Hospitals and clinics require a continuous power supply to ensure the operation of essential medical equipment, such as ventilators, infusion pumps, and cardiac monitors. A power outage can result in surgery interruptions, financial losses, and even life-threatening situations for patients.

Therefore, investing in a reliable power generator is crucial for any healthcare institution. In this article, we will discuss how these devices work, the available types, and the key criteria to consider when choosing the best model for a hospital.

How Do Power Generators for Hospitals Work?

Hospital generators are designed to automatically activate as soon as a power outage occurs. With an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) system, they ensure that electricity continues to flow to essential equipment without interruptions.

In addition to maintaining climate control, lighting, and security systems, generators also ensure the operation of vital medical devices, computers, and X-ray systems, allowing all hospital activities to proceed normally.

Criteria for Choosing a Hospital Generator

Selecting the ideal generator for a hospital involves several key factors:

• Power and Capacity: The generator must meet the hospital's electrical demand. To calculate the required power, add up the consumption of all essential equipment and convert the value to kVA.
• Fuel Type: Generators can run on diesel, natural gas, gasoline, or solar energy. Diesel is the most recommended option due to its robustness and reliability.
• Generator Autonomy: The amount of time the generator can operate without needing refueling is crucial to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Monitoring System: Some generators feature smart monitoring systems, allowing technicians to track performance and detect faults in advance.
• Preventive Maintenance: Since the generator is essential for emergencies, regular maintenance is indispensable to prevent unexpected failures.

Regulations for Hospital Generators

Hospitals must comply with strict regulations to ensure patient safety in the event of power outages. In Brazil, Law No. 6.437/77 requires all healthcare facilities to have an emergency power system.

Failure to comply with these rules can result in:

• Warnings and fines of up to R$500 per day.
• Seizure and closure of the healthcare facility.
• Revocation of the hospital's operating license.

Having a properly sized hospital generator prevents legal issues and ensures the smooth operation of healthcare facilities.

Importance of Power Generators for Hospitals

Electricity in hospitals is a critical factor for saving lives. A power outage can lead to:

• Failure of essential equipment, including ventilators and cardiac monitors.
• Loss of medications and vaccines, which must be stored at controlled temperatures.
• Interrupted surgeries, putting patients at risk.
• Financial losses and damage to the hospital’s reputation.

Both public and private hospitals must ensure energy redundancy, choosing reliable generators to avoid operational risks.

Types of Power Generators for Hospitals

Hospital generators come in different types, depending on the institution’s needs.

Diesel Generators

• The most widely used in hospitals due to efficiency and reliability.
• High performance and capable of operating for long periods.
• Must be installed in ventilated areas due to noise and emissions.

Natural Gas Generators

• Produce fewer pollutants and are quieter.
• Require access to a natural gas infrastructure.
• Efficient for facilities needing continuous operation without frequent refueling.

Gasoline Generators

• More compact, suitable for small hospitals or clinics.
• Have lower autonomy and require frequent refueling.
• Often used as short-term emergency generators.

Solar Generators

• Use photovoltaic panels to generate electricity.
• A sustainable and cost-effective long-term option.
• Can be integrated into hybrid systems, ensuring a continuous supply.

A hospital power generator is an indispensable piece of equipment to ensure a hospital’s safe operation, preventing patient risks and financial losses. To select the best model, it is essential to consider the required power, fuel type, and applicable regulations.

If you are looking for a reliable generator for hospitals, be sure to invest in high-quality equipment and have a preventive maintenance plan to guarantee a stable and safe power supply.