Engineer Advice
Paul Jones says
Genset generators are essentially self-contained engine-driven power sources, and in a bodyshop they’re mainly used to keep critical equipment running when mains supply is unreliable or non-existent. As Paul Jones, Technical Director at BWS Ltd, I look at them as part of the workshop infrastructure rather than a standalone gadget.
In real use they’ll be supporting welders, compressors, lifts, lighting and IT systems during outages, or providing power for mobile repair operations and remote jobs. The key technical point is sizing and load profile: you need adequate kVA for starting currents on welders and compressors, but you also want the generator to run in a sensible load band, not idling at 20–30% all day. Correct earthing, protection, and cable sizing matter just as much as the generator brand.
A common issue I see is people buying on headline kVA alone, then struggling with nuisance tripping or poor performance with inverter welders. When specified properly and installed correctly, a good Genset gives reliable backup power and keeps the workshop productive without creating electrical headaches.
In real use they’ll be supporting welders, compressors, lifts, lighting and IT systems during outages, or providing power for mobile repair operations and remote jobs. The key technical point is sizing and load profile: you need adequate kVA for starting currents on welders and compressors, but you also want the generator to run in a sensible load band, not idling at 20–30% all day. Correct earthing, protection, and cable sizing matter just as much as the generator brand.
A common issue I see is people buying on headline kVA alone, then struggling with nuisance tripping or poor performance with inverter welders. When specified properly and installed correctly, a good Genset gives reliable backup power and keeps the workshop productive without creating electrical headaches.
Paul Jones, Technical Director