Many farmers rely on electricity to run their daily operations smoothly, and any interruption to power could potentially bring major financial loss if their farm does not have an emergency backup generator installed – so here’s what you should know.
Power for Crop Fields and Livestock Fields
First and foremost, farmers need reliable power sources in order to get their work done efficiently. From planting seeds and harvesting crops, to feeding animals and maintaining buildings – farmers require efficient tools that facilitate productivity.
Energy consumption for these machines (https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy) and systems must remain reliable even during stormy or other emergency conditions.
Farms typically select between two main types of generators for powering their farms: standalone units using diesel, gasoline or natural gas as the source for generating electricity before connecting to main lines.
Or tractor PTO generators connected directly to tractors to turn mechanical energy into electricity and connect directly to main lines – often listed in insurance policies as critical loads requiring generator capacity calculations.
Power for Equipment
Depending upon the size and use of your farm, either portable or stationary generators could be suitable. Portable ones require being brought directly to areas when power outages occur while stationary generators become part of your electrical system requiring only regular fuel delivery for operation.
Many farmers rely on generators for equipment requiring reliable electrical power, like irrigation systems and milking machines. Something like a PTO generator Canada also serves as backup energy for grain conservation and storage efforts.
This is great at helping them overcome weather hazards at harvest time and ensure hay dries to its required moisture content for long-term storage.
Determine the right generator size by calculating your electrical load across all areas where it will be used on an ongoing basis, including appliances and machinery.
Check operating and start-up power ratings of individual devices from their nameplates or consult with a licensed electrician about determining how big a generator you require.
Power for Emergency Situations
Remote farms and food manufacturing and distribution facilities often operate under extended power outages that put crops, livestock and stored food at risk; backup generators help farmers continue operations regardless of weather disasters.
An emergency generator can prevent financial loss and protect production, workers, and infrastructure. A well-sized and safely operated farm generator may even reduce health risks such as dehydration in livestock.
All healthcare institutions should ensure reliable backup energy is in place to ensure patient safety during emergencies.
To determine how big of a generator they require, farmers must assess their electrical load. A licensed electrical contractor will help them to do this accurately; their experts can identify which systems and equipment must remain functional during outages.
When it comes to quality of power, a tractor-driven generator should be regularly evaluated for voltage and frequency deviations that could impede equipment. Deviations could cause motor failure, inaccurate readings or improper operation – among many other issues.
Test results must demonstrate that voltage levels at installation points fall within the safety recommendations for operating within the range of 230 V because no levels should fall below or above 254 V.
Power for Safety
Modern agriculture relies heavily on reliable electrical power. Without generators, farms could experience major setbacks to crop production and food supplies due to power outages. A back-up generator ensures systems like greenhouse ventilation, irrigation and nutrient control don’t go offline for extended periods.
Farming tasks also necessitate using electric equipment safely, and this goes double for electric equipment used to do farming tasks.
Be wary of overhead lines when moving heavy machinery such as combines or tractors; ensure at least 10 feet separation between your machinery and those lines to avoid serious and even fatal accidents.
Also remember to call 811 like  this site says, before digging so that professional locator’s services can mark underground utilities safely for excavation.
If you plan on installing a generator into your home or farm, make sure it is done by an electrician and with an installed double-throw transfer switch that prevents electricity from feeding into lines – this is necessary in order to protect linemen working to restore energy after an outage.
Off-grid farms may benefit from using generators powered by diesel fuel as an efficient backup option. Just ensure there is sufficient diesel stored on your property in case there is a power outage and create a checklist and schedule for regular maintenance inspections to keep equipment functioning in prime condition.
