Power Systems

What Electrical Systems Do You Carry?

As a power systems dealer in California, Quinn Company offers a comprehensive range of new Cat equipment for various power systems. That range includes:

• Uninterruptible power systems (UPS)
• ATS ATC breakers and contactors
• Switchgear and paralleling controls

We can also deliver a photovoltaic module microgrid compatible with 1000V and 1500V plant architectures configured for your particular specifications.

The specific model and fuel type your organization should choose depends on several factors:

• Typical patterns in energy demand
• The nature of your operations
• Your facility size
• Available space
• Environmental conditions

Whether you require a commercial generator, an EPA-certified model for stationary use, or a heavy-duty system set for standby service, we have the options to handle your needs. 

With an industry-leading operating range of 8.2 to 6,100 kilowatts, Cat engines are powerful enough to control the harshest operational environments while providing the flexibility to work in nearly any application. Our knowledgeable and experienced sales team can help you find a model configurable to your specific application.

An industrial generator can handle significantly more demand than a commercial one.

Industrial generators are designed specifically for the rugged, high-demand environments of large-scale facilities like:

• Power plants
• Hospitals and private health care practices
• Manufacturing facilities
• Government buildings
• Construction sites

On the other hand, commercial generators are best for less power-intensive environments such as office buildings, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.

Generally, the larger your facility and the higher your energy demand, the larger the generator you will need to ensure you have the required amount of power. Following this rule, the smaller your required energy draw, the smaller the unit you should buy.

Rightsizing your equipment for your organization is critical because it:

• Protects your onsite assets from voltage drops and electrical damage
• Optimizes energy efficiency and reduces operational costs
• Improves power reliability
• Reduces the risk of safety hazards like overheating equipment

If you’re unsure which unit best meets your requirements, you can access professional guidance by reaching out to your nearest power equipment dealer. An experienced team can help you fine-tune what you’re looking for in a power source so you can make the most informed decision possible.

A well-maintained industrial generator can remain functional for 20 to 25 years — or 20,000 to 40,000 hours. However, facilities that keep theirs constantly running may experience a shorter life span.

Industrial systems can use any of the following fuels:

• Diesel: Diesel generators provide high power output, durability, and reliability. Both diesel and gas should be used outdoors, where there is space for the resulting fumes to escape and dissipate.
• Natural gas: Gas-powered generators are typically more cost-effective than diesel models due to the fuel’s lower cost. They’re also typically smaller, making them easier to transport to specific areas on your jobsite.
• Hybrid: These systems use a combination of traditional fuel and renewable energy to create efficient, long-lasting power for your project.

A three-phase generator produces three separate alternating currents that run simultaneously at 120-degree intervals. This arrangement helps minimize wear and tear due to excessive torque and pulsating distribution, which can extend your generator’s life span and reduce service and repair costs.

The main advantages of using one of these models include:

• Additional power and reliability
• Reduced torque
• Material and energy efficiency
• Increased durability
• Minimized cost of ownership
• Higher durability

Three-phase generators are typically best for large-scale industrial deployments, where their high power output is ideal for providing a continuous power supply. In contrast, a single-phase one is better for small-scale deployments like residential buildings, offices, and retail.

Generally speaking, you should not use power generation equipment in any setting that could pose a risk to your operations and staff.

Some examples of times and places where you should not use a generator include:

• Indoors: Diesel and gas-powered models produce carbon monoxide (CO) as a byproduct, which can accumulate in closed or partially enclosed spaces and lead to injury or even death. As a general rule, it’s best to only use these types of machines in a well-ventilated or outdoor area.
• In wet environments: Accidentally exposing a generator’s sensitive internal parts to water can cause your unit to stop working. Unless you have a suitable cover for your system, it’s best to avoid using it in a rainy or damp outdoor area.
• With stale fuel: Gas-powered models can malfunction if the fuel has been sitting unused for too long. To prevent it from spoiling and causing serious issues, you can use additives and keep up with a regular preventive maintenance routine.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that you do not use a portable generator in rain or other wet conditions unless you can cover it.

While you can technically run a generator in the rain, you have to use a cover to ensure it stays dry. Water can seep into an uncovered generator’s internal system and create an electrocution hazard. It can also lead to a short-circuiting engine, potentially causing permanent damage.

When the power comes back on after an outage, the automatic transfer switch (ATS) in your backup generator will automatically turn off, and your facility will resume drawing electricity from the grid.

This automatic shut-down capability also protects your system from experiencing an overload when power is restored. As a result, this feature also safeguards any employees or other people in the building from a power surge traveling through the generator.