Generators are often a saving grace for businesses during power outages caused by various external circumstances. Whether there is a weather storm or accident that causes the power to go out, your generator will be there to help save the day. However, in order for it to work when you need it the most, it must be maintained correctly. Below we put together some tips for how to keep up with your generator’s maintenance.
Don’t have a generator yet? Check out these benefits of having a standby generator for your business.
Change The Oil
Changing the oil in your generator will help prolong its lifespan. The frequency in which oil needs to be changed depends on the following factors:
- Generator’s manufacturer
- How often the generator is used
- Where the generator is used
Taking these considerations into account, generator repair techs will typically recommend an oil change every 50 to 200 hours.
Unsure of how to change the oil in your generator? Start by searching for “generator repair near me” to locate a technician who can help.
Keep It Clean
As time passes, the generator will accumulate dust, debris, and dirt that will weigh down the rotor and stator. This grime will prevent your generator from working efficiently and cause it to break down faster. To prevent early breakdown of your generator, follow these steps:
- Clean the filters regularly.
- Check the filters weekly for dust.
- Clean the spark plugs annually.
Following these steps will ensure your generator’s maintenance is up to par and it will serve you for many years.
If you have a generator in your business, you may also have a commercial refrigerator that needs cleaning as well. Check out these cleaning and maintenance tips for your fridge!
Don’t Use Old Gas
Using old gas is very bad for a generator’s overall health. Old fuel isn’t as effective and should be replaced in order to keep your generator’s maintenance to the standard efficiency. Old gas leads to damages in the generator that are often discovered when the use of a generator is required. If the fuel in your generator is old, follow one of the following steps:
- Remove the old fuel by bleeding it into a fuel-safe container and put in new fuel.
- Use a fuel stabilizer which can be purchased at gas stations and hardware stores.
- Ask Doug’s Service Company about their liquid propane or natural gas generators which require less fuel maintenance.
It is generally recommended that you check the fuel supply in your generator at least once a month. Also, make sure to have a supply of fuel on hand in the event of an emergency.
Test Your Generator
Another form of generator maintenance is testing its capacity. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), generators are to be tested 30-50% of the maximum load for 30 minutes at a minimum of once a month. Doing so will help ensure that your generator is functioning as it should. Here are the steps to test your generator:
- Turn it on using the switch or coil, depending on how the generator is designed. If it’s not starting, check the fuel line.
- Turn the AC voltage switch on the voltmeter to ensure that it works
- Plug the black lead from the voltmeter into the generator’s frame and the red lead into the generator’s output plug.
- Check the voltmeter’s reading of the volt output which should match the generator’s output.
- Once you see that the output is where it needs to be, power down the generator.
Read this wikiHow article on how to perform a load test, which is another method for testing your generator. If you find that the output isn’t sufficient, search for “generator repair near me” to find a specialist who can fix the issue.
Check It Once a Month
In general, it is recommended that you check your generator at least once a month. For maintenance purposes, make a monthly schedule in which you check its fuel supply, test, and clean it. This will ensure that your generator works when you need it the most.
If you need generator repair services or are considering purchasing a generator, contact Doug’s Service Company today by calling (985) 316-5926.
