California Commercial Generator Sales, Rental, Maintenance & Service
CD & Power sells, rents, installs, maintains and services backup generators across the Bay Area & Northern California. Offices in Martinez and Sacramento.
When power is disrupted, how prepared are you?
The power grid can be interrupted by major or minor occurrences, such as
If the power is out for long, delayed response can be very costly. With our experience in the power industry, here are some of the reasons businesses find themselves without adequate power for a substantial amount of time. [Read more…]
What is a Brownout?
According to Wikipedia, A brownout is an intentional or unintentional drop in voltage in an electrical power supply system. Intentional brownouts are used for load reduction in an emergency. The reduction lasts for minutes or hours, as opposed to short-term voltage sag (or dip). The term brownout comes from the dimming experienced by lighting when the voltage sags. A voltage reduction may be an effect of disruption of an electrical grid, or may occasionally be imposed in an effort to reduce load and prevent a power outageknown as a blackout. Different types of electrical apparatus will react in different ways to a sag. Some devices will be severely affected, while others may not be affected at all.
In most cases, brownouts are deliberately produced by energy providers as an emergency measure to prevent the system from failing completely (blacking out). Typically a utility will decrease system voltage by 10-25%, usually for a short period of time. This reduction typically has minimal effect on heat and lighting systems, most of which can function reliably for short periods on suboptimal voltage, but sensitive electronic equipment requiring reasonably precise voltages may not be able to function and long-term brownouts can cause premature wear in non-electronic devices. Computer disk drives often suffer write failures when supplied with suboptimal voltage, and electric motors tend to run hotter when required to produce the same horsepower during a brownout. Normal fluctuations in voltage do not qualify as brownouts. System voltage in many service areas can vary by as much as five percent above or below “nominal” line voltage. Manufacturers of electrical and electronic products know this. Most North American consumer and commercial products are designed to function normally and safely for long periods at voltages ranging from 115 to 125 volts.
What is a Blackout?
A blackout is a complete interruption of power in a given service area. Rolling blackouts are controlled and usually preplanned interruptions of service. A brownout is a partial, temporary reduction in system voltage or total system capacity. Blackouts come without warning, last for indeterminate periods, and are typically caused by catastrophic equipment failure or severe weather. The nature and cause of the blackout determines who is affected. Rolling blackouts typically occur with at least some advance warning, normally last for a fixed length of time, and are deliberately produced by utility companies. They can be used as a means of coping with peak power demands that cannot be met from existing supply. Rolling blackouts are usually intended to affect only a specific service area, and the energy provider will typically spread these blackouts among several service areas to insure that no specific area suffers substantially more than any other. Planned outages and rolling blackouts differ slightly in that planned outages are usually announced well in advance and are most commonly needed to allow for routine maintenance, while rolling blackouts can occur with relatively little warning and are intended to take stress off of the system’s energy load.
Brownouts can cause unexpected behavior in systems with digital control circuits. Reduced voltages can bring control signals below the threshold at which logic circuits can reliably detect which state is being represented. As the voltage returns to normal levels the logic can latch at an incorrect state; even can’t happen states become possible. The seriousness of this effect and whether steps need to be taken by the designer to prevent it depends on the nature of the equipment being controlled; for instance, a brownout may cause a motor to begin running backwards. The under voltage condition that accompanies brownouts and power outages has expensive repercussions, like increased motor failures and lost production. However, quick response techniques and computer-controlled equipment can reduce or even eliminate the effects of such low-voltage events.
Basic safeguards include monitoring the supply voltage and training personnel to respond quickly if it drops to a predetermined level. For critical applications, install thermal protectors or condition-monitoring devices that can detect abnormally high winding temperatures and shut down the motor. If shutting down isn’t an option, reduce the load by throttling back a fan or partially closing a valve during a brownout. If you don’t take proactive steps, you could be setting yourself up for serious problems. Turning a motor on and off that quickly can damage the windings. The effect is a bit like starting a motor at 1½ times rated voltage, so relying on a holding coil to interrupt the motor isn’t the best option. In the old days, an operator made a best-guess reaction to what he thought was happening. Right or wrong, once someone turns off the lights you’re stuck with the consequences of cleaning up the process line and restarting your systems.
Thanks to computers, just about everything can be controlled more accurately now, including electric motors. Devices smaller than a breadbox hold the guts to start the motor, monitor the power quality, and respond the way an experienced operator would — every time. Instead of guessing whether the voltage is low, or unbalanced, the controller knows and handles the situation for you.
Planning for power disruptions plays an important part in the overall profitability of your business. For some firms, even seconds of downtime can cost hundreds - even thousands of dollars. For almost every business, extended downtime can lead to financial disaster.
It does not take a catastrophic disaster to bring down the power grid. Power disruptions come in many forms and are not always predictable or preventable. But taking a few precautions could save you a ton of headaches down the road.
The rental of contingency power can keep a business of any size functioning and on schedule for as long as necessary when utility power is either unavailable or inadequate. Some companies own emergency standby power generators that run the bare essentials of a business. They are set to come on in the event of a power outage and sustain lighting, a single elevator and maybe a cash register. On the other hand, contingency power can keep your entire facility, office building, or hotel running at full capacity for the duration of the outage. As you maintain your operations and continue to serve customers during an outage you will most certainly be protecting your overall profitability and you will gain a competitive advantage should the power outage become severe or long lasting.
There are basically three vital steps in determining an effective course for handling such occurrences.
If you need a rental generator, choose a local firm with a large number of generators at the ready.
If you plan to use your own standby generator, make sure it will function and deliver all of the power you need in an emergency. A qualified generator maintenance contractor can test it and measure the power it generates. They can also repair, service and maintain it. By definition, standby generators are not used regularly. And like anything with an engine, generators require maintenance to ensure they work as intended.
Take a look at the local power vendors. Choose one that you trust. Choose one that will be available 24/7. Choose one with factory trained generator technicians who can solve problems, and get your power restored quickly and efficiently. Look at the overall satisfaction of the vendor’s existing customers, staff size and training records for equipment specific to that in your facility.
CD & Power is Northern California’s largest independent generator service company. With more than 20 fully equipped generator technicians, CD & Power services, maintains and repairs all makes and all models of generators, automatic transfer switches, and industrial diesel equipment. The rental generator fleet of 100 trailer-mounted CARB-compliant generators ranges in size from 10 kw to 1 megawatt. The company offers 24/7 emergency service and on-site fueling delivered to you when you need it.
California State Contractor’s License #757462 A, C-10
Established in 1985
Certified Woman Owned Business
For more information, contact the local office of CD & Power.
Headquarters, Martinez, California 925.229.2700
Sacramento 916.564.2622
Having a permanent stationery generator installed at your home used to be a simple matter some ten years ago, but now California cities have adopted the full requirements of the National Fire Protection Association, standard 110 and the rules, regulations, and costs are quite extensive. People who have large parcels of land will have an easier time complying with the rules and regulations, because setback rules and noise ordinances can be a problem if your neighbor is close by.
If a residential generator is one of your priorities, here are some of the requirements you should consider before calling out a generator company, like CD & Power.
The first step is to determine the size generator you need to run the critical functions of your home. This is a process of deciding which of the items in your home you would like the new generator to run during a utility outage. Some people want everything to be up and running, and others want just critical items like HVAC and the refrigerator. Check the owner’s manual for the items you want to power and add up the power level that each one requires. That will give you an idea of the size of the generator you need. Use this Generator-Sizing-Chart as a reference.
Next, you should consider where the generator will be placed. Some cities require the generator to be out of sight, or in an enclosed space. Most of the time, it will require a setback of at least 5 feet from the property line, and a concrete pad with electrical wiring and hook-ups for the generator and transfer switch. Noise ordinances allow for a maximum sound level of 45dB at your neighbor’s property line. With large generators in residential subdivisions, noise is a limiting factor.
If the generator you need is 50 horsepower or greater, you will need to apply for a permit from your local Air Quality District. There are 35 AQDs in California. Find yours here: Map of California Air Quality Boards
You should also consider the fuel source for your generator. If it will be natural gas, you’ll need plumbing; and if it is propane, you should think about where the tank will be located.
Next you will need several engineering drawings to submit to the city planning and building departments. The engineering drawings will show property lines, the location of the generator in relation to your home and adjacent buildings, clearance around the unit and from windows and combustibles, installation plans, fueling exhaust systems, and electrical single line diagrams for the generator and transfer switch along with the electrical connections to the main circuit breaker in your home. The city will also need information about the location of your home. Is it near a school, hospital, or operation where exhaust and/or noise will affect children or a large population?
Once your engineering drawings are complete, you are ready to apply for permits. You will need a Building Permit, a Fire Permit, and an Electrical Permit. Each of these has associated fees, and may be denied, granted, or granted with conditions.
When you have approved permits, it’s time to buy your generator and transfer switch; and then hire an electrician and concrete company to install the pad. Generator installation comes next followed by a final inspection by the city and the fire department before you can start it up. The last step is to fuel the generator.
The process will take between two and three months to complete. CD & Power can help you manage the process – from helping you determine the right size generator to suit your needs, to finding a certified engineer to make the drawings. We manage the city permit process and work with electrical, plumbing and concrete contractors, inspectors, procure the generator and switch, and manage the installation.
Usually, the minimum cost for a residential stationery generator starts between $10,000 and $20,000 and includes the generator, transfer switch, concrete pad, electrical work and installation. Permits and fees vary city by city. Some cities, like Berkeley, Tiburon, and Mill Valley have more stringent guidelines and have special requirements that may add to the cost.
Although she’s not in California, Martha Stewart installed a generator for her estate in New York. It’s kind of fun to watch the process.
CD & Power has installed generators for commercial and residential customers since 1985. We also offer generator maintenance and repair service, fueling, and compliance services throughout Northern California. We are a family-owned and operated, certified woman-owned business headquartered in Martinez. For additional information, please give us a call at 866-468-7697.
The purpose of most generator sets is to provide a trustworthy source of power for your facility or business during an emergency situation when the power is out or not available for some reason. In the event of a power failure, there should be no doubt that your backup power source will kick into action and get you back up and running. But what happens when the power goes out and your genset does not operate the way it is supposed to? The results can often be costly and sometimes disastrous.
This is the reason why generator load bank testing should be a crucial part of your generator maintenance plan — and this testing should ideally be done each and every year. Load bank testing ensures that your generator will be:
What is Load Bank Testing?
A generator load bank test involves an inspection and evaluation of a generator set. It makes sure that all primary components of the generator set are in proper working order. To conduct a load bank test, artificial loads are put on the generator by bringing the engine to the recommended operating temperature and pressure levels. This is especially important for emergency generator sets that do not run very often and may not be exposed to carrying heavy loads on a regular basis. The general rule is if your generator is not exposed to more than 30% of its rated kilowatt load, you should have the generator load tested.
A load bank test ensures that your generator will run when needed so that you can count on it producing power during any kind of emergency that may arise. A proper load bank test will give you an evaluation of your generator at its full kilowatt output rating. Many generators don’t regularly operate at their full kilowatt rating. It’s very important that the generator produce the horsepower that’s required for it to run flawlessly when that power is needed, while maintaining the right temperature and pressure levels and allowing it to run for long periods of time.
What is Done During a Load Bank Test?
When a load bank test is started, an artificial load is placed on the generator. The test is timed and the kilowatt load is gradually increased in specified increments. Every time the load is increased, critical engine functions are measured at the highest possible levels for a sustained period of time. To complete the test, a load bank is needed (a machine with kilowatt rated sizes and battery type cables).
Wet-Stacking
When a diesel powered generator is not used very often or is only run on light loads, it can experience unburned fuel and soot buildup in the exhaust system. This is called “wet-stacking.” Wet-stacking usually happens when the genset is not performing the way it’s supposed to. This may lead to damage or become a fire hazard and can even lead to the generator not working at all. During a load bank test, the generator is run at full operating power and temperature. This will cause any wet-stacking to burn off. Load bank testing actually serves two main purposes:
Advantages of Load Bank Testing
There are many reasons why gensets should undergo a load bank test on an annual basis, including:
• Confirming the gensets output capabilities as opposed to just starting it up on occasion.
• Finding problems now, instead of when an emergency arises, can be a major cost savings and prevent future breakdowns.
• Helps to avoid wet-stacking and cleans out any carbon deposits.
• Confirms that the engine cooling system will work efficiently under load.
• Makes sure that the genset will work properly when needed.
Load bank reports should include:
•Kilowatt Load
• AC Voltage
• Hertz
• Oil Pressure
• Amperage Rating
• Voltage Tested
• Any Additional Concerns or comments
If you have questions about generator maintenance or load bank testing, contact CD & Power today at 1-866-468-7697 and let us help you keep your generator running in tip top condition. A winning combination of an empowered team that loves what they do, working towards one goal. We are CD & Power, “Powering Your Success” for 30 years and for many more to come.
Only a few years ago, traditional logic for generator sets (gensets) held that:
Diesel fuel is the traditional choice for commercial and industrial standby power, but is by no means the only choice. In the past, gaseous fuels have been avoided in industrial applications based upon cost, power density and perception of durability and fuel reliability. That is no longer the case. Today, thanks to the development of new technologies in engines, enclosures and other components, the differences between diesel and natural gas generators is no longer so clearly defined.
Natural Gas Generators
An efficient means of power generation is by using a natural gas generator. It can be used to power emergency and portable generators and is considered to be one of the least expensive and one of the most adequate forms of fuels among the fossil fuel family for generating power. In terms of price, coal is the only fuel that is less expensive. One of the biggest draw backs of using coal is that it’s a very dirty source of fuel.
Natural gas is typically acquired by drilling, the same process as is done for oil. Natural gas in liquid form is taken to various holding facilities where it is converted into its gas state. Then, is made available through pipelines and it can also be purchased in cylinders.
A natural gas generator works pretty much the same as other generators. Usually the only difference between generators is the fuel used to power them. In this instance, the source of fuel to start the generator is natural gas. These types of generators are predominately used in large metropolitan areas where fuel supply is available through a pipeline fuel delivery system.
Advantages of Using Natural Gas
Aside from its evident advantages, natural gas generators also have some negatives to them.
Disadvantages of Using Natural Gas
Compared to diesel generators, natural gas generators:
Diesel Generators
These kinds of generators can usually be divided into two primary parts: a diesel engine and an electrical generator. Diesel generator sets are mainly used to provide power to places that are not on a power utility grid or as a backup source in case there is some kind of power outage or failure. Ships and large boats use diesel generators for all of their power and propulsion needs when they are on the water.
Diesel generators are common for back-up emergency power. They are available in both single and three-phase, diesel generators can be used not only in medium to large businesses, but also for homes and small offices.
Advantages of Using Diesel
• Fuel efficiency: When it comes to making a choice on which fuel to use, price is usually the number one factor. With the ever increasing demand and decreasing supply, when it comes to choosing which fuel to use, there will always be some kind of debate on why one is used over the other. One of the most important keys is finding a fuel source that saves on both energy use and operating costs. Diesel generators score high on both of these points. While they are substantially more expensive than natural gas generators, also the price of diesel fuel is often more than gas, you can get a larger volume of energy out of diesel fuel. You may pay more for diesel fuel, but the tradeoff is getting more usable power out of the diesel than you would for the same amount of any other gas. Fuel efficiency is the number one advantage for using a diesel generator.
• Stability: Another huge benefit for using a diesel generator is the guaranty of a stable power source. In large institutions, such as hospitals, this plays a huge role because most of the machines and devices used in them require electrical power to be on 24 hours a day, seven days a week and once the power goes out for some kind of stoppage or disaster, it could mean the difference between life and death during a surgery or even keeping some kind of life-saving machine going until the main power comes back on.
• In comparing a natural gas powered generator, the diesel generator is far more efficient for several reasons such as:
Disadvantages of Using Diesel
A diesel generator can be more expensive to purchase compared to other types. But, since the upkeep of a diesel generator can be quite a bit lower, it more than makes up for it after the generator is initially purchased.
Noise is a big issue with a diesel type of generator. While newer models are getting quieter, the older versions can still be a bit noisy. Diesel generators that are used in and around larger populations may also be too noisy for residents around the vicinity of these units.
Diesel generators are large and cumbersome and have large mechanical and electrical systems that are part of the unit. As opposed to smaller and lighter generators, diesel generators are usually not very portable and user friendly.
Given the recent trend of cleaner energy fuels and less greenhouse gases, diesel is considered a major cause of heavy pollution in most major cities and towns where it is used.
When it comes time to choose between a diesel or a natural gas generator, you’ll need to answer a few important questions:
Both natural gas and diesel generators have their advantages and disadvantages. With the arrival of newly developed fuel sources, such as biodiesel, these new fuels are getting less harmful on the environment and air quality, more efficient in the way these new energy sources are burned to create the power needed, and saving you on the future costs of running/maintaining these new units.
If you would like help selecting the right generator for your next job, feel free to contact us today at 1-866-468-7697 and we can help you choose a generator that fits your needs. A winning combination of an empowered team that loves what they do, working towards one goal. We are CD & Power, “Powering Your Success” for 30 years and for many more to come.
Finding the right generator to manage your power needs is one of the top priorities in choosing a generator to rent or purchase. Whether it’s for primary or standby power, if your new generator can’t meet your specific needs, you should rethink it. It can put a lot of stress on the unit and it can even damage the pieces of equipment that are connected to it. Determining exactly what size of generator to get can be a difficult task and involves a number of elements and considerations.
Making a choice, whether it’s a single phase, three phase, kW, KVA, standby or motor starting generator can be overwhelming. This article will help you get an idea of how the sizing process works and some important things to consider before making an equipment purchase. This article is not a substitute for the knowledge a certified electrician could give you, but it should give you a good start and a better understanding of some of the key issues that are involved in determining the right power generator for you or your company’s needs.
Generator Sizes: Generators are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Generators with power supply capacities of 5kW to 50kW are available for personal and home use. Industrial generators for businesses and large companies, are available anywhere from 50kW to over 3 Megawatts. Portable generators are available for homes, RVs and for small office spaces. Large businesses, call or computer processing centers, power plants, and other industrial applications need to use much greater sized industrial generators to meet their high power needs.
Power — What size Generator Do I Need?: Many believe smaller generators can be used for standby electric power because they are only running when needed. This is a myth, not having the right power capacity can actually be very damaging and harmful to the uneducated user. Unfortunately, under sizing of a generator is one of the most common mistakes made. Not only does it involve the risks of damaging your new generator, but it can damage the equipment connected to it, create dangerous situations, and even limit overall use, longevity and reliability of the generator for the business depending on it for power.
use with the generator is crucial for calculating the accurate amount of power needed to keep everything running. Most of the time, there will be an identification plate on each piece, or you can check the owner’s manual of each tool, appliance or electrical device.Converting Amperes to Watts: You often find power requirements of tools stated in amperes. In order to convert the power requirement of a tool from ampere to watts, follow these calculations:
For resistive load: Wattage = amperes x volts
For reactive load: Wattage = (amperes x volts) x load factor
Power Requirement Charting: Many times, the owner’s manual or the power requirement specs of the tools and devices you’re running can not be found or are lost. Starting and running wattages differ on each piece of equipment, and each device has its own consumption needs. Questions regarding any particular item usually can be answered by contacting the manufacturer either by phone or even by going to the company’s website, consulting an electrician, using this sizing chart, or by contacting us and we will be glad to help you in any way we can.
Different ways of Calculating: Depending on the type of equipment and the way the generator is going to be utilized, there are a few different ways of coming up with the power requirements:
– One motor running.
– Multiple motors running at the same time.
– No electric motors.
Benefits of selecting the right generator: Now that you have some knowledge on how to choose the correct size of generator to suit you or your company’s needs, here are just a few of the advantages of going through that process:
– No unexpected system downtime or failures.
– No shutdowns due to overload.
– Guaranteed to perform the way you want it to when you want it to.
– Less maintenance means more money savings on upkeep.
– Increased life of the generator.
– Higher amount of personal safety.
– A smaller chance of damage to equipment and property.
Where to Buy, Rent Or Service Your Generator: You are not only purchasing a major company asset, but most likely an item you will need to rely on for primary or emergency power at some point and time in the future, possibly in a crisis situation, deciding where to make that purchase is also a key consideration not to be overlooked. The seller’s years of experience play a major part in choosing who you are going to use in future for services and sales.
There are many definitions of “Great Service“. At CD & Power we are committed to the following principles that we believe add up to providing “Great Service” to our customers:
There are numerous considerations to take into account when selecting the right generator for your next job. If you would like more suggestions and recommendations, contact us today at 1-866-468-7697 and let us help you make the decision. A winning combination of an empowered team that loves what they do, working towards one goal. We are CD & Power, “Powering Your Success” for over 30 years and for many more to come.
CD & Power President, Jill Collaro, and I departed SFO on a Saturday afternoon not sure what we would be encountering at our first EGSA Conference. We had looked through the schedule and determined our divide-and-conquer strategy for getting the most we could in three short days.
Our first networking event on Sunday evening was terrific. There were several people we knew and the ice was broken quickly. We moved to the room next door for a dinner with the entire membership. We ended up at a table with several gentlemen who worked for a company that made load bank test equipment — an important piece of equipment for any generator service company.
We were up bright and early the next morning and had a great breakfast provided by the sponsors. Next up a speaker who talked about interpreting body language, a must for managing staff and customers. Then we got a walk through the engine production cycle. Another great meal and then off to committee meetings. I attended the Education committee and then the Dealer/Distributor committee. Got great updates for the EGSA Technician Certification process and observed a roundtable on Customer Service. Jill saw how the process worked for setting up the Fall Conference in Colorado. The Awards Banquet and Dinner were great. It is amazing to see the dedication of these men and ladies to developing industry standards, education programs and networking opportunities. We were amazed at the speaker/performer who wowed us with his stories and “Sand Art” craftsmanship. Who would have thought that stories could be told with a little music and some sand! And then off to the gym we went to work off the fabulous dinner and desert!
On our final morning we worked our way through the exhibitor showcase and then off to learn how to “Ignite Passion in the Workplace”. Lots of great nuggets but what stuck with me was how it is a group effort to keep or lose business. The importance of every single position and how it impacts the customer experience was emphasized. Our final learning opportunity came with the “Stand Out” speaker. He really got me thinking about how our marketing works, or doesn’t, to differentiate us from our competitors. Lots of work to do in this area!
Since we had a long flight ahead of us to the West Coast, we decided to forego the afternoon networking activities. Time to get home and put in place all the great stuff we had learned.
It was great to be a part of EGSA’s 50th year celebration and we are looking forward to the next conference in Colorado.
Last week, Martha Stewart published a video about her experience having a generator installed in her farm in Bedford, New York.
Her home there has been called more like a small village, set on 153 acres of farm land. It takes a somewhat large parcel of land for a generator — especially in California where many communities have set backs and quiet areas so that the sounds and emissions from a generator do not disturb neighbors.
CD & Power installs generators mainly for commercial customers, but given enough space and approval from local building departments, air quality districts, and fire departments, a permanent generator for your home can be ideal. No longer will the threat of a power outage interfere with your lifestyle!
Remember, if you are considering a generator, the cost of the unit itself is just a fraction of the entire process of having it approved, installed and powered up. Let us know if you would like a CD & Power sales tech to look into the process at your property.
A beautiful Northern California hotel was the site of CD & Power’s most recent generator replacement project. An obsolete 10kw generator circa 1980 was replaced with a brand new compliant 2015 Tier 4 25kw Kohler generator in an efficient two day operation. A three man team disassembled the old gen end and engine put the generator on casters and rolled it out through the lobby and into the truck. The new one came in the same way and was reassembled in the same place as the original. Hook up and testing were completed on day two.
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