Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your generator running smoothly and ensuring reliable power supply during emergencies or regular usage. By following the 10 maintenance tips outlined above, you can prolong the lifespan of your generator, minimize downtime, and maximize its performance efficiency. Regular inspections, cleaning, fuel and oil management, and professional servicing are all critical aspects of generator maintenance that should not be overlooked. With a proactive approach to maintenance, you can trust that your generator will be ready to provide power whenever it’s needed, providing peace of mind and security for your home, business, or infrastructure applications.
Six-Monthly Maintenance
Most of the maintenance required for your generator will be done for over six months. This basically involves general inspection, i.e., checking the oil, coolant, fuel, etc., and some routine tasks like cleaning the air filter (monthly or weekly), depending on the size and how often the generator is used.
Avoid using your generator indoors
A generator must always be used in a well-ventilated space to ensure good ventilation and avoid damage to your generator. Before the setup of the generator, you should contact a professional company that will help you decide which place is best for your generator.
Oil Changes
A Generator can quickly run through oil and oil filters. Therefore, it is crucial to check the oil and oil filters regularly in case they need replacing.
Don’t fuel directly into a running generator
Many people make the mistake of feeding fuel straight into a running generator, which is both dangerous and runs the risk of damaging their equipment. Some models allow direct refueling, but most types require you to switch off the generator before topping up the fuel. Allow for a cool-down period, particularly with gasoline models. The diesel generators are less susceptible to this.
Power Chords
Not all power chords are of the same quality, and they are different in terms of their environmental exposure and their power load capacity. Consider whether your chord is going to be exposed to weather conditions and if your chord will be able to withstand these elements. A damaged power cord can lead to an electrical shock.
Avoid running out of fuel
The rotating magnetic coils in a generator generate power, and if these coils become demagnetized (when a generator runs out of fuel), it can lead to the generator not creating electricity as well as a hefty repair bill or replacement of your generator entirely due to damages.
Removing old fuel
Avoid leaving old fuel in the gas tank indefinitely, as fuel degrades when it ages and becomes foamy. Starting a generator with old fuel can lead to unnecessary problems. It is cheaper to replace fuel than components such as injector pumps on the generator. It is vital to store fuel correctly to extend their lifespan.
Checking Your Volts
Make sure a professional checks if your generator produces the right amount of volts to avoid damage to your generator and other equipment.
Using a Transfer Switch
To avoid backfeeding, avoid running a cable straight from the generator to whatever needs power. Backfeeding can lead to damage and be lethal, and by installing a transfer switch, you can prevent this from happening. Some models already have a switch installed.
Start your generator occasionally
If you are not using your generator often, it is necessary to have it run for thirty minutes or so every now and then. In general, mechanical equipment that is standing dormant for long periods collects dust, insects, and all kinds of particles that can damage the generator parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diesel generators are one of the most common forms of standby power in the world.
A diesel generator produces electricity through a combination of a diesel engine with an electric generator. The power of the diesel generator is transformed by the alternator into a usable electrical current. This reliable source of power is often used by many businesses and homes for protection against power failure.
Diesel generators are commonly used by a variety of different organisations including data centers, banks, hospitals and factories. It’s vital to take action on your power back-up – no business is too big or small to have a diesel generator solution in place.
Within a typical diesel generator, you will find a diesel internal combustion engine that is used to drive an electric generator, commonly referred to as an alternator, to produce electrical energy. The alternator creates power by turning mechanical energy into electrical energy, by rotating magnets surrounding a coil. As these magnets spin, they create an alternating current around the coil which is then transformed into usable electrical power by an internal rectifier.
Diesel generators are renowned for their robustness and durability, and with proper maintenance by trained professionals using genuine parts, they can run for several years. The lifespan of a diesel generator can typically range from 10 to 30 years, depending on the model, how often the machine is used, and what preventative maintenance has been used during the machine’s lifetime.
Air filter: 1000 hours, can be more different environments to shorten the replacement cycle.
Diesel filter: the first work is 50 hours to replace after the general is 400 hours to replace. If the user uses diesel fuel which quality is not good, shorten the replacement cycle.
Oil filter: 50 hours to replace the first work, after the general is 200 hours to replace.