In order to ensure your backup generator is prepared to handle emergency situations, getting a regular inspection is necessary. Thoroughly inspecting your generator on a weekly basis will reveal potential problems that would later need to be fixed.
Depending on how much you rely on your generator for operations in the event of a power outage, you may opt for twice-weekly inspections. With that in mind, here are five items to add to your weekly generator inspection checklist.
Perform a Thorough Visual Inspection
Your weekly generator inspection should begin with a thorough visual inspection. Visually inspecting your generator may seem obvious, but failing to perform regular visual inspections can cause you to overlook obvious physical defects. During this step, take the time to check the generator and the surrounding enclosure, as well as hoses, fittings, and connections. Clean these areas on a regular basis and keep an eye out for physical defects.
Check Fluid Levels
Next, check the fluid levels and pressure, including the oil and coolant. Maintaining oil and coolant levels can keep your generator running reliably, so it’s essential to ensure that your generator’s engine is properly lubricated.
If your fuel is supplied through existing infrastructure, it’s crucial to make sure that the fuel is reaching the generator. On the other hand, if your fuel is stored in a tank, check that the fuel level is high enough to last in the event of a power outage.
If a steady source of power is essential to the operations of your business, consider checking out the diesel generators manufactured by Welland Power. Since Welland Power manufacturers tested and proven diesel-powered generators on an international scale, they can ensure the continued operations of your business in the event of an emergency situation.
In addition, while gasoline-driven generators provide inexpensive sources of fuel, diesel-powered generators are more energy efficient and can save you time and peace of mind. Diesel is also typically more accessible in the event of an emergency compared to gasoline.
Inspect External Equipment
Although inspecting the condition your generator should be your primary concern, checking external equipment is also important. Ensure that you have a functional fire extinguisher and First Aid Kit, as well as manuals and a maintenance log for your generator. Additionally, make sure the surrounding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition.
Test the Generator
To ensure that your generator is able to supply a steady source of power, you’ll need to run the generator regularly. Check the automatic transfer switch and use it to run the generator to make sure the unit is in working condition. It’s also important to keep in mind that diesel fuel will degrade if left to sit idle, so running the generator for a few minutes on a weekly basis can keep your fuel from corroding.
Check the Battery System
The primary reason backup generators fail to start in the event of a power outage is because of faulty batteries. Therefore, it’s necessary to load test and inspect your battery system on a regular basis. In order to perform a load test, make sure your visual inspection is completed, as corrosion or debris can have a significant influence on battery performance.
Ensure that the battery is fully charged and inspect the overall system for possible corrosion. In addition, check the specific gravity of the battery, the electrolyte level, and the battery charger. Maintenance-free batteries also require regular visual inspection and maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
After performing routine maintenance, it’s important to set the generator to “Auto” rather than “Off” so the generator can start running automatically when a power outage occurs. All in all, adding these tasks to your weekly generator inspection checklist will ensure the generator runs smoothly and reliably in the event of an emergency situation.