The consensus is clear – cities and towns and other food truck sites need to protect operators and patrons by offering an alternate power source than fossil-fuel generators…think electric!

Power is crucial for food truck operations as they supply the necessary electricity to run appliances, refrigeration units, point-of-sale systems and more. For many years, fossil fuel generators have served as the default solution for powering food trucks but, they can emit harmful pollutants, are unsafe and noisy, require ongoing maintenance and significant cost. You can break free from these issues by demanding an electric power solution! Here are some reasons why:

Pollution

People are often not aware of the pollutive and dangerous carbon monoxide gas produced by fossil fuel generators. The sheer volume of gas expelled is staggering! Federal data reveals that a single generator can release as much carbon monoxide as 450 cars in just one hour! Let’s put that in perspective: a food truck event with 20 trucks lasting for eight hours per day, equates to 216,000 hours of traffic jam pollution – yikes! Let’s check out the math:

Weekend food truck event: 20 trucks x 8 hours per day x 3 days = 216,000 hours of a 450 car traffic jam!

While state and federal legislators are trying to take action by creating more stringent emissions standards, the inevitable lack of compliance and limited enforcement will never fully eliminate the problem.

Safety
Unprotected fossil fuel generators can often be found next to food trucks and are typically exposed to outside elements like rain, ice and snow. This poses the risk of product failure which can lead to shock and electrocution when operated in those wet conditions. Even OSHA agrees and suggests that generators use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect electrical equipment. GFCIs are crucial because they shut off power when an electrical current is detected outside normal paths.

As mentioned earlier, generators emit a deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas at an alarming rate. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that in some environments is capable of claiming a life within a matter of minutes. Several generator brands have faced lawsuits by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and were penalized for failing to report generator defects leading to grievous bodily injuries. Generac Power Systems, a large generator manufacturer, recently received a $15.8 million dollar penalty. Click here to read more about this suit and other similar settlements.

In addition, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicates that generators kill or injure thousands of people a year, calling them one of the most dangerous consumer products on the market.

Maintenance
Fossil-fuel generators demand critical and consistent upkeep which includes regular inspection, oil and filter changes, spark plugs, sediment traps, valve clearance, and cleaning dirt and debris inside and outside of the unit.

Most often, the equipment is used and operated by individuals who are not aware of the maintenance requirements and are unqualified to perform the crucial steps. That inexperience can lead to harmful and neglected equipment causing significant down-time, performance, and safety issues. All of this can lead to an unsafe situation and a negative impact to your bottom line!

Noise and Customer Experience
Let’s think of your overall customers experience. Generators are noisy and produce an odor that is hard to ignore! Showcasing the food that you are proud to serve becomes a challenge. Even carrying on a conversation or hearing music can be difficult.

In addition, your team members have to endure that roaring noise all day long for several days. The consistent level of noise can make it difficult to take a customer’s order and communicate with the meal prep team. Prolonged exposure can damage hearing and even lead to hearing loss.

Costs
On average, every hour one a food truck is parked equates to anywhere between ½ – 1½ gallons of fuel, give or take a bit depending on situation. We all know that cost of fuel alone is unpredictable and expensive. Adding in the initial purchase cost (typically ranging from $500 – $3,000), routine maintenance including oil and coolant, unforeseen repair parts and labor or complete a replacement cost, can lead to a significant negative impact to your business.

The evident shortcomings and restrictions of fuel generators are hard to overlook and can be eliminated with a convenient and hassle-free electric power solution. Pedoc offers products that ensure safety, a distraction free environment and a convenient way to power your equipment. Ditch the bulky fuel generator and bring an extension cord instead!

Our advice to food truck owners and operators is simple – demand an electric power source from your next truck destination host. You, your patrons and team deserve to be safe while enjoying your meal on wheels experience!