Are you working from home and you can go a minute without electricity? You will need a standby generator to keep your lights on all day. Having a standby generator in place is not all. You want to ensure it is working correctly. To make sure your generator is up and working when you need it the most, it requires regular maintenance.
Here are a few things you should do if you want to keep your backup generator working as intended. You can also find more information about standby generators from your local electrician.
1. Go through the owner’s manual
A lot of information on how to keep your standby generator working correctly is found right in the owner’s manual. Inside this manual, you can find a lot of information like what type of oil you should use and information on the type of parts you can use to repair it.
2. Keep track of the weekly self cycle
The weekly self cycle is an important metric you want to monitor regardless of the type of generator you use at home. Whether you are using diesel or an electric generator, you should run a test cycle at least once a week for at least 20 minutes.
Once you set the day and time to do this test, you should make this part of your routine preventive maintenance for your generator. You are good to go if you notice no red flags on your generator. Other things you should check out on a weekly basis include:
- Check that the circuit breaker remains closed.
- Ensure there is an adequate fuel level.
- Verify that the unit does not have any alarms or warnings of damage.
- Ensure there are no fluid leaks.
- Make sure the generator remains in the auto mode for an automatic start in case of a blackout.
3. Perform monthly inspections
Once you have an owner’s manual, it should not be that difficult to conduct monthly maintenance for your standby generator. If your generator has been running for some time now, you should look inside to make sure that:
- The coolant levels are in their exact position
- The unit’s surroundings are free of debris, rodents, and pests that can damage it
- Check the water separators and the fuel level if you’re using a diesel generator. Don’t forget to drain the water and fuel as required.
- Check the battery charge if you are using an electrical generator.
4. Hire a professional for annual maintenance
There are many things you can do to ensure your standby generator serves you for many years. However, there are other technical things that you should only hire an expert to help you check and fix in your generator.
It is advisable that you leave all the technical aspects of your generator to a professional to handle if you want it to last longer. Some of the tests you should hire a professional to handle are:
- Fuel test
- Changing oil filter and the oil
- Replacing spark plugs
- Flushing the cooling systems as required
- Inspecting cables, battery, and wirings