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How To Prepare For Generator Installation At Your Medical Facility

by Glenda Walters

In facilities where medical care is provided, a power outage can be detrimental on so many levels. Patients may be at risk, valuable medical supplies could be lost, and the implications for the practice owner can be severe. Therefore, having a backup power source on standby in case of an electrical outage is exceptionally important. 

If your medical practice is located in an urban area, access to natural gas means you could opt for commercial natural gas generator installation. These highly-efficient generators can be large enough to power vital elements of your operation. However, there are a few things that you will want to know first. Check out some questions to answer to get you prepared for the installation process. 

What Vital Elements Need to Be Powered at All Times?

Take a walk through your practice and consider what would need to have power if you were to lose electricity. Most medical facilities will have a number of equipment pieces that need power, such as: 

  • Oxygen delivery systems 
  • Cold storage equipment for medications
  • Intravenous medication pumps 
  • Telephone systems 
  • Lighting 

Take note of everything in your facility that needs to be powered at all times. This will help the generator installer determine what size the unit installed at your business needs to be. 

Where Will You Place the Natural Gas Generator?

Generators must be installed on a stable platform and in a way that the public will not have access to the unit. However, they also need to be close to the building. Therefore, the placement options can be relatively limited for most properties. Consider the practice facility grounds where you operate and where it would be best to have the generator installed. Most medical practices opt for ground installation, usually in the back of the building, but roof installation may be an option if you have the right roof shape on the building. For example, a flat roof is a stable place for a generator, but a sloped roof is not. 

Would Generator Noise Be an Issue for Your Practice?

Natural gas generators come in many different models, and some can be more sound-producing than others. You can opt for quieter units, which can naturally be a bit more expensive. However, if you are looking for installation on a budget, you may also want to consider placing the generator in an area where the noise produced will not be a concern. For example, generator noise is not so much of an issue for most medical practices if the unit is installed on the roof. 

For more information on a commercial natural gas generator installation+, contact a professional near you.

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