Powering Construction Tools: How Outdoor Generators Enhance On-Site Efficiency

  • Author: Fazal Umer
  • Posted On: December 15, 2023
  • Updated On: December 15, 2023

One of the biggest causes of inefficiency on a construction site is the lack of a power supply. This is especially true for remote worksites with unreliable grid conditions.

Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem: outdoor generators. They provide a reliable power supply, allowing construction workers to operate efficiently with minimal downtime. Their efficiency has made them a popular equipment, with the market expected to grow to USD$7.3 billion by 2030. 

But how do they enhance on-site efficiency? Read on for more details. 

Greater flexibility

One of the most significant benefits of outdoor generators is their unparalleled flexibility in terms of mobility and availability. If you’re working in a remote location with limited access to power, having a portable generator ensures an uninterrupted power supply.

Remote construction projects, for example, often lack the infrastructure to tap power from the grid. Outdoor generators solve this problem, as they’re portable.

Generators can be used to power tools (e.g., drills, saws, and grinders) and essential equipment (e.g., water pumps, lighting systems, and heating and cooling systems). These systems ensure the construction site is fully operational and the workflow remains uninterrupted. 

Mobile, standby industrial diesel generator for emergency power supply. Generator with internal combustion engine. For emergency use of electricity outdoors

On the worksite, generators offer ease of movement, accommodating your construction needs as they progress. You can move the generator to a new working station and plug in the power tools to keep working. This eliminates the need for any tedious rewiring.

During disasters, disaster relief generators can support critical infrastructure during outages. With this handy equipment, the site can curb further damage and reduce downtime.

Improved safety

Safety is paramount in any construction site, especially when dealing with power. A study indicates that 9% of occupational fatalities in the construction industry are due to contact with electricity, such as through dangerous extension cords, power outages, and power surges. 

Outdoor generators reduce the need to stretch cables over long distances, eliminating these risks and keeping the workers safe.

Moreover, where grid power is not available, outdoor generators become the main power sources. With sufficient equipment and necessary resources, disruptions and accidents due to poor visibility during a power outage can be averted.

Where other sources of power are available, generators make reliable backups. A backup ensures that all tools and equipment can function properly, there is enough visibility on site, and communication remains uninterrupted. Optimal working conditions are critical in preventing injuries and damages on the site.

Increased productivity

In a construction site, time is money. Any delay or disruption in critical points, such as power supply, can derail the project timeline and increase construction costs.

Outdoor generators provide consistent and reliable power supply to the worksite. When the work environment is up to standard, workers can complete their work on time, boosting productivity.

Imagine a situation where a construction worker is using a pneumatic drill to hammer away the foundation. In case of a sudden power outage, workflow will be interrupted, the worker will be frustrated, and valuable time will be wasted.

With a backup power source, the scenario changes. The generator will provide a consistent power flow, allowing workers to maximize output, meet deadlines, and save costs.

Cost-effectiveness

Outdoor generators offer significant cost-cutting benefits. They are designed to be fuel-efficient. Moreover, depending on the specific requirements of the project (e.g., power needs, duration, and location), the initial cost of purchasing and setting can be lower compared to other power sources. 

Another key benefit is it can help reduce labor costs. Generators allow you to use power tools instead of manual tools where possible. Power tools are more convenient and easier to use than manual tools. Therefore, you can complete a task with reduced effort and better precision and consistency with power tools. These measures can help reduce construction costs while delivering better results.

Reduced emissions 

There’s been significant progress in making generators more eco-friendly. For instance, there are now solar-powered generators that use renewable energy and don’t contribute to air pollution, making them a great option for construction sites.

In addition, some generators run on cleaner fuels, like natural gas or biodiesel, which helps reduce the negative environmental impact. These changes are a big step in the right direction for the construction industry, helping to find a balance between getting the job done and being kinder to the planet.

Conclusion

Outdoor generators are becoming a significant part of any construction site due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to support various tools. They also ensure a constant and reliable electricity supply so the work isn’t interrupted and completed within the specified time. With such perks, an outdoor generator for your construction site is a must-have.

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Author: Fazal Umer

Fazal is a dedicated industry expert in the field of civil engineering. As an Editor at ConstructionHow, he leverages his experience as a civil engineer to enrich the readers looking to learn a thing or two in detail in the respective field. Over the years he has provided written verdicts to publications and exhibited a deep-seated value in providing informative pieces on infrastructure, construction, and design.

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