Standby Generator Basics for Hotels & Motels – Part 1

Natural and manmade disasters can cause extended power outages that greatly affect a hotel or motel. A brief loss of power due to a utility problem can also wreak havoc. Every resort facility should prepare for the inevitable power outage. Failing to plan for the loss of electricity could lead to lost bookings, poor communications with guests, reduced goodwill, and the loss of revenue.

Hotels and motels can prevent these potential problems by installing a standby generator on their premises. When electricity from the utility is cut, the generator will automatically activate and restore power, allowing a facility and its employees to keep working and serving guests. Safety and security will also be maintained.

From a larger hotel to a smaller roadside motel, a standby generator ready for emergencies ensures that the negative effects resulting from a power outage will be mitigated.

Standby Generator Overview

A standby or automatic generator is installed with a permanent connection to a facility’s electrical system. Installed outside, a standby generator interfaces with a hotel or motel’s electrical system via an automatic transfer switch (ATS). During power outages, the transfer switch automatically disconnects the facility from the electrical grid and turns on the generator, which is typically powered by natural gas from the facility.

After utility power is restored, the standby generator automatically turns off, and the hotel or motel will be reconnected to the grid. The ATS is critical because it prevents electricity produced by the generator from back feeding into utility lines and harming anyone working on them.

Part 2 will discuss Capacity, Proper Operation, Location, and Noise.

Electrical Services You Can Trust

Meyer Electrical Services is an authorized Kohler and KOHLER Sales & Service Dealer. We provide custom standby generator installations and are trained and licensed to perform the regularly required important factory service and maintenance.

Founded in 1991 and serving Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., where we are licensed and insured, Meyer Electrical Services provides home and commercial electrical services you can trust, including:

• Standby Generator Installation
• Panel Upgrades (Heavy-Ups)
• Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations
• Structured Cabling
• Circuit Breaker Replacement

Based in Bethesda, our team proudly serves all of Montgomery County. Receive a free consultation for custom electrical work today by calling (301) 941-1400.