How Long Does it Take to Get a New Stationary Generator Up and Running?

Figure on a time line of one year. That’s right, one year. Maybe more.

We’re approaching mid-August. It may be tempting to think that you could order a new stationary generator and swap it in before the end of this year’s fire season. Maybe you had set a goal to have a new generator in place before the end of 2019. Well, that’s not likely to happen. In fact, getting it installed before NEXT fall will take immediate action. Here’s why.

New Generator Timeline for Commercial Application

Installing a new generator takes advanced planning and patience. Let’s look at a one year plan. A year may seem like plenty of time, but remember it can take even longer.

Month 1: You and an engineer develop and finalize a plan comprehensive enough to submit to your city building department for approval.

Months 2 to 5: Expect 2 to 3 weeks each for your city’s engineering and other departments to review and approve of your plan, depending on the backlog. The larger the generator the more exacting the regulations. At all levels they stream out in a constant flow of change. It is likely that the regulations that dictated the placement and operation of your old generator will have been revised since you had it installed. Even the location of your current generator may not be compliant under today’s requirements for separation from a building, especially with regard to proximity to windows. You will also need an air quality permit. Once you get the green light on your plan you can execute the purchase and begin preparations for the site.

Months 6 to 9: After you have ordered the generator expect four months or more for delivery.

Months 10 to 11: Once you take delivery, there is still work to do. Installation, additional electrical work, startup and testing all take time.

Month 12: testing required for compliance with all regulatory statutes.

This schedule is not absolute – your experience could be shorter, or certainly longer, depending upon the circumstances.