If you own a standby generator, you should know that you need to have it maintained on a regular basis. This will ensure that it will work correctly and efficiently for you. Some of the things you need to pay attention to when you are maintaining your generator are the placement, the oil filtering, the exercise test, and the spark plugs.
Spark plugs
Spark plugs play a crucial role in maintaining the functionality of your generator. While it might be tempting to simply buy new ones, it’s a good idea to perform regular maintenance on your old ones to ensure you’re not paying for repairs down the road.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to change your oil every now and then. Many manufacturers recommend doing this after about three thousand miles. For best results, check with your owner’s manual. Depending on your generator’s model, you’ll want to replace the oil in your engine every four to eight days.
To keep your generator running well, you’ll want to check your oil filters and air filter on a regular basis. You should also perform a fuel and oil line inspection at least once a year.
Oil filtering
If you own a generator, then you are probably aware that you need to maintain it on a regular basis. This can be done in a variety of ways, but one of the most important is oil filtering.
Oil filtering is important because it keeps dirt and other contaminants out of your engine’s oil. A clean oil ensures that the engine operates at its best. In addition, the filter should be changed at least once a year.
It isn’t hard to change your own oil. Just make sure you have the right container. You can also get special tools to help with the job.
Another useful maintenance trick is to use an oil analysis program. By monitoring the level of oil in your generator, you can determine when it’s time to perform an oil change.
Preventive maintenance
Proper standby generator maintenance requires a multi-tiered maintenance schedule. This can vary according to the location and environment of the unit.
The National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 110 standard is a great resource for information about how to maintain a standby generator. It includes detailed guidelines for common maintenance items and a suggested schedule.
A detailed maintenance schedule can streamline generator maintenance, as well as provide an analysis of performance trends. It should be developed with input from the maintenance team.
A typical maintenance plan should include periodic self-inspections. This will help identify developing problems and improve system performance. In addition, the owner should regularly inspect the cooling system and air intake systems.
Generators should be kept clean. This includes the electrical panels and alarm boxes. An inspection should also be performed on the exhaust pipe and muffler.
Exercise test
A standby generator can operate up to several hundred hours a year during outages, and it’s important to keep it in good condition. To do this, you’ll want to maintain a multi-tiered maintenance schedule.
The first step is to schedule a periodic maintenance check. Most manufacturers recommend that you perform maintenance once a month or every few months. However, you may need to increase the frequency of these service calls if you use your generator frequently.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your generator is working at its best is to schedule a full load exercise test. This will ensure that your transfer switch is functioning properly and that the generator is ready to respond when you need it.
Placement
Taking the time to plan out a regular standby generator maintenance schedule is important to ensure the system is ready to go in the event of a power outage. This is especially true in areas with severe weather. Without proper maintenance, the equipment may not be able to perform its function, which could result in a complete loss of power.
When installing a standby generator, it’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. For example, make sure the installation is in accordance with building codes and state ordinances. It also pays to hire a certified professional for the job.
The best places to put a standby generator are between the gas and electric meters. Ideally, the location should be at least five feet away from an opening, such as a door or window. Putting the unit in an unprotected recess can cause carbon monoxide exhaust to enter the home.