Key Takeaways
- Clarify your power type and capacity needs before choosing a rental generator.
- Confirm fuel efficiency, noise levels, maintenance, and delivery/integration services upfront.
- Assos Power provides expert advice, diverse generator types, and full-service support to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
Identify Your Power Requirements First
Before picking a generator, assess your actual power demands:
- List all equipment you’ll run—machines, lighting, HVAC, IT gear.
- Include both running wattage and motor startup surges.
- Estimate your load profile to choose between prime (continuous) or standby generators.
- Leave a safety margin—typically 15–25% over peak load—to avoid overloading.
Assos Power helps with precise load assessment to recommend the right model.
Choose Between Prime and Standby Generators
Know which generator type suits your project:
- Prime Power (PRP) units support ongoing, daily operations, ideal for continuously running equipment.
- Standby (LTP) generators activate during power outages, perfect for backup and essential systems.
- Ask Assos Power about hybrid setups if you need both operational power and backup support.
Check Fuel Type & Efficiency
Fuel usage has major cost implications:
- Diesel units offer fuel efficiency and suitability for long runs.
- Find out hourly fuel consumption at your expected load—dashboards typically predict volumes.
- Ask about tank size and refuelling logistics to minimise downtime.
Evaluate Noise and Emission Levels
Generators can be noisy or polluting:
- Ask if models include silent acoustic enclosures for noise-sensitive sites.
- Confirm emission standards compliance to meet local regulations.
- Discuss exhaust placement and ventilation planning to ensure safe installation.
Understand Service and Support Offerings
This matters as much as the hardware:
- Ensure delivery, installation, and secure siting are included in rental costs.
- Confirm preventive maintenance schedules—oil checks, filter changes, inspections.
- Ask about 24/7 technical and roadside support for breakdowns or emergencies.
Assos Power offers a full-service experience from drop-off to ongoing technical care.
Inspect Generator Age & Maintenance History
Older or poorly maintained units can cause reliability issues:
- Ask for the manufacture date and last service record.
- Confirm if the unit undergoes regular load-bank tests and periodic inspections.
- Verify fuel, oil, and filter service history to ensure reliability.
Check ISO Compliance and Safety Features
Safety and compliance protect your site and workers:
- Ensure the generator meets relevant safety and emissions certifications.
- Ask about electrical protection mechanisms—circuit breakers, ATS (automatic transfer switch).
- Confirm that grounding, spill control, and fire safety equipment is handled by the provider.
Assess Power Distribution Logistics
Getting power to your site requires planning:
- Clarify cable runs and gauge to prevent voltage drops.
- Ask if the rental includes distribution boards, connectors, and transfer switches.
- Understand indoor/outdoor positioning and ventilation needs.
Assos Power supports site layout and cable integration.
Understand Rental Terms & Flexibility
Your contract needs to match your timeline and responsibilities:
- Confirm contract duration, extension/cancellation terms, and notice period.
- Know who covers fuel costs—tariff or self-supplied.
- Clarify limits on usage hours or load and penalties for early termination or excessive wear.
Consider Transport and Placement Options
Generator dimensions and weights matter for logistics:
- Ensure transport, off-loading, and placement are part of the service.
- Ask about access requirements—crane access, forklift, or flatbeds.
- Check safety measures like bunding and skid protection for outdoor placement.
Ensure Compliance with Industry Regulations
Your site may have specific requirements:
- Confirm emissions, noise, and permits for environmental compliance.
- Check that the generator meets the National Building Regulations and Occupational Safety Standards.
- Ask if the provider offers documentation for inspections or audits.
Plan for Scalability and Upgrades
Your power demand might grow:
- Ask if you can upgrade or add units mid-rental.
- Confirm how switching from prime to standby configurations works—ATS transition, kabel changes.
- Discuss modular solutions if you anticipate phased expansions.
Assos Power supports flexible rentals that grow with your project.
Review Total Rental Cost
Calculate the full cost:
- Rental fee + fuel + refuelling = total OPEX.
- Include installation, transport, and return costs.
- Compare to purchase—rentals cover depreciation, storage, maintenance, and disposal.
Ask About Future-Proof & Eco Options
Think about sustainability and emerging tech:
- Explore fuel-efficient engines or hybrid generator+solar systems.
- Ask if they offer smart monitoring systems for real-time tracking, faults, and predictive maintenance.
- Check whether they provide data logging or telematics for oversight.
On-Site Field Support and Monitoring
Ensure smooth ongoing performance:
- Ask about remote monitoring—fuel levels, load, temperature.
- Confirm how fast on-site technicians respond.
- Find out if routine site visits are included or extra-cost.
Safety and Training for Site Staff
Safe use is as important as uptime:
- Ask if staff get basic training on operation, emergency shutdown, and daily checks.
- Ensure safety manuals and SOPs come with units.
- Check whether the rental includes fire safety, spill kits, and PPE guidelines.
Checklist Before Finalising Your Hire
- ✅ Full audit of power needs and running type (prime/standby)
- ✅ Tank capacity, fuel logistics, and efficiency data
- ✅ Noise ratings and emissions compliance
- ✅ Service, maintenance, and 24/7 support plan
- ✅ Age, maintenance logs, and test certificates
- ✅ Safety and compliance documentation
- ✅ Logistics: delivery, placement, connection, and removal
- ✅ Rental terms: duration, extensions, penalties
- ✅ Environmental, monitoring, and future-ready features
- ✅ Safety gear, training, and on-site protocols
By asking these critical questions, you ensure your generator rental—from Assos Power or any other provider—meets your needs for reliability, compliance, and cost-efficiency.