The last thing you want to happen is to lose power and then find out your backup generator isn’t properly working. It is imperative, then, to take care of your equipment so that it does not fail when you need it most.
While there are a variety of reasons that a generator may fail, the most common issue that we see is battery failure. This can happen when lead sulfates accumulate on the plates of lead-acid batteries. Batteries may also fail when electrolyte levels are low, if sedimentary trays are filled up with debris, and if the charger breaker is open or tripped.[1]
Other reasons that a generator may fail include low-coolant levels, oil/fuel or coolant leaks, or failures in the fuel system. Because so many people rely on back-up power such as generators, it is critical to have an annual oil or coolant analysis done during service. Analyzing the oil, fuel, and coolant will ensure that everything is running smoothly and safely. A spectrochemical analysis can be performed to get a specific analysis of oil, diesel fuel, and basic coolant.
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For companies that are involved in healthcare, data, and pharmaceuticals, they should be getting their generator fluids analyzed and serviced during their preventative maintenance services, so that they run smoothly in poor weather and during power failures. The NFPA-110suggests having an annual fuel analysis performed, while oil and coolant analyses are optional but recommended in critical applications.
If a generator is taken care of, it is sure to last and perform when you need it. Make sure to have your generator serviced and taken care of each and every year so that yours doesn’t fail when you need it most.
[1] http://ecmweb.com/ops-amp-maintenance/top-nine-reasons-generators-fail-start
