Uninterrupted access to power is crucial in today’s fast-paced world for businesses and homeowners alike. However, power outages are equally common. Whether caused by natural disasters or infrastructure failures, they can disrupt daily operations, compromise safety, and result in significant financial losses. According to a survey, here are some interesting findings about power outages:
- The prevalence of momentary outages lasting less than five minutes has increased, affecting companies from 20 percent to 40 percent.
- The outage increase indicates a growing impact on operations, with 44 percent of companies experiencing power loss monthly or more frequently.
- This heightened frequency poses risks to critical operations and could damage companies’ reputations as reliable goods-and-services providers.
- Nearly one-quarter of companies faced typical outages costing $100,000 or more.
- Among Commercial and Industrial (C&I) companies, 80 percent experienced monthly outages, amounting to an annual loss of $1.2 million.
Many organizations continue to invest in backup power solutions, such as generators, to mitigate these risks and ensure continuity during emergencies. However, simply owning a generator is not enough. Regular maintenance ensures your backup power is ready when needed. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the basics of generator maintenance tips to help keep your backup power ready for anything.
Inspect and Clean Air Filters
Air filters are crucial in preventing dirt, dust, and debris from entering the generator’s engine. Over time, these filters clog, restricting airflow and reducing engine performance. Hence, inspecting and cleaning them is essential. Besides this, replacing air filters as needed ensures optimal airflow to the engine, promoting efficient combustion and minimizing fuel consumption.
Check Oil Levels
Adequate lubrication ensures smooth operation of the engine components. Checking oil levels regularly ensures that the generator is properly lubricated and protected against friction and wear. Top up the oil with the manufacturer-recommended oil as needed, and adhere to the recommended oil change intervals specified in the owner’s manual to maintain optimal engine performance.
Inspect Fuel System of the Generator
The fuel system supplies the engine with the necessary fuel for combustion. Hence, ensure that the tank is adequately filled with clean, fresh fuel, and inspect fuel lines for any signs of leaks or blockages. Adding a fuel stabilizer can help prevent fuel degradation over time, ensuring the fuel remains suitable for emergencies.
Test Batteries
The battery starts the generator and provides electrical power for systems and controls. Therefore, it is important to test it frequently.
Regularly testing the battery ensures that it can hold a charge and start the generator when needed. Make sure to replace batteries showing signs of deterioration or cannot hold a charge to prevent unexpected failures during power outages.
Inspect Electrical Connections
Check electrical connections for signs of corrosion, loose wires, or damage, and tighten connections as needed. Replace any damaged components to prevent electrical faults & ensure reliable operation of the generator.
Perform Load Bank Testing
Load bank testing simulates real-world conditions and verifies the generator’s ability to handle the required load during an outage. Periodically subjecting the generator to load bank testing helps identify potential issues and ensures that it can perform as expected during emergencies.
Wrapping Up
By performing these routine maintenance tasks on your generator, you can ensure its reliability, longevity, and readiness to provide backup power. Nonetheless, hiring an experienced electrical contracting company like Ultra AMV Electrical Contractors for routine inspection, maintenance, and repairs is best.
Our skilled electrical contractors specialize in diagnosing and repairing generator issues to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Whether you require routine generator maintenance, troubleshooting, or emergency repairs, we have the expertise to meet your needs. Don’t let generator problems disrupt your operations or leave you vulnerable during power outages. Trust us to provide effective solutions to keep your generator running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and get your generator back up and running quickly.
