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Electric Generator Maintenance 101

By: Cleveland Brothers
December 7, 2020

Construction companies and those involved with industrial manufacturing need a steady source of power to complete daily objectives. Having an uninterrupted flow of electricity ensures that you remain efficient at all times. All it takes is a weather emergency or local outage to disrupt your routine, so making sure you have a standby generator can be the difference between continuing with an assignment and sending workers home early.

Decision-makers may think that having an electric generator on-site is enough to prepare for the unexpected. However, it is crucial to follow a generator maintenance checklist throughout the year to ensure the unit functions as intended.

At Cleveland Brothers, we do everything possible to help our customers stay productive. Check out our guide below to review the best methods of caring for your electric generator.

Why Is Preventive Maintenance for Electric Generators Important?

Anyone thinking about purchasing a new or used electric generator should look at the equipment similar to the rest of their fleet. These investments are known for their durability, but they require proper upkeep to stay totally reliable. Coordinating routine maintenance appointments with a professional between seasons is a proactive way to prolong the life of your purchase and avoid any surprises in case you require backup power.

Like heavy-duty machines, no two electric generator models are exactly alike. Standby generator manufacturers will determine which maintenance tasks are necessary for a given piece of equipment as well as how often users should have their investments serviced by a technician.

Just because your business has not used an electric generator recently does not mean that the device is still in peak operating condition. Equipment operators that work in locations with drastic temperature changes should prioritize preventive maintenance, as these conditions can shorten battery life cycles and strain internal connections.

Additional Benefits of Electric Generator Maintenance:

Along with keeping the generator ready to go at a moment’s notice, routine maintenance can provide numerous advantages, allowing you to:

  • Maintain applicable warranties.
  • Ensure the generator stays in optimal condition.
  • Create a safer working environment for employees.
  • Save money by avoiding costly repairs.
  • Increase generator efficiency by replacing worn components.
  • Reduce your chances of having to invest in a premature generator replacement.

Should You Hire a Professional for Electric Generator Maintenance?

Only a trained technician should perform work or an inspection on an electric generator. Individuals that specialize in this area possess the correct tools and equipment to complete tasks safely for accurate results. Partnering with an electric generator provider in your area makes it possible to set up appointments throughout the year at a time convenient for you.

The process for inspecting an electric generator looks different based on the model and the technician, but you can count on an expert to visually assess the system, run a series of tests and eliminate any guesswork when it is time to purchase updated parts.

This critical equipment calls for an individual who can gather and interpret real-time data from the main control panel. A system gravity test and load test will give you insight into how stable your electric generator is from a mechanical and electrical standpoint. Comparing these notes to previous tests and manufacturing standards will help you understand any changes that take place between inspections.

Advantages of Working With a Trained Technician

Electric generator technicians help you diagnose issues before they develop into large-scale problems. Something as small as a leaking hose can put your entire system at risk, so requesting a visit at least once each year will lessen your chances of generator failure during a shutdown.

Technicians at Cleveland Brothers assist business owners across the state of Pennsylvania as well as parts of northern West Virginia, western Maryland and eastern Ohio. We provide clients with detailed reports for all inspections so you can know the exact date when parts were changed out or serviced. Further advantages of working with our highly trained team include:

  • Increased uptime with minimal disruptions.
  • Less time spent troubleshooting.
  • The chance to ask questions about your setup.
  • Thorough documentation for maintenance history logs.

What Will Be Checked During Maintenance Visits?

The more an electric generator is used, the more often it should be inspected during the year. Generator models can last upwards of 20 to 30 years when a trained technician visits for an assessment every six months.

Equipment operators should also recognize that there are steps you can take between appointments to further prolong the life of an electric generator. Review the weekly and monthly maintenance details below to see what is safe to perform on your own:

Weekly Electric Generator Maintenance

If possible, run an electric generator at least once per week to exercise the components. Confirming that there are no visual indicators or warning lights means that the system is stable for function.

Monthly Electric Generator Maintenance

Plant and facility managers should check once a month to ensure that a generator has enough coolant, fuel and oil for an automatic start. Refer to your owner’s manual for more information about level readings and what types of liquids are appropriate for the machine.

Semiannual Generator Maintenance Checklist

Maintenance programs by Cleveland Brothers are available year-round. We adapt all generator maintenance checklists to match the demands of your industry.

During a Level One semiannual visit, a technician will focus on the physical condition of the system. Experts are trained to look for cosmetic damage, loose connections, leaks and other signs associated with overheating. The details below outline some of the main tasks associated with a semiannual electric generator maintenance visit:

  • Lubrication of internal components
  • Review of air cleaner
  • Oil and coolant sampling (check levels)
  • Load test and gravity test
  • Cleaning of battery terminals
  • Battery voltage measurement
  • Measurement of alternator outputs
  • Testing of generator starting controls
  • Inspection of connections and circuit breaker
  • Measurement of AC voltage and frequency

Annual Generator Maintenance Checklist

An annual electric generator maintenance visit will include everything seen during a semiannual appointment. The main difference is that the technician will replace filters related to fuel and oil systems to remove contamination, clogs and tank buildups. Speak to a representative at Cleveland Brothers to schedule a Level Two annual visit for the following processes:

  • Change engine oil
  • Replace engine oil filters
  • Change out engine fuel filters
  • Replace coolant system filters
  • Environmentally friendly disposal of liquid waste and used filters

Contact Cleveland Brothers for Electric Generator Maintenance

Cleveland Brothers specializes in preventive maintenance plans for the electric generators you rely on for backup power. With 10 power system locations across Pennsylvania, Western Maryland and northern West Virginia, we are your source for genuine Cat® equipmentparts and factory-authorized services that help you expand into new territories.

Our team has been serving those in the construction and industrial manufacturing industries since 1948. Channeling more than 70 years of experience in the business, our staff connects you to the resources you need for fewer obstacles on the job. If you have questions about our electric generator maintenance programs, complete a contact form online to get in touch with us today.


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