10 Things to Consider While Buying a Generator

January 30, 2026
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A generator is not just a backup device—it’s a critical power asset that protects operations, productivity, safety, and business continuity. Whether you’re buying a generator for an industrial unit, commercial facility, hospital, data center, or large residential setup, making the right choice upfront saves money, downtime, and future headaches.

Here are 10 essential factors you should evaluate before buying a generator.

1. Power Requirement (kVA / kW Load Calculation)

Start with a clear understanding of how much power you actually need.

  • List all equipment that will run on backup power

  • Consider starting load vs running load (especially motors, elevators, compressors)

  • Include future expansion buffer (15–25%)

Undersizing leads to overload failures; oversizing leads to higher fuel and capex costs.

2. Type of Generator (Diesel, Gas, Hybrid)

Choose the fuel type based on usage pattern and availability:

  • Diesel Generators – Reliable, high torque, best for industrial & continuous use

  • Gas Generators – Cleaner emissions, suitable where gas supply is stable

  • Hybrid Systems – Generator + solar + battery for optimized fuel usage

Diesel remains the most preferred for heavy-duty and mission-critical applications.

3. Application & Duty Cycle

Not all generators are built for the same purpose.

  • Standby – Occasional power cuts

  • Prime – Regular power supply in areas with unreliable grid

  • Continuous – 24×7 operation without grid support

Match the generator rating with its intended operating hours, not just capacity.

4. Fuel Efficiency & Operating Cost

The real cost of a generator is not the purchase price—it’s the lifecycle cost.

  • Fuel consumption at different load levels

  • Maintenance intervals and spares cost

  • Oil consumption and service downtime

A fuel-efficient generator can save lakhs over its lifetime.

5. Compliance with Emission & Regulatory Norms

Ensure the generator meets current emission standards:

  • CPCB norms (India)

  • Noise pollution regulations

  • Local pollution control approvals

Non-compliant generators can attract penalties or operational shutdowns.

6. Noise Level & Acoustic Design

Especially critical for urban, commercial, and residential installations.

  • Silent / acoustic enclosure quality

  • Vibration isolation

  • Noise level measured in dB(A) at 1 meter

Poor acoustic design impacts nearby operations and regulatory approvals.

7. Control Panel & Automation Features

Modern generators should offer intelligent control, not just ON/OFF.

Look for:

  • Digital control panels

  • Auto start/stop

  • Load monitoring & fault diagnostics

  • Remote monitoring readiness (IoT/Cloud)

Smarter controls = faster response + safer operation.

8. Installation, Footprint & Site Conditions

Before finalizing a model, assess:

  • Space availability

  • Ventilation & exhaust routing

  • Fuel storage norms

  • Foundation and load-bearing capacity

A compact, well-designed generator simplifies installation and reduces civil costs.

9. After-Sales Support & Service Network

A generator is only as reliable as the service behind it.

  • Availability of trained service engineers

  • Response time during breakdowns

  • Genuine spare parts availability

  • AMC / long-term service plans

Downtime during a power failure can cost far more than the generator itself.

10. Brand Credibility & Proven Track Record

Finally, choose a manufacturer with:

  • Proven installations across industries

  • Strong engineering and testing standards

  • Transparent warranties

  • Long-term product support commitment

A generator is a long-term investment—choose a partner, not just a product.

That’s where OJUS stands apart — combining proven engineering, reliable performance, regulatory compliance, and dependable service to deliver power solutions you can trust, every time it matters most.

Learn more about our generators on
https://ojuspower.com/ojus-generators

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OJUS Powers

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