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Avoid These Mistakes While Buying A Used Generator For Sale In The Uk

Are you planning to buy a used generator for sale in the UK? It is one of the best decisions you have made for your home. Used generators go easy on the pocket and have a less turnaround time. In addition, they are highly reliable and can be customised according to your needs. But if you want to enjoy the benefits of a used generator, avoid these common mistakes.

Neglecting Load and No-Load Testing

You may be unaware of the finer details of testing a generator, and vendors can take advantage of your gullibility. When shopping for a used generator, always perform a load and no-load test. The load test helps you to determine if the generator is suitable for all its tasks. This is especially applicable to commercial properties. On the other hand, the no-load test will reveal signs of wet stacking. Wet stacking can inhibit the engine's performance and lead to carbon build-up.

Not checking the age, hours and maintenance of the generator

Before buying a used generator, always assess the generator's age, hour and usage condition. This is vital information and should influence your buying decision. Some vendors may only disclose the age and the hours. It is advised not to rely on only these two factors.

Neglecting the fine print of warranty and guarantee

Often, certified dealers offer a warranty or a guarantee with used generators to address any post-purchase issues and safeguard the buyer's interest. Unfortunately, most buyers hastily sign the warranty paperwork without giving it a good read. In that case, you may get less to no support from the vendor under certain circumstances.

Not buying a used generator from a reputable vendor

From checking the condition of the generator to providing a warranty, you can get all these facilities only from genuine and certified dealers. Such dealers are reliable since they always test, repair, and maintain used generators before reselling them. Therefore, if you want to save money and enjoy the benefits of a used generator, do not purchase it from shady marketplaces and vendors.

Blades Power Generation: Your one-stop shop for all power needs:

Whether purchasing a generator or its accessories, such as a manual transfer switch, Blades Power Generation offers only the best solutions. To light up your homes and offices 24/7, contact us for the best used generator for sale in the UK. 

Use an Automatic Transfer Switch to Optimise Your Backup Generator

Many homes and businesses choose to install a backup generator these days. Considering the ubiquitousness of electricity for every purpose these days, this is a smart decision since even a short blackout can have an outsized effect on business operations and even pose a safety risk.

However, while many make the decision to get a backup generator, they neglect to go the extra step and get an automatic transfer switch, which limits the utility of their generator. It is a good idea to have one to complement your generator and unlock its full usefulness.

What is an Automatic Transfer Switch?

An Automatic transfer switch is a device which, as the name implies, automatically transfers power sources from the main to the generator and vice versa in case of a blackout. It does so completely without human involvement and thus works as a huge saving of time and effort.

Automatic transfer switches provide a number of advantages over the traditional and obsolete method of manual transfer. These include - 

  1. Safety - Not only do they reduce the risk of a fire, but they also improve safety by eliminating the need to mess around with complicated electrical equipment in the dark to manually switch power sources in the event of a blackout. This advantage alone is worth the cost of installation.
  1. Continuity - Many business operations, especially computer-based jobs or continuous production manufacturing, depend on an uninterrupted supply of power without any disruptions. The Automatic transfer switch proves super handy in these scenarios, as it switches power sources without a single pause. 

Are You Looking for an Automatic Transfer Switch?

If you’re looking for an automatic transfer switch to install in your house or business, there are many factors to look at. Since an automatic transfer switch is a complex device, you should only get one from a reputable manufacturer to forestall any malfunctions, which could otherwise cost time and money to fix or even pose a fire safety hazard in the worst-case scenario.

A reputable manufacturer with a long history of producing quality electrical devices, such as automatic transfer switches, among many others, is Blades Power Generation. Their products are of the highest quality and receive great reviews in terms of safety, cost, durability and efficiency. Honestly, there is no better option than them for your automatic transfer switch needs, so you can check out their selection by clicking here

Factors to Consider When Looking for New Generators for Sale in the UK

The United Kingdom is an advanced, high-income economy, which means that almost every commercial campus needs a continuous supply of power to ensure that every business runs smoothly and steadily. This is important not only to keep the lights on and attract footfall but also to stay within safety and fire regulations and ensure the integrity of certain continuous manufacturing processes. Whether short or long, a blackout can be a major headache; in such cases, your very own backup generator frees you from the vagaries of the grid for good. 

While getting new generators for sale in the UK, it is recommended that you do your research and note exactly what your requirements are to ensure that you make the perfect choice. Some criteria you should pay attention to include:

  1. Fuel Source: generators can run a wide variety of fuel sources, such as kerosene, gasoline, natural gas or diesel. Choose a fuel source that is easily and cheaply available in your area to ensure cost efficiency. 
  2. Safety: Fire safety is no joke, and it is imperative you make sure that the generator complies with fire regulations and comes with basic safety features like a fuse.
  3. Noise: Make sure the generator isn’t too loud to disrupt your business or sleep!

Places Where You Can Find New Generators for Sale in the UK

While there are many retail options in the UK where you can browse and buy a new generator, it is highly recommended that you choose a dealer who has a good reputation and whose products are known for their safety, cost, durability and fuel efficiency. This is because a new generator is an expensive and complex piece of machinery that you will likely want to buy and keep in your basement for a long period. It should instantly provide electricity in a jam and not require constant maintenance, repair or checkups. 

Finding a seller who meets these criteria can be difficult, and sometimes it is hard to avoid getting scammed. That is why we recommend Blades Power Generation as our choice. They have a large selection of new generators in various sizes and capacities, and all of their products are known for being high-quality workhorses that are market leaders in terms of cost, efficiency, durability and safety. Not just new generators for sale in the UK, but they also stock a range of other ancillary products, such as automatic transfer switches, metres, and wiring. Click here to start browsing!

Why Is An Automatic Transfer Switch Essential For Backup Generators?

A dedicated backup generator is a must-have for any house or business to handle power outages. However, the process of switching from the primary supply to the backup generator is often a cumbersome process that takes much time and sweat. To tackle this problem, many houses and offices have installed an automatic transfer switch to automate this entire process. 

An automatic transfer switch is an electrical device that switches between primary and emergency power sources in the event of an outage. It does this without any human intervention and ensures a continuous power supply. With one of these, you never need to move a finger when the power goes out. 

Installing an automatic transfer switch can prove very helpful in emergency situations for - 

  1. Protecting Equipment - Power surges or sudden outages can often damage appliances and electronics. An automatic transfer switch avoids this and thus greatly lowers money spent on repairs.
  1.  Safety - By removing the need to switch supplies manually, oftentimes in darkness, an automatic transfer switch drastically improves safety and reduces the risk of injury or fire.
  1.  Eco Friendliness - One of the most persistent problems with renewable energy, such as rooftop solar panels, is the constant interruption of power. Since solar panels don’t work at night, when it’s cloudy or during a storm, they often become a hassle since one has to keep switching the power supply. But with an automatic transfer switch, rooftop solar suddenly becomes much more feasible, as the switch seamlessly transfers supplies. This allows you to generate power even from small periods of sunshine and is a big part of any home-based renewable energy system. 
  1.  Continuity - Since an automatic transfer switch works instantly and seamlessly, there is no interruption of power to the device in an outage. This enables continuity of operations. For example, someone working on their computer won’t lose all their work in a sudden outage. 
  1. Convenience - Most of all, an automatic transfer switch is simply convenient and lowers the hassle and disruption to you when the power goes out. You no longer have to go down to the basement in darkness to fiddle with switches. 

An automatic transfer switch is a crucial part of any backup generator system. At Blades Power Generation, we provide not just switches, but cater to all your power generation and power backup needs for your residential and commercial properties. So if you need to buy a new generator in the UK, you’ll find those too here.

 

The Best Emergency Power Source in the UK to Beat Grid Outages

Nothing runs without electricity these days. You can imagine the inconvenience and disruption when the grid fails; so investing in an emergency power source and forestalling these issues is a wise idea. Keep reading ahead to find out more about where to get the best emergency power source in the UK and what to look for when buying.

Emergency power sources come in wide varieties. Some common types include - generators, solar panels, battery backup systems and many others. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, you will need to carefully weigh these before choosing. 

You will also need to find an emergency power source that will be useful for your specific preferences. However, there are some universal metrics that you should be aware of and consider when making your decision - 

  1. Capacity - This is the amount of power the best emergency power source in the UK is capable of generating. You should ensure this is sufficient to handle the load, especially for businesses. 
  1. Operation Time - Depending on the region and reliability of the grid, you may require an emergency power source for half an hour or for a whole day. Make sure you get one which runs for a decent amount of time without overheating or running out of power. 
  1. Noise - Generators can be quite noisy, so you should test the loudness before purchasing them. You can also put the generator in a basement or attic to minimise disturbance from noise. 
  1. Maintenance - Every system requires periodic maintenance, and emergency power sources are no exception. Ensure that suitable spare parts and trained personnel are available for maintenance in your area. 
  1. Cost - The final consideration is how much the system costs, which includes not just upfront costs but also running and maintenance costs. Make sure it’s all in your budget, but also remember that sometimes, spending more on a quality system now can save a lot of money on maintenance and fuel over the long term. Also, second-hand systems can be cheaper, so you can also look for used generators for sale in the UK

An emergency power source is a must in all homes, businesses and factories to make sure there are no major disruptions. Blades Power Generation has a large selection of different generators, switches, systems and other components. Click here to check it out, and make sure you’re never left in the dark again!

 

Many More People Today Are Buying A Standby Generator For The Home

It’s a fact of life that virtually all of us take electricity for granted. When we switch a light on we don’t think about what powers it: we just expect the light to come on. In fact, if it doesn’t come on it would be something of a shock, and yet power outages can and do happen. Consider the storms recently in Scotland and the North of England which have brought down power lines and left some people without any power for days. Climate change seems to indicate that this will be happening more often.

This is why more and more people today are buying a generator for their home so that they can have power without necessarily having to rely on the local utility. Buying a standby generator obviously involves a cost. This will be dictated to some extent by the amount of power that you need for your home. The bigger the generator the more power it can produce, and the more it will cost to purchase.

However, you don’t necessarily have to invest in a new generator because there is a second-hand market in these in just the same way as cars. At Blades Power Generation we have used generators for sale, which obviously cost less than brand new.

These used generators work just as well as a new one, and of course we have checked them over before offering them for sale. There are a number of reasons why these are available, but one that happens often is that a business that uses generators will expand and need more capacity. Hence that business has to invest in a bigger generator and will trade in the old one with us in part exchange.

You Will Need A Transfer Switch

When you buy a standby generator, you will need a transfer switch in order to switch from mains power to the generator when the mains goes down, and back again when it comes on. There are two choices – a manual changeover switch or an automatic one.

When you have a manual changeover switch you have to go outside to fire up your generator and then manually switch over when it is up and running. You also have to switch back when the mains power comes on again. This is OK if you are at home when it happens, but if you happen to be away for the weekend or whatever, you could lose all the food in your freezer! An automatic changeover switch will save you all these sorts of issues.

Generators For The Home: What You Need To Know

Generators for the home have become increasingly popular in recent years as people seek to ensure that their homes have a reliable source of electricity in the event of a power outage. These generators are particularly useful in areas that are prone to severe weather conditions such as Northern Scotland, or where power outages are common. One of the most important components of a home generator system is the automatic changeover switch, which allows for seamless switching between the main power supply and the generator.

Automatic changeover switches are designed to ensure that the generator is activated automatically when there is a power outage. This means that homeowners don't need to worry about manually starting the generator and can rest assured that their homes will have electricity even when the mains power supply is disrupted. Automatic changeover switches are typically installed by an electrician and are connected to the home's electrical panel. When the switch detects a power outage, it automatically switches the power supply to the generator.

One of the advantages of using an automatic changeover switch is that it ensures a seamless transition between the mains power supply and the generator. This means that there is no interruption to power supply, and homeowners can continue to use their electrical appliances without any interruption. It also ensures that the generator is not overloaded, which could lead to damage and potential safety hazards.

Another important aspect of home generators is the use of new generators, which are designed to be more efficient and reliable than older models. New generatorsuse advanced technology to produce electricity more efficiently, which means that they use less fuel and produce fewer emissions. They are also designed to be quieter, which is an important consideration for homeowners who want to use their generators without disturbing their neighbours.

More Reliable

New generators are also more reliable than older models. They are equipped with advanced safety features that protect against damage from overloading or overheating, and they are designed to be easy to maintain. This means that homeowners can be confident that their generators will work when they need them, without the need for frequent repairs or maintenance.

When selecting a generator for their home, homeowners should consider a range of factors, including the size of their home, the power requirements of their appliances, and their budget. They should also consider the type of fuel that the generator uses, as this can affect both the cost and the efficiency of the system. Some generators run on diesel, while others use natural gas or propane. Each type of fuel has its own advantages and disadvantages, so homeowners should carefully consider their options before making a decision.

In conclusion, generators for the home are an important investment for homeowners who want to ensure that their homes have a reliable source of electricity in the event of a power outage. 

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Manual Changeover Switch?

Today as lives are powered by electronic appliances, it has become necessary to have an alternative source of electricity at all times. Moreover, to mitigate disruptions caused by power cuts, a backup power source is essential for smooth functioning and to keep productivity at its highest. The most common alternative power sources are generators or battery backup.

A manual transfer switch or MTS is used in diesel generators to switch between the primary power source and a generator in the event of power outages. Here, you must manually turn a handle or an alternative lever to switch on the generator. 

Advantages of an MTS:

If you are looking for a reliable backup power source within a budget, your search ends with a manual changeover switch. Here are eight benefits of using an MTS for your home and business:

  1. Manual changeover switch has a longer life span.
  2. They are convenient and best for use at homes or other spaces that do not require super-fast power transfer load shedding.
  3. MTSs are inexpensive and suitable for all budgets.
  4. The manual changeover switch is resistant to high voltage and has high mechanical endurance. They are not easily affected by frequency variations and are a reliable option with security.
  5. They are easy to install as no programming is needed.
  6. Manual changeover switches are easy to maintain.
  7. They are smaller in size and have a single-pole erection. Hence, there is no need to use unnecessary fixing sets for connections. 
  8. MTSs also help save energy by reducing the loss of power.

Disadvantages of an MTS:

Like all other equipment, a manual changeover switch also has some limitations, such as:

  1. Someone must switch on an MTS manually.
  2. The changeover time required is longer, especially if the generator is away from the building.

Although there are some drawbacks of an MTS, the advantages outweigh its limitations. 

In the end:

Be it a residential or commercial space, a 24/7 power supply is necessary. Since you cannot control power cuts, you can ensure a constant source of electricity for your facility by investing in a manual transfer switch. We offer state-of-the-art power backup to our large clientele ranging from homeowners or businesses. If you are tight on the budget and looking for inexpensive options, buy used UK generators from Blades Power Generation and light up your homes forever. 

What Is An Automatic Transfer Switch and Where Is It Used?

Do you also hate power cuts? They are sure annoying, especially when 24/7 connectivity has become the way of life. ATS or automation transfer switch can come to your rescue during  load shedding. But what is an ATS? 

ATS is a switch that automatically transfers power from a standby system to the main source during power outages. These switches are connected between the primary and backup power sources. Hence, they act as an intermediary between the equipment and the power supplies, acting as an electrical relay. It can switch & control between the two power sources within a few seconds.

An ATS can also start up more long-term backup power systems, such as local diesel generators, to run electric equipment until utility power is restored. These switches are simple and reliable equipment that ensures an uninterrupted power supply. There are three types of ATS, namely, contactor ATS, compact ATS and circuit breaker ATS. 

Additionally, an automatic transfer switch includes built-in sensors that identify the power outage and fluctuations within the frequency of the main power supply & voltage. It also helps start a standby generator automatically whenever there is a power outage from the main supply. Although these switches are expensive and high-maintenance, the ample advantages make them a worthy investment. 

Where is an ATS used?

 The uses of an ATS are as follows:

  1. ATS is used in essential public facilities to ensure unhindered operations, such as schools, malls, hospitals, restaurants, warehouses, factories, medical buildings, etc.
  2. It is used to protect telecommunication & data networks, industrial processes & critical installations like financial transaction centres & healthcare facilities.
  3. Other electricity switching applications, like three-source, generator-to-generator, and utility-to-utility systems, also use ATS.
  4. Finally, ATS is used to transfer power from two sources, such as the primary and backup sources. 

The use of an ATS is not limited to commercial spaces. You can also use an automatic transfer switch at residential properties. 

Wrapping up:

Whether you are starting a cafe or opening a new factory, a constant power supply is a must. However, there could be periods of prolonged power cuts, and it is always better to be prepared than sorry. Blades Power Generation provides the best emergency power source in the UK. Several homeowners and organisations rely on us for emergency power during blackouts. Now it is your turn! Get in touch with us to learn more. 

5 Factors To Consider Before Purchasing New Generators in the UK

Whether you are running a business or a home, power is something that we all depend on. Even a few minutes without power can cause immense problems in some situations. New generators for sale in the UK are a good choice if you would rather avoid power outages. However, before you buy, there are certain things you need to consider about a generator.

The Key Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Generator

1. Load BankTesting: A load bank unit is designed to accurately replicate the operating load your generator will reach during operation. A large boiler matches the generator's output and ensures that the generator does not wear out to the point where one day, it is no longer able to supply power to the building and is consequently shut down.

2. Age, operating hours, and usage: The first thing to check is the generator's operating hours, age, and history. You need to check how many hours the generator has been in use and how much fuel it consumes. Usually, generators are like cars and have an odometer. A generator used as a standby or backup power source is usually better maintained and has much less wear and tear than a generator used as a primary power source. Only those with technical expertise know the full features and specifications of generators. Therefore, you should seek advice from a professional before buying new generators for sale in the UK.

3. Fuel tank capacity and litres per operating hour: You want a generator that is economical in consumption but also one that holds a reasonable amount of fuel. Some generators adjust their engine speed (RPM) to the load demand to increase fuel efficiency. Both fuel efficiency and fuel tank size affect running time. You'll find the generator's running time under the respective unit's technical data.

4. The manufacturer's reputation: If you want to buy a new generator, you should find out about the manufacturer's history and reputation. Manufacturers with poor reviews or low reputations should be avoided. It's better to invest and be assured that you have chosen a trustworthy manufacturer with a good reputation for producing reliable equipment.

5. Visual inspection: If not you, trained personnel should inspect all mechanical components of a generator for wear or fatigue, including whether any parts are cracked or corroded corrosion build-up. Any parts found to be questionable should always be replaced. The bearings and bushings should also be returned as they are challenging to test for wear and tear – so it's best to replace them regardless of their function or condition.

Now that you know what factors you must consider before investing in a new generator, visit Blades Power Generation to receive relentless generator service; we have the best emergency power source in the UK. With our vast range of products, you will never run out of power, literally!