All generators require regular maintenance and servicing to keep them running at peak efficiency and prevent failure. The key to maintaining your generator is to establish a planned maintenance schedule. This maintenance program must include all the tests: inspections, maintenance and service recommended by the manufacturer.

What does a successful planned maintenance program include?

To create a successful planned maintenance program, you must have regular intervals when you will perform the necessary maintenance, service, tests, and inspections (see supplier specifications). By having a regular schedule that is followed, it is much easier to plan ahead when your generator will be down. This allows you to make accommodations based on the regular services that are required.

Using regular intervals also makes it easy to schedule technicians to perform required tests, maintenance, inspections, and services. You can schedule technicians well in advance or even share your planned maintenance schedule with the technician so you know they'll be there when needed. They can even work out wholesale pricing with your technician to reduce your generator maintenance costs!

What tests will be necessary?

They will depend on the manufacturer's instructions. You should always follow the guidelines set forth by the manufacturer to ensure that your generator lasts as long as possible and runs at maximum efficiency. Typical tests will include load bank tests, confidence tests, and fluid analysis.

The load bank test will be performed to ensure that your generator is running efficiently. This is done by placing the generator under load while the efficiency is being recorded.

A trust test is to ensure that your generator will not fail any time soon. This is done by placing the generator under load based on your facility's requirements and running the generator for a set period of time. this will ensure that there are no hiccups in your trades.

A fluid analysis is to ensure that all the fluids inside your generator are not contaminated. Usually this is done through a lab. These tests will help determine the necessary maintenance and service for your generator.

Keeping a planned maintenance schedule with your generator will ensure that your operator has a schedule you can trust. If you have any questions about setting up your planned maintenance schedule, you can always call or email us and one of our experts will help.