Is Your Backup Generator Winter Ready?
When it comes to weather anomalies such as blizzards and severe Winter storms, many businesses have commercial standby generators installed to help keep the business running in the event of a power outage. While this is a key to help combat loss of power, the backup generator is only effective if it can run and function properly. In some instances, a backup generator located within a business’ facility is often neglected and not properly maintained. This can result in the generator not running efficiently or not even functioning at all. This stresses the importance of regularly inspecting, servicing, and maintaining your backup generator.
Often times when you purchase and install a backup generator for your business or facility, you can speak with the generator dealer to draw out a regular maintenance contract. For those who have staff on-site who can handle generator maintenance, many generator manufacturers provide a recommended service & maintenance plans that include checklist items. In addition to that, there are a few items that can be done to ensure the generator is Winter ready.
Inspection, Service, and Maintenance
While standby generators should be inspected regularly, it’s especially important around Fall where leaves, twigs, and other debris can cover and clog up air vents of generator enclosures. It’s also important to check for any loose parts that may need tending to and inspect the enclosure for corrosion. Corrosion in a generator enclosure can result in leaks that can damage the generator set. When it comes to precipitation, hood vents can be installed on the enclosure to prevent vents from becoming blocked or clogged up with ice that can negatively impair air flow.
When conducting inspections – make sure the generator is clear of any alarms, warnings, or faults that could prevent the generator from operating. Also be sure to check the batteries, fluid levels, connections, hoses and fuel levels.
When it comes to the batteries, lead-acid batteries can be greatly affected by cold weather. For those whose generators use lead-acid batteries, exposure to below-freezing temperatures can reduce function to less than half capacity. This means that it’s important to keep the batteries charged or switch to a larger battery with a higher capacity if needed. There are also thermostatically controlled warming blankets available for batteries to prevent negative effects of cold Winter weather.
Additional items for inspection can include fuel stabilizers for diesel fuel, fuel supply, coolant, and oil. Cold weather can affect oil can cause it to becoming thick or gel-like. There are oil options out there that are rated for cold weather use or you can opt to install an oil heater.
Exercise the Generator Regularly
Standby generators are mainly used and operational only during events like a power outage. Depending on where you live, this means that the generator may not operate much of the year. With that being said, it’s important to run the generator regularly to ensure that the generator is being well-exercised and operating at peak performance. Running the generator can keep moving parts lubricated and maintain the seals in the generator.
When it comes to diesel generators – exercising your generator regularly can also help prevent generator wet stacking, which is a buildup of carbon within the exhaust that can severely limit the operation of a backup generator, causing less than peak performance, complete engine failure, or irreparable damage.
With natural gas generators, these require more regularly schedule maintenance when compared to their diesel counterparts. This is mainly due to natural gas generators use of spark plug that can go bad over time. There can be cracks or leaks in the hoses, which can not only lead to inefficiency in generator performance, but can also be considered a hazard due to natural gas being extremely flammable.
When it comes to exercising a generator, a generator load bank is a great way to not only run the generator, but test the output rating to ensure that the generator is running at peak performance. Load bank tests can help identify potential problems with the generator and can also be used as an indicator to check for specific items that require servicing.
Engine Block Heaters
Engine block heaters aka water jacket heaters can prevent cold starts from occurring. This works by keeping the engine oil warm when the generator is in an idle state. If your generator did not come with one, they are readily available as an aftermarket purchase.
Engine block heaters help combat cold temperature related issues with the generator engine and for those facing freezing or sub-zero temperatures, there are also other aftermarket upgrades available such as coolant heaters, air inlet heaters, and control panel heaters to help ensure your generator is Winter ready.
While there are many items involved in preparing your generator for a sever Winter storm, these are high priority items that should be considered to ensure your standby generator is ready to go when you need it.
If you have any questions on how to better prepare your generator for inclement or severe Winter weather, please reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company. Our project managers can help you make sure your generator is as prepared as possible to face the elements.
Connect with us at:
610-658-3242 or sales@woodstockpower.com
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