3 Maintenance Measures to Ensure Your Generator is Always Ready to Go

Even under the most extreme circumstances, a generator that is purposed for the delivery of backup power will be in use for only a few weeks out of every year. The flip side of occasional use, and one of the biggest ongoing risks for generators, is that the overall reliability of the machine can be affected by long stretches of non-operation.

To make sure that your generator is ready to the next time the power goes down, follow these maintenance measures on a regular basis:

• As per the manual – Generally speaking, generators are extremely durable machines and the required maintenance protocols will be predominantly preventative. By following the specific maintenance routines as put forth in your manual, your generator will be ready for action when the power goes down.
• The battery – Much like a car that hasn’t been driven, the battery on a generator can lose its charge over time as well, especially as the battery ages. In fact, problematic batteries are the most common cause of generators that don’t start. By maintaining a regular schedule of running the generator at a full demand load level, you can either optimize the charge or determine that the battery needs to be replaced prior to the time when you really need the generator to start.
• Put the generator through a full workout on a regular basis – In most instances, a standby generator will go into full power production as soon as power from the grid is interrupted. This instantaneous ramp up can place enormous stress on engine parts, particularly after a long period of inactivity. Putting the generator through a workout at full load demand can ensure that components remain lubricated and that fuel is burned before it becomes stagnant and starts to thicken.

Generators perform at their highest levels with regular maintenance and workouts. By following the regular maintenance as suggested by the owner’s manual, checking the output of the battery and running the generator at full load on a consistent schedule, the backup power you are counting on will be there when electricity from the grid isn’t.