Imagine it's the middle of a busy Tuesday. Your facility is running at full capacity. Then the power goes out.
For some businesses, that's a minor inconvenience. For others—restaurants, medical offices, warehouses with refrigerated inventory, data-dependent operations—it's a crisis. Revenue stops. Products are at risk. Customers are turned away. Staff can't work.
A commercial generator changes that equation entirely.
Why Commercial Generators Are a Business Decision, Not Just a Safety Precaution
The conversation around backup power is often framed around emergencies—storms, grid failures, natural disasters. And while those scenarios are real, the business case for a generator goes further than worst-case planning.
Many businesses in Utah experience power interruptions for reasons that have nothing to do with extreme weather: utility maintenance, local infrastructure issues, or simply being on a vulnerable section of the grid. A standby generator means none of that stops your operations.
Types of Commercial Generator Installations
Not every business needs the same solution. LMS works with commercial clients to identify the right generator setup for their specific situation:
- Standby generators: permanently installed units that automatically switch on when utility power is lost. Ideal for businesses that cannot afford any downtime.
- Partial-load generators: designed to power critical systems only (HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, security) rather than the entire facility, at a lower installation cost.
- Portable generator integration: for businesses that want backup capability with more flexibility, properly wired transfer switches ensure safe connection.
The Importance of a Proper Transfer Switch
One of the most critical and most overlooked aspects of commercial generator installation is the transfer switch. A correctly installed automatic transfer switch ensures that when utility power fails, your generator comes online safely and without risk of back-feeding electricity into the grid (which can endanger utility workers and damage equipment).
This is not a component where shortcuts are acceptable. LMS installs transfer switches that meet Utah's electrical code requirements and are sized correctly for your generator and your load.
What to Expect From a Generator Installation
The process typically includes:
- An initial assessment of your facility's power needs and critical systems
- Generator sizing—we match the unit to your actual load requirements
- Site evaluation for placement, fuel supply, and ventilation
- Installation by licensed electricians, including transfer switch wiring
- Load testing before the project is considered complete
Utah Winters Are Unpredictable
Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front experience significant winter weather. Ice storms, heavy snow, and high winds can all cause power disruptions—often with little warning. Installing a generator now, before the season arrives, means you're not scrambling when conditions deteriorate.
Contact LMS Lighting, Electrical & Signs at (801) 281-0401 or visit lmsles.com to discuss generator options for your facility. Free estimates available.