Best Practices for Generator Maintenance
When a power outage strikes, you want your generator to come through. When it doesn’t, the disruption to your business can be costly. This is why regular maintenance is essential for the performance of generators and backup systems. This article will discuss best practices for ensuring that your backup power is ready to go when you need it.
One of the most important maintenance tasks for any generator is regular oil checks and oil changes. Oil is used to lubricate the engine and reduce friction between moving parts. When the oil level drops below a recommended amount, it can cause the engine to overheat and can lead to other internal damage. It’s also important to check for leaks and excessive fuel consumption. If you’re noticing excessive fuel consumption, you may need to replace the generator’s carburetor.
Another key generator maintenance task is periodic load bank tests. Load bank testing simulates the operation of a generator under a full load and helps determine its ability to run for extended periods of time when needed in an emergency situation. Load bank tests should be performed at a minimum of once every month, but it’s recommended that they be performed more often to help prevent deterioration of the generator’s battery and increase its lifecycle.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to periodically inspect the generator transfer switch and all electrical components. The transfer switch should be inspected for signs of corrosion and the condition of any wires that connect to it. In addition, the transfer switch should be turned off and all power sources disconnected from the generator during this inspection.
The generator should also be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it free of debris and dirt that could block the flow of electricity or worsen its performance. This is especially important for solar generators that must be free of dust, cobwebs and other obstructions to properly absorb sunlight. It’s also a good idea to check for critters that can potentially live in the generator housing, such as mice, rats, wasps, snakes and other creatures.
If you’re not able to perform all these maintenance tasks on your own, it’s highly advisable to hire an experienced professional service provider. These specialists can provide expert advice on maintenance and ensure that the job is done right the first time. This will prevent expensive repairs in the future and will ensure that your generator is always ready to work when needed.
Hiring a professional services provider for your generator maintenance is the best way to ensure that it will work when you need it most. Contact us for more information about our comprehensive industrial generator maintenance services! We offer both routine maintenance and scheduled repair for any size generator and can also assist with the installation of new backup generators. Our experienced team of technicians is happy to answer any questions you may have!