Why is Preventative Maintenance Important?
If you own a generator, it’s important to schedule preventative maintenance checks regularly to help you catch any potential problems before they become bigger issues.
GenServe’s promise to provide backup power when needed starts with ensuring your equipment is well-maintained. When your backup power system is inspected and serviced regularly, it assures it will be prepared to perform in an emergency and extend the equipment’s life.
Below is a Preventative Maintenance Checklist that our technicians follow when performing minor and major services to your system.
Generator Minor Service (Monthly, Quarterly, or Semi-Annual) Inspections and Maintenance Checklist
Performed as needed (monthly, quarterly or semi-annually). Depending on the industry and type of facility operated.
The minor service covers the following essential checks and inspections:
• Check the generator’s air filter and replace it if necessary.
• Check the cooling system looking for leaks, and add coolant as needed.
• Inspect the fan belts for age, possible cracks, and condition.
• Test the block heater.
• Check the battery and charging system.
• Test the louvers for proper operation.
• Inspect all the fittings, mountings, linkages, and flex connections.
• Check the oil condition and level, look for leaks, and top off the oil as needed.
• Inspect the fuel system and day tank for leaks and cleanliness.
• Inspect the exhaust system for leaks.
• Test the light bulbs and fuses.
• Free the enclosure from dirt and debris.
• Check all the fluid levels in the generator and top them off as needed.
• Inspect the generator control panel.
• Perform a building load test.
Generator Major Service (Annual) Inspections and Maintenance Checklist
Typically performed annually or as operating hours require it. Depending on the industry and type of facility operated.
This service includes everything covered by the minor service plus the following:
• Replace the engine oil and oil filters.
• Replace the air filter and spark plugs.
• Replace the fuel filter and water separator.
• Perform a load bank test.
What is the Difference Between a “Building Load Test” and a “Load Bank Test,” and When To Perform It?
A building load test determines how well the power system performs in real-world conditions. The test involves shutting off the main power supply to the building and seeing if the backup power system can take over.
Depending on the type of facility that you operate, this test is typically done once a month to ensure the generator can handle the actual load needed to serve as a backup for the building.
A load bank is a generator-testing device that allows you to test the output of your generator by simulating a load. This way, you can ensure that your generator can maintain voltage and current levels within specified limits under an actual electrical load. Load banks are significant for preventative maintenance purposes.
NFPA-110 standards typically require this type of testing every three years. But performing it once a year with a qualified technician is recommended when your generator does not produce 30% of its rated kW load.
For more information, see also our article “The Difference Between A Load Bank And A Building Load Test”
GenServe’s Generator Preventative Maintenance Services
GenServe provides the following Preventative Maintenance Services:
• Major Service (Includes a full oil change, and a series of visual and manual checks)
• Minor Service (Includes a series of visual and manual checks)
• Building Load Test (Simulates a power outage by manually shutting down utility power to the building)
• Load Bank Test (Tests the generator under various loads)
Click HERE for other services such as Fuel Polishing, ATS Maintenance or Cooling System Service.
GenServe’s team of field technicians is unmatched in our industry. While other companies have five, ten, or fifteen generator technicians on call, we have over 100 experienced technicians in the field. In addition, our team is strategically placed across our service areas and takes home fully stocked vans daily. This makes us the most reliable resource for quick service and repairs, even during significant power outages and inclement weather.
With such a large team at our disposal, GenServe can stand by a 2-hour or less response time on emergency generator service calls. If your backup power needs require more than service or repairs, we have multiple generator rental options available 24/7x
No Matter Your Generator, We Can Service It
We uphold our promise to be a reliable resource for your emergency power needs by working with the best generator manufacturers. Our history of working with many vendors has allowed our technicians to become comfortable working on all types of equipment. In thirty years of business, our field team rarely encounters equipment they cannot service.
We are the only company you need to call for work on your backup power systems. We have experience working on equipment from many brands, including:
Schedule Service Today
Don’t wait any longer, contact our service department today with questions and to schedule preventative maintenance service.
