All standby generators should have an annual service contract, which includes a guaranteed rapid response in the event of an emergency as provided by companies such as shentongroup. However as the saying goes ‘prevention is better than cure’ and by undertaking some simple checks the end user can go a long way to ensuring that when required, your standby generator will perform ‘first time, every time’. In this article we will look at some of the more common causes of generator failure and the simple checks that can be made to improve reliability.
Starting Battery
One of the most common causes of generator failure is a faulty or discharged battery. The battery is the only source of power to start the generator in an emergency and, therefore, should be treated with care and respect. When the mains supply is healthy, the battery is kept fully charged by its dedicated charger. Check that the charger is working via the indicators/meters on the generator control panel.
Confirm the battery terminals are tight and in good condition. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries are primarily used in today’s modern generators, which means they do not need topping up. Some older sets may still have the older style open vented battery, which needs regular inspection and topping up with distilled water. Check the level and top up if required.
Despite their appearance, batteries are surprisingly fragile and should be treated with care. Keep the battery clean and wipe it with a soft dry cloth to remove any dirt/grease, especially from the top. This will help prevent self-discharge. Handled roughly, the battery’s case can be easily cracked and damaged allowing the electrolyte to escape. This will not only shorten the battery’s life but also, in extreme cases, lead to external short-circuits which could become a possible fire hazard.
Emergency Stop Button
All generators are fitted with an external Emergency Stop Button (‘the red mushroom’). These get pushed by accident and, as the name implies they will either stop the generator, if it is running, or prevent it starting. Check the control panel to see if any alarms or indicators show that the button has been pushed – if necessary reset the panel and the button.
Fuel Contamination
Another common problem that can cause starting and/or continuous running problems is fuel contamination. This can take a number of forms but the most common is water ingress in the fuel system. Inspect the fuel system and any external bulk storage tank for likely access points and pay particular attention to laying water, exposed pipe work, gauges etc.
Diesel fuel that lays dormant for long periods in a storage tank can be contaminated by water and become infected by a form of bacteria. Over time, this can create a ‘sludge’ that settles at the bottom of the tank, which can block or restricts fuel pipes and prevent the generator starting. Only specialist contractors, such as shentongroup’s shentongroup generator maintenance service, are able to undertake the removal and ‘re-optimising’ of the contaminated fuel.
Exhaust Rain Cap
Water can collect inside the engine through a faulty exhaust rain cap, this will cause irreparably damage to an engine – check that it opens and closes freely without obstruction.
Regular Testing is Essential
Carrying out regular starting and testing of the set will help identify potential problems before they become serious. A remote monitoring and diagnosis system, such as shentongroup’s Hawkeye, will monitor and start the set every week to check its operation (including the fuel levels and the emergency stop button) and report the results back to a central control HQ.
Rest Assured
Service and maintenance contracts, such as that provided through shentongroup, ensure peace of mind and are able to respond quickly in the event of a generator failure. However by undertaking these basic checks the chances of generator failure become minimal.