event of an outage.
- Large Venues: Large event spaces need industrial-grade generators that can support extensive power requirements. This might require multiple generators with synchronisation capabilities to ensure uninterrupted electricity.
Power Requirements
Understanding the specific power needs of your venue is vitally important. It is best left to professionals to calculate your exact voltage and wattage requirements. However, these needs may be broadly divided into three specific areas:
- Critical Loads: These include emergency lighting, security systems, fire alarms, or power to first-aid stations within the facility.
- Operational Loads: These cover HVAC systems, audio-visual equipment, kitchen and catering appliances, and other utilities that may be essential for an event.
- Comfort Loads: These are non-essential pieces of equipment that complete the ambience of any occasion, like decorative lighting, for example.
Conducting a thorough power audit through a professional company helps in accurately determining the size and capacity of the backup power system you require.
Budgetary Considerations
Budgetary constraints are a significant factor when choosing a backup power system for venues. While it is tempting to go for the most cost-effective option, this may not always be the perfect solution. It is important to balance costs with your wants and needs. Your reputation of being “The venue that keeps the lights on” may attract more clients during these uncertain power supply times. Furthermore, consider these factors:
- Initial Costs: This includes the purchase price of the generator, installation costs, and any necessary upgrades to the current electrical system.
- Operational Costs: Fuel efficiency and maintenance costs can severely impact your overall budget. At PacB Power Solutions, our diesel generators are known for their fuel efficiency and longevity, making them a cost-effective solution over time.
- Rental vs. Purchase: Whether it is a cost factor or the duration of an event, for venues that require backup power only for a short period, generator rentals might be a more economically viable option. Thankfully, we provide reliable rental services, ensuring that you have access to superior-quality backup power generation without the hefty upfront investment.
3 Regulatory Compliance Factors to Consider
Ensuring that your backup power system complies with local or municipal regulations is crucial. This might include:
- Environmental Regulations: Compliance with emissions standards is vitally important, especially for diesel generators. Our generators meet stringent environmental standards, ensuring minimal environmental impact, whether the event is indoors or outdoors.
- Safety Standards: Backup power systems must comply with safety regulations to prevent hazards like electrical fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper installation, ventilation, and regular maintenance are vital. Our PacB Electech division offers knowledgeable, competent installations that adhere to these standards.
- Building Codes: Local building codes may dictate specific requirements for generator placement, noise pollution, and fuel storage. It is important to work with a knowledgeable supplier who can help with these codes and regulations.
4 Reasons Why You Should Consider PacB Power Solutions?
At PacB Power Solutions, we are the leading manufacturer and supplier of backup power generation for venues in Southern Africa. Our industrial diesel generators are renowned for their reliability, efficiency, and compliance. These are only four reasons why you should consider us for your power supply partner:
- Superior Quality: At PacB Power Solutions, our generators are built to last, providing reliable backup power for venues during outages. Our industrial-grade diesel generators are designed to meet the high demands of any venue. Large or small, we have a generator to meet your needs.
- Unbeatable Uninterrupted Power Supplies: With automatic transfer switches and synchronisation capabilities designed to cater to your specific needs, our generators ensure seamless power transitions, minimising disruption during power outages.
- Reliable Rental Solutions: For venues or temporary events that do not require permanent backup power solutions, we offer flexible rental options. Our rental services include delivery, setup, and maintenance, providing peace of mind and affordable solutions for any event.
- Expert Guidance and Support: We provide comprehensive support services, from initial consultation and power audits to installation and ongoing maintenance. Our friendly team of experts ensures that your backup power generation system is tailored to your venue’s specific needs and complies with all relevant safety and municipal regulations.
So, if you want the perfect backup power for your venue, consider partnering with us here at PacB Power Solutions. With our offerings of either permanent power solutions or short- or long-term rental installations, coupled with our professionally trained, knowledgeable support staff, we will keep your event energised.
Whether you are planning an annual outdoor rave or a formal, large-scale, multi-day conference, backup power for venues is essential. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.