The Difference Between Single Phase and 3 Phase Generators
Generators are indispensable for powering construction sites, schools, hospitals, factories and events. They’re simple, portable and available in a range of sizes, so it’s possible to hire a generator for any application.
The flexibility provided by generator hire also means that prices vary widely. Depending on where you are and how you plan to use your generator, you could pay anywhere from a few dollars per day to thousands for a long-term rental.
In this article we’ll look at some of the factors that affect the cost of generator hire, and how to choose the best option for your application.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Generator?
It’s possible to hire small generators for as little as $110 per day, but prices vary widely depending on the type of generator you need. Smaller generators (like the type used to power a single household) cost less, while large generators used for construction sites or permanent backup systems cost more.
There’s no simple way to predict the cost of generator hire. You’ll need to speak to the hire company for a quote. The amount you pay will depend on things like:
- Single vs 3 phase generators
- The generator’s power output
- Temporary, semi-permanent or permanent installation
- Ongoing maintenance requirements
- The type of fuel used by the generator
- Where and how the generator is being used
While more powerful generators are generally more expensive to hire, they provide greater output, require little maintenance and are often more fuel-efficient. This can make them more cost-effective for long-term installations.
Single Phase vs 3 Phase Generator Hire
One of the most important questions to ask yourself when hiring a generator is whether you need a single or 3 phase generator.
Single phase generators are low-powered units that are suited to small applications, such as running a few hand tools or household appliances. These types of generators are affordable to hire, but they don’t provide much power, so they’re unsuitable for medium or long-term use.
Commercial and industrial applications usually require a 3 phase generator. These generators produce 3 phase power that provides more energy and greater stability for commercial equipment.
The major benefit of 3 phase generators is that they can provide both single and 3 phase electricity. This makes them flexible enough to power any equipment you have onsite. From hand tools to industrial machinery, medical equipment, large-scale backup systems and more.
What Size Generator Do I Need?
The next major factor in the cost of generator hire is the size of the system you need.
Hiring the right size of generator will have a major impact on operational efficiency and long-term costs. The right size generator will provide plenty of power for all your equipment, without straining the system or using an excessive amount of fuel.
An undersized generator will struggle to provide the power you need. Undersized generators also require more fuel and more maintenance, which increases the total cost.
You can determine what size generator you need by calculating the loads it needs to power. Let’s do a simple example. To make things easy, we’ll calculate the amount of electricity needed to power a few household appliances during a blackout:
| Appliance | Running Power | Starting Power |
|---|---|---|
| Toaster | 150W | 600W |
| Fridge | 750W | 800W |
| TV | 180W | 200W |
| Fan | 60W | 180W |
| TOTAL | 1140W |
Note that we’ve provided two power figures for each appliance here: the Running Power and the Starting Power. The Running Power is the maximum amount of energy a device will consume during normal use. The Starting Power is how much energy it takes to turn an appliance on.
Once we know the total power consumption, we can calculate how much energy we need by adding the total Running Power to the largest Starting Power number:
1140W + 800W = 1940W
We’d need a generator that provides at least 1,940W to power these devices. But the calculation doesn’t end there. Generators are powered by engines, and engines don’t like to run at full capacity for long periods of time. To prevent the generator from becoming overloaded or damaged, we’d add 20% redundancy:
1940W x 120% = 2328W
In this example, we’d need a generator that produces about 2300W to provide backup power during a blackout.
If you need power for a commercial or industrial application, speak to your generator hire company for advice. These have different power requirements, and it can be difficult to calculate your total power needs.
Renting vs Buying a Generator
Renting vs buying is the other major question when it comes to generator hire costs. If you need a larger 3 phase generator for a commercial application, it’s usually more cost-effective to hire the equipment you need.
Renting a generator comes with a few major benefits:
- No ongoing maintenance. Generators require maintenance to ensure they’re always ready when you need them. When you choose to hire a generator, all maintenance requirements are taken care of by your service provider, so there’s nothing for you to worry about.
- Ideal for short or long-term installations. Hire generators are suitable for all types of installations. They’re great if you need power for a weekend event, but they’re also suitable as semi-permanent and permanent backup systems.
- Low up front costs. The upfront costs of hiring a generator are relatively low. New 3 phase generators can cost tens of thousands of dollars to purchase, and that’s before installation and other equipment costs.
- Greater flexibility. Hiring a generator provides flexibility to scale the system up or down as needed. If your business grows or if you move to a new site with different power requirements, you can swap your generator for a smaller or larger unit.
Get the Right Generator for the Job with Thompson Power!
How much it costs to hire a generator depends on dozens of factors. There’s no easy way to predict that cost until you speak to the team at Thompson Power.
Thompson Power provides 3 phase generator hire throughout central western New South Wales. Our team of qualified electricians has designed and installed generator systems for a huge range of clients. From one-off events to backup systems for hospitals, factories, schools and more, the Thompson Power team will make sure you always have the electricity you need.
Our fleet of 3 phase generators comes in a range of sizes. Call us if you need help selecting the right size generator or for a quote on 3 phase generator hire!