Simple Guide for Maintaining Your Generator
Generators are a long-term investment. Whenever we buy a generator, we expect it to give us a few good years of service. However, similar to any electronic product, generators go through a lot of wear and tear and require a fair bit of tinkering. Disregarding simple maintenance tips can accumulate into a massive problem after a few years. However, we tend to overlook minor issues because they aren’t too big a trouble to be bothered by.
Many people don’t do routine check-ups on their generators because they think it’s incredibly complicated or time-consuming. However, it’s a pretty straightforward process that doesn’t need a lot of effort. In this article, we’re going to discuss a few simple tips for maintaining your Generator to ease your troubles. Let’s begin!
Read the Manual Correctly and Store it Properly
Reading the Manual might seem like the most boring thing to do. We often think it’s filled with random information that will never be useful for us. However, it’s the opposite. Beyond the legal introduction and company details, manuals contain crucial information about the entire system, from its standard requirements to safety protocols and everything in-between. Whenever something happens to the plan that might seem odd, the Manual might contain sufficient information to resolve it on our own. So, make sure you’ve read the manual thoroughly.
However, reading it once is not enough; you need to make sure you find it whenever you need it. Don’t discard it after your first read. We recommend keeping your Manual with the Generator to see it in case you need it quickly.
Service your Generator at least Twice a Year
Servicing should be a regular hobby for your Generator. We often tend not to take our Generator to service unless we notice any issues with it. However, many internal problems often get unnoticed due to our lack of monitoring and servicing. Therefore, make sure you’re getting your Generator serviced at least twice a year. Even if no servicing is required, at least the internal parts should be cleaned, and the condition of everything should be checked.
Keep a record-book
It’s essential to keep a record book of all the details of your Generator. Every time you do a routine check-up, make sure you note everything. The condition of all the small parts, the positioning of everything, the repairs and replacements are done, etc. Keeping track of everything will make future maintenances easy while keeping track of everything will be more convenient.
Conduct weekly maintenance checks
Similar to annual servicings, weekly maintenance checks are just as necessary. They might take around 30 minutes to one hour based on the size of the Generator. The checking time of a 10000-watt generator won’t be similar to a 5000-watt generator. However, make sure you have a clear idea about your Generator’s parts and get to work. Check the overall condition, have a first look at everything in your Generator. Find if there’s anything abnormal that catches the eye. From rusted, corroded pieces of metal, loose screws, loose connections or short circuits, broken pieces, etc. If everything looks normal at your first glance, go to the next step.
Check the batteries
The quality of the battery is vital for the Generator to run smoothly. It would help if you never let your battery get extremely dry. Check the amount of distilled water in the shower and top-up if necessary. Generally, batteries need some electrolyte imbalance to work correctly. Other kinds of water contain minerals, which will affect the pH balance of the battery. However, distilled water will keep making sure the imbalance stays without any change to the pH.
Furthermore, check the voltage of your battery as well. If it doesn’t provide the voltage, it’s supposed to, and it’s time to get a replacement. Most batteries run correctly for 2-3 years and then start to degrade. So, you might require a replacement every once a while.
Change the lubricant oil
The lubricant oil plays a crucial role in keeping your Generator running smoothly. The internal parts of the Generator are moving parts that continuously keep running. Lubricant oil is required to keep them running. This isn’t something you need to do regularly; instead, once or twice a year. Your manufacturers’ instructions will contain the information you need. Remember, always use the lubricant suggested by your manufacturer. Other, even expensive lubricants will be troublesome.
Clean and replace spark plugs
Spark plugs are small but useful. However, they often accumulate a lot of dirt and cause a fair bit of trouble. Yet, they’re reasonably cheap. So, we recommend changing them every year instead of doing painful repairs on them.
Do regular test runs
If you don’t use your Generator regularly, you still need to do test runs. Turn the Generator on every once a while and check whether it’s running or not. If it makes too much noise or there’s fuel leakages or sparks, get it checked by an expert immediately.
The location of the Generator is vital. Not only for the condition of the Generator but also the well-being of the Generator. As the CDC recommends, generators need to be handled carefully because of the emissions. Portable generators often emit Carbon monoxide, which is dangerous for the human body.
If you have a portable generator, make sure it’s outside your place by at least 20 feet. If you have a home generator system, make sure it’s in a shady spot away from water, moisture, or dirt. Clean the area surrounding the Generator regularly and don’t let dust accumulate there.
Conclusion
Generators are incredibly convenient. However, the utility of a generator should not be the cause of accidents. Simple mistakes when using a generator can cause serious accidents and even death. We’ve discussed a few simple tips to maintain home generators to prevent accidents. We hope you find this article helpful.