Generator Maintenance 101: The Basics
Like cars, trucks, or any other piece of motorized equipment, generators also need to be regularly maintained & serviced to run efficiently. Power outages can occur at any time and for any reason. Businesses that rely on backup generators should make sure that their generator is ready to provide power to keep operations running smoothly.
While many people think that servicing a generator should happen when something goes wrong, but there are simple steps that can be taken to help keep the generator in running shape or identify potential problems before any major service may be required.
Cleanliness is Key
When it comes to diesel generators, there is one absolute fact – they get dirty. Between oil changes, leaks, accumulation of dirt and debris in and around the generator over time – it’s important to clean the generator regularly. The importance of keeping the generator clean is to provide time to inspect the generator and surrounding area. When inspecting the generator, you can identify whether there is anything that does not belong inside the generator or if an object is near the generator that may be out of place. For example, you could check for any animals living there like mice, squirrels, or insects that could potentially get inside the generator and cause damage such as chewing up wiring. You can also identify any leaks that may not have been there before. After completing service, you can make a note to monitor the generator weekly to ensure no new or existing leaks are occurring. Keeping the generator is a good starting point when it comes to generator maintenance.
Visual Inspection
The next step would be visual inspection. When you open the generator enclosure, look at all the moving parts of the generator. Make sure you look at the electrical panels and the surrounding area to ensure there is nothing out of place, such as tools or trash that may have been left behind during service. Ensure that the radiator can move air freely, inspect for any leaks or puddles, and check the control panel to make sure there are no alarms showing up. Check fuel levels and oil levels to gauge whether the generator needs service or ready to go.
Batteries
Batteries are important to keep maintained, as generators have starters, the control panel, block heater, and any additional internal electrical component. Batteries that are not sufficiently charged or reading low voltage is one of the top reasons why generators may fail to start. This is why it’s important to make sure your battery is always charged via a battery charger or if one is not installed with the generator, then disconnect the negative and positive connections from the battery when the generator is not in use. Depending on generator installation location, such as areas that experience cold weather, it’s always a good idea to have extra batteries on hand in case you need to swap them out with any dead batteries.
Common Alarms
Common alarms are generally set within the control panel and can reflect any potential issues the generator may be experiencing. It’s recommended that you do not attempt start a generator if there are any alarms being shown on the control panel display. Some common alarms may be low fuel, low coolant levels, low coolant temperature, communication alarms, or overspeed/under speed alarms that can prevent the generator from starting. Always make sure that the alarm log is clear before attempting to start a generator to ensure that the system detects no issues and there are no current or previous alarms that will cause issues with the generator starting or running.
Generators Need Exercise Too
It’s typically recommended that you run your generator at least once a week for 20 – 40 minutes. More than likely if you have a generator connected to your facility, it’s most likely programmed to run on the weekends or overnight. Exercising your generator helps cycle the fluids throughout the generator, the engine, and the radiator to ensure that all parts are working correctly and can reveal if there are any alarms or items that need to be addressed.
Major Service
Just like with cars, generators also require maintenance known as major service. When we handle major service on a generator, we usually conduct a load bank test for about 1 to 2 hours once every 3 months. A load bank test helps exercise the generator and gets the generator oil & engine up to temperature, as well as gets any other fluids circulating such as coolant. Typically any problems that would arise with a generator arise during a load bank test when the generator is pushing power and being used versus if the generator were running without a load bank connected. Service every 250 hours or so, load banks every 3 months or so, but more both service & load bank testing should be conducted more often for critical applications.
Maintain a Logbook
Every time the generator undergoes service or maintenance, it’s good to keep track of what was done. Whether you’re adding coolant, adding oil, if a leak is detected, a logbook can help provide a service history of the generator and if the generator requires any service, the logbook can help provide insight on what was done or not done and what may be needed in order to address any problems that may arise with the generator.
Maintaining your generator is vital for the operation of the generation for when you really need power. Taking these steps can help you gauge the status of your generator and provide a good indication on a weekly to monthly basis to its overall condition. If you’re not sure about whether or not your generator is properly serviced or don’t have time to perform maintenance, be sure to set up a service contract with a service company that can come out to your facility to perform regular service & maintenance.
If you have any additional questions or are looking for more information about preparing your backup generator for hurricane season, feel free to reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company!
Give us a call or send us an email: 610-658-3242 or sales@woodstockpower.com
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