6 Tips for Buying Ground Power Units

Ground power units are the backbones of everything from construction to industrial work. But what if you aren’t sure which type best suits your needs? Here are just six ways to find the power unit that’s right for the job.

1. Know Your Price Range

Power units can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, so it’s important to know your limits before you start considering brands, batteries and features. You don’t want to fall in love with a model that’s way outside your budget.

2. Determine Your Needs

Are you looking for 28 volt power supplies, or will something simpler do? Do you need equipment that meets certain aviation or transportation standards? Make a list of everything that’s absolutely essential in a power unit; then go shopping with those parameters.

3. Consider Battery Life

How long does your workday last? How long does the unit need to provide power? Think about internal battery chargers, too. How long will a power-up take? Is it a matter of hours or days? Will you need any cords, outlets or other special charging equipment to make it work?

4. Ask About Tech Support

Even the best brands can come with problems or intricacies that you don’t understand. When this is the case, you’ll need someone on the other end of the line who truly knows the unit and can walk you through troubleshooting the problem. Don’t settle for anything else than all-hours, live-person customer service.

5. Figure Out Its Limits

There are maximum outputs for every unit, so it’s important to know their limits before using them in the field. For example, some might only provide a certain amp range with continuous loads, and you won’t want to discover that in the middle of a project.

6. Get It Covered

Never buy a ground power unit without some kind of warranty covering its use. The most common policies ensure protection for 1-2 years, but sometimes they can vary depending on brand, price and unit size. Make sure you know exactly what they cover as well. Sometimes warranties won’t replace things like batteries.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when looking at ground power units. Whether you’re looking for portable power for construction work or high-end technology to meet your aviation needs, a ground power unit is a big investment, and you’ll want to make the right choice the first time.