How to Maintain a Diesel Generator |
Posted: September 15, 2017 |
Here are some of the best maintenance tips I've collected over the years to ensure that your diesel generator set remains safe and ready to go when you need it the most. After all, no one wants to be left in the dark. 1. Invest in a warranty or backup generator Diesel generators aren't exactly cheap, and investing in a warranty coverage is one of the best ways to protect yourself when the lights go out. Make sure that you know the important details of the coverage. Some warranties only allow for a partial coverage while others offer full coverage. Another way to get your home insurance costs under control is to get a backup generator. 2. Build an all-weather enclosure A good diesel generator is built to last, but it's not designed to be resistant to adverse weather conditions. You also have to take into account that water and electricity don't mix well and wet or moist conditions might damage the generator. The required repairs can cost you a lot. Regardless if your diesel generator set is portable or standby, you will have to build an all-weather enclosure to protect the generator from the elements. You have to make sure that the enclosure allows for proper ventilation. For portable generators, you can build an enclose around the size of a doghouse. 3. Prevent engine burnout Take measure to prevent the early burnout of the engine. For instance, you can use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated power cord to lower voltage use. Using a thin or light power cord can increase the voltage used. If you have the extra cash, invest in an extra-long outdoor-rated cord so you can situate the generator away from the main residence. The extra distance can drastically lower the amount of noise you receive. 4. Turn the generator set on every three months It is extremely important that you power up the diesel generator set once every three months and let it run for at least 30 minutes. This ensures that the battery for the electric starter is recharged, and allows you to check that the generator is still in running condition. The last thing you want is a dead electric starter when the power is out. 5. Always have enough diesel in hand Running a generator on an empty tank can damage its components. Always keep the tank filled with diesel and you should have enough backup diesel in case the tank runs out. When the tank runs out of diesel, the power supply immediately stops but the electrical load will suck the magnetic field from the gen set. Once that happens, your generator is only good for scrap metal. 6. Keep other accessories plentiful Always have generator accessories such as filters and oil in good supply in case you have to use the generator for an extended period of time. When the power does go out, the stores will be stripped clean of anything related to generators. It will become near impossible to replace oil and filters during an extended power outage. The last thing you want is a dead generator. 7. Educate yourself Do not choose a generator that exceeds the maximum capacity your generator is able to deliver. Always read the ratings before choosing a generator for your home. The starting or maximum rating is always higher than the continuous or rated watts. Always choose a generator based on the rated output. The starting output will only release power at that level for a short period of time. Eventually, the power output will lower to its continuous rating. Choosing a generator based on its starting output can quickly become dangerous. You might think that the generator can sustain the higher output and you'll end up plugging in more devices than the generator can support. Once demand outstrips supply, that's a recipe for disaster.
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