Generators, like any other appliance in your home, require regular maintenance to prevent it from breaking down or needing frequent repairs. The better care you take of your backup power supply, the longer it will last. In fact, well-maintained appliances tend to last twice their expected lifespan. Check out some simple tips to get started.
Change Oil Regularly
The frequency with which the oil needs to be changed depends on a few factors like:
- How often the generator is used?
- What environment does the generator work in?
- How many hours does it work continuously?
- How old is the generator?
Industry experts advise changing the oil every fifty to two hundred hours of operation. While the newer models might require fewer oil changes as these are cleaner, the older models will require more oil changes. If the backup power supply is exposed to dust or other contaminants that might mix with the oil, you may need to change the oil more frequently. Another thing to remember is that contaminants or dust might be present inside the machine as a result of the manufacturing process or during shipping. This is why manufacturers recommend changing the oil after the first 8 hours of use.
Keep it Clean
The generator consists of two parts, known as the rotor and the stator, working together in order to generate electricity. When the backup power supply is working, the rotors and the stators tend to collect debris, dust as well as other contaminants. If the build-up gets too much, the amount of energy generated will go down and also cause the stator and the rotor to burn out faster. In order to prevent this from occurring, you need to clean the air filter. Industrial experts recommend cleaning the air filter at least once a week, especially if it’s a dust prone environment.
Safety First
In order to extend the lifespan of any backup power supply, you need to take a few precautions after each use. According to the experts from https://krugerpower.com.au/diesel-generators.html, this includes emptying out the fuel tank, checking to make sure that the fuel lines are empty, storing the equipment in a cool and dry place. In order to protect the equipment, you can also invest in additional accessories like tents, covers or even a generator shed.
Test It
Homeowners and business owners need to test their backup power supply from time to time to make sure that it will work perfectly when the main power supply gets interrupted. You can follow the standards set by the National Fire Protection Agency or the NFPA while testing your backup power supply. According to NFPA 70, generators need to be tested at 30% to 50% of the maximum load for at least 30 minutes once a month.
Empty out Old Gas
Many homeowners make the mistake of not emptying out the fuel in the generator’s tank after it has been used. By emptying out the tank, you are able to prevent the equipment from damage and erosion. You can rely on home-delivery services to have access to fuel even in the case of an emergency.
Turn it On
In most cases, generators are considered a backup in case of a power failure. This means the generator may remain not in use for months or years. Unfortunately, this might prevent it from working when the need arises suddenly. In order to avoid getting in such situations, professionals recommend starting the generator and also check if it is lubricated well with oil. You can also charge the batteries and make sure that the carburetor is working well. Frequent checks carried out by turning it on once in a while can help to ensure that the power backup is in good condition. Apart from ensuring it’s operational, it can also give you peace of mind that all is well just in case there is a power outage.
Maintenance Checklist
While you can call in a professional to carry out the maintenance of your backup power supply, you can also do it on your own with the help of the following checklist:
- Change the gas and store it securely after each use.
- Check the air filters every week.
- Startup the generator and test the system once every month.
However, it is a good idea to call in professionals for a yearly maintenance check and a 17-point tune-up on portable backup power supplies. They also put your equipment through set exercise cycles, check and record all timers and gauge readings, inspect pulleys, hoses and drive belts. These activities require specialized skill sets and tools.
