Of course, generators can last for long, but you need to know the key behind it, and i.e., it’s proper maintenance. Just like your body requires a sufficient amount of water and food to survive, a generator also requires maintenance to prevent it from tumbling down. It’s for sure that remarkable the maintenance, the longer your generator will last without being repaired. There are numerous factors that you need to consider while taking care of a generator. So without beating about the bush, let’s take a glance at the pointers of maintaining a generator.
Plan a maintaining cycle of your generator after every six months
Generators usually demand maintenance after every 6 months, so you need to have a small inspection of the following things. Firstly, oil, coolant, fuel, etc. Also, some of the components, such as the air filter need to be cleaned every monthly or weekly, it depends upon the size of the generator. Always, keep in mind that generators are the hard-working machines, so it is important to treat them accurately, because bad treatment may have negative consequences.
Always keep the fuel tank full
This is one of the fundamental things that you can do to avoid your generator from damage. It is suggested that do not let the fuel tank be empty, because once they are out of gas, they may create an electrical load and will absorb the magnetic fill from the generator itself. This further may lead to generator damage. So save yourself from making this tiny mistake because it may lead you to end up in a mess.
Run your generator on a regular basis
Just like you need regular exercises to keep yourself fit, generators also demand to run regularly since they are machines. You would have probably heard that machines are made to run, so it is suggested to run the generator at regular intervals. This will lead to avoiding the rust materials to catch your generator and also your generator will work appropriately without any disturbance.
Change the oil regularly
It is one of the most prominent ways to maintain a generator. Different generators have different requirements, so oil changing totally depends upon different variables. Here are some of them mentioned: firstly, the brand of the generator, secondly, how usually you use them, thirdly, the environment factor. It is advised by the professionals at Ablesales to change the oil after 60 to 210 hours of use. Also, it may depend upon certain factors such as the model. A modern generator uses modern technologies, so it may require more infrequent oil changes as compared to the older ones. Changing oil ensures that your generator is free from the contaminants that it may bear while running in severe environments.
Cooldown the generator before refueling
Certainly, you would be careful to power off the generator while refueling it, but that’s not enough. Immediately pouring the fuel into the generator may have serious consequences, since it may spill the fuel into the hot engine parts or may burst into flames. That’s the reason, it is advised to refuel it, after properly cooling it down. Don’t think that it will consume more time while cooling, only 20 minutes of a time period is enough. Waiting for 20 minutes may be better as compared to facing severe hazards or outcomes.
Check out the batteries
Batteries are the main source to start a generator or engine, so it’s essential to have a specific look at them. Weak or undercharged batteries are a regular cause of standby power system breakdowns. So it is important to keep the battery charged and well-maintained to avoid start-up failures. Apart from this, also check the electrolytes and keep them cleaned at regular intervals. Doing this will save your time and you won’t be caught in a trap later on.
Keep the rotors and stators clean
A generator runs from the rotor and stator. These two parts are generally positioned inside your generator, striving collectively to generate power. During the action, it’s ideal for rotors and stators to accumulate dirt, trash, and additional contaminants. If you leave your generator to create up too much dirt, your rotor and stator won’t be able to produce power as efficiently as attainable. Also, it further will result in burning both of the components at a faster rate than average.
In order to eliminate dirt particles, you need to clean the air filters in your generator. And, despite how frequently you utilize your generator, it’s advised to check the air filter for dirt particles weekly. If you particularly live in an area that is full of dust then there may be possibilities that you need to have a check on your generator multiple times. These precautions will assure that your generator is ready to use when you require it the most.
Make use of heavy-duty extension cords
It is not unusual to operate multiple extension cords from your generator to your devices inside. But it is also necessary to consider the variety and extent of extension cords you are using.
It is advised that the extension cords that you use must be heavy-duty, what it means is it should be 12-gauge cords or thicker. Apart from this, do consider the length of the cord, it should be kept less than 100 feet. The goal is that lesser-diameter cords and more extended run lengths build a more substantial energy drop among your generator and your devices. This further leads the engine in your generator and the motors in your devices to burn themselves out more immediately. Also, be certain to inspect your extension cords for any sort of damage. Extension cords should be renewed if they have any cuts since these may have a risk of electrocution.
These are some of the generator maintenance pointers that may better guide you in keeping your generator in a more innocuous form. Hopefully, the piece of information may help you in your future attempts of maintaining a generator.
