Continuous Operation
Continuous Operation | Generators | Electrical | Philadelphia
When the lights go out, every second counts. HEP keeps Philadelphia businesses, hospitals, data centers, and high-rise residents powered by delivering rapid-response service and meticulously engineered generators that start instantly and run seamlessly until utility power is restored. Our licensed technicians handle everything—from load analysis and site prep to fuel management and round-the-clock monitoring—so you can keep commerce flowing, patients safe, and elevators moving no matter what the grid throws at the city.
With decades of local expertise, we design each system to meet Philly’s stringent codes, harsh weather swings, and dense urban footprints. Whether you need a compact rooftop unit or a megawatt-class standby array, HEP integrates advanced controls and remote diagnostics that let you see performance in real time and schedule maintenance before issues arise. Trust the team that never sleeps to keep your operations continuously powered, compliant, and confidently prepared for the next outage.
FAQs
What is a continuous-operation generator and why might I need one in Philadelphia?
A continuous-operation (prime-power) generator is engineered to supply electricity 24/7 for long periods, rather than kicking in only during brief outages like a standby unit. In Philadelphia, businesses such as data centers, healthcare facilities, refrigerated warehouses, and construction sites rely on prime-power units to keep critical systems running despite utility interruptions, an aging grid, or limited service in new developments. Homeowners who live in areas with frequent outages or who rely on life-support equipment sometimes choose continuous-duty sets as well.
What types of continuous-operation generators do you install and service?
We work with diesel, natural-gas, and bi-fuel generators ranging from 20 kW to 2 MW. Our catalog includes open-frame, sound-attenuated, and containerized packages from leading manufacturers such as Cummins, Caterpillar, Generac Industrial Power, and MTU. For mission-critical applications, we can design N+1 redundant systems, automatic transfer switches (ATS), paralleling switchgear, and remote monitoring interfaces compatible with SCADA and Building Management Systems.
How do I determine the correct generator size for my facility or residence?
Proper sizing starts with a detailed load analysis. Our engineers review your utility bills, perform an on-site survey to log starting (inrush) and running currents of all equipment, and factor in future expansion. We also account for Philadelphia’s temperature and elevation, which influence engine derating. Once the total kW and kVA requirements are known, we recommend a generator rated at 70–80 % average loading to ensure fuel efficiency and longevity while leaving headroom for peaks. A formal load-bank test can validate the selection before purchase.
Are there local codes or permits I should know about when installing a generator in Philadelphia?
Yes. The Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) requires an Electrical Permit and, for fuel connections, a Plumbing/Mechanical Permit. Generators must comply with the 2018 Philadelphia Building Code, NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 110 for emergency power, and local noise ordinances (typically ≤65 dBA at the property line during daytime). Diesel tanks over 60 gallons need Fire Code approval. Our team handles permit applications, stamped drawings, and coordinates required inspections with L&I and PGW or PECO.
How often does a continuous-operation generator need maintenance?
Prime-power units operate thousands of hours per year, so their service schedule is more rigorous than that of standby sets. We recommend: • Daily or weekly visual checks of coolant, oil, and fuel levels. • Oil and filter changes every 250 hours or quarterly, whichever comes first. • Coolant system service every 1,000 hours. • Fuel system water separation and polishing every 500 hours for diesel units. • Annual load-bank testing and infrared thermography of electrical connections. Our preventive-maintenance contracts include 24/7 remote monitoring and guaranteed 4-hour on-site response anywhere in the Philadelphia metro area.
What is the typical installation timeline and cost for a continuous-operation generator in Philadelphia?
Lead times vary with generator size and fuel type, but a turnkey 150 kW natural-gas unit typically takes 8–10 weeks from purchase order to commissioning: 2 weeks for engineering and permitting, 4 weeks for equipment procurement, and 2–4 weeks for site work and testing. Costs average $500–$650 per kW installed, including the generator, ATS, concrete pad, fuel piping, vibration isolation, start-up, and training. Larger diesel systems with sub-base tanks and paralleling gear can exceed $1,000 per kW. We provide fixed-price proposals and financing options to match capital or operating budgets.