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Much like a car, a generator requires regular maintenance to ensure reliable operation during power outages and to prolong its lifespan. Here's a breakdown of essential maintenance tasks and their recommended frequencies.
To maintain efficient combustion, proper lubrication, clean airflow, and overall system integrity, regular maintenance tasks include oil changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning or replacement, battery checks, and inspections of fuel and cooling systems.
Typical Maintenance Schedule Recommendations
- Change engine oil: After every 100 hours of use or at least annually. For some inverter generators, oil changes are suggested after the first 24 hours and then every 6 months.
- Replace or clean air filter: At least annually or every 50 hours/3 months (cleaning is possible, replace if damaged).
- Replace spark plugs: Annually or after 100 hours, with periodic checks every three months for adjustment on some models.
- Inspect and maintain battery: Check regularly to ensure reliable starting.
- General visual inspections: Look for leaks, damage, or corrosion regularly, ideally every 3 to 6 months.
- Run the generator periodically: At least every 3 to 6 months to prevent fuel degradation and corrosion, especially for diesel generators.
- Test emergency shutdown and transfer switch functions: To verify safety systems and automatic power transfer operation.
- Inspect belts, hoses, fittings, electrical connections, and cooling system: During routine servicing to avoid overheating and electrical faults.
A professional service by a technician is recommended every 1-2 years, which includes more advanced tasks like testing electrical circuitry, adjusting valve lash, running load bank tests, and performing full transfer tests.
Establishing a preventative maintenance program based on manufacturer guidelines ensures the generator runs smoothly and reduces unexpected downtime, much like regular car maintenance does for a vehicle.
Additional Tips
- A good rule of thumb for generator maintenance is to inspect it quarterly.
- Mice can chew on wire assemblies, and sealing entry points or using Bonide Mouse Magic can help deter them.
- Control wiring and their connections inside the enclosure should be checked for security.
- Vegetation around or on top of the generator should be removed to prevent air flow restriction and vermin attraction.
- Hardware cloth over the ventilation intake point of the generator can help discourage mice and lizards.
- The generator should be operated and tested for automatic changeover, circuit breaker, leaks, and alarms on the control panel.
- Rubber hoses have a lifespan of five to 10 years, but high heat degrades rubber.
- Cottonwood seeds can be drawn to generator air intakes during March to June.
- Leaves and nests in the ventilation system can cause blockages.
- Multiple sources of fuel should be identified and relationships established with providers.
- A perimeter of crushed stone atop a fabric weed barrier can be considered to prevent vegetation growth.
- The generator should be disabled at the control panel before performing tests and inspections.
By following this maintenance schedule, you can keep your generator as reliable as a well-maintained car, ensuring readiness during power outages and prolonging its lifespan.
