In an era where power is the lifeblood of virtually every operation, ensuring the reliability of your power generation equipment is not just important – it’s crucial. In the following post we share with you a roadmap to improved efficiency, cost savings, and sustained operations of your power generator. The strength and success of your operation depend largely on the health and efficiency of your power systems. Whether you’re a generator maintenance novice or a seasoned pro, this all-encompassing guide demystifies power generation maintenance and provides you the insider knowledge to keep your equipment running at peak performance.
Understanding the intricacies of power generation equipment isn’t just about knowing what buttons to push or what dials to turn. It involves a deep comprehension of how these powerful machines function under various circumstances and the types and degrees of stress and wear that affect its performance. This labyrinth of knowledge forms the foundation of a robust, effective power generator maintenance program, a necessity that ensures the longevity and reliability of your equipment. This expertise also equips you to design a maintenance program tailored exactly to your equipment’s unique circumstances.
Power generation equipment confronts varying environmental factors and usage stressors. A generator that hums with continuous light-loading, for instance, shouldn’t be treated the same as one that spends most of its life in a dormant state. Remember, the role of a prime power generator on a construction site is vastly different than the one nestled in the hull of a tugboat on the Mississippi River. These differences should be reflected within planned maintenance frameworks.
Well-planned power generator maintenance programs are ultimately comprehensive, inclusive of critical elements such as transfer switch maintenance, while remaining flexible to adapt to varying conditions.
The Anatomy of Planned Service Agreements
A planned service agreement isn’t just a fancy term for regular equipment check-ups. It’s a safety net woven with the threads of regular power generator maintenance, optimal performance enhancement, and equipment reliability. These contracts offer the best chance to catch and rectify malfunctions before they cause significant issues.
The effectiveness of planned service agreements rests on the expertise of trained technicians, who perform thorough inspections followed by comprehensive reports outlining the equipment’s status. The bundles of services that fall under such agreements are staggering in their scope and, more importantly, their functionality.
From changing engine oil and recording lube oil pressure to air filter replacements, these services are vital checks that ensure your power generation equipment remains operational. Services such as thermostat replacement and inspecting ductwork for defects aren’t just afterthoughts, they are integral to your equipment’s well-being.
Big picture maintenance tasks like antifreeze sampling, oil sampling, fuel sampling, and load bank testing for generators, albeit typically executed annually, are equally beneficial. Battery replacements, belt and hose replacements, and the like, though scheduled less frequently, also play a crucial role in maintaining your power equipment.
Following is a list of services typically rendered as part of a planned service agreement:
- Change engine oil and filter(s)
- Record lube oil pressure
- Clean crankcase breather
- Record coolant level and mixture
- Record coolant temperature
- Check belt tension and condition
- Change water filter(s)
- Check ductwork for defects
- Check block heater operation
- Check coolant hoses and connections
- Check for oil/coolant leakage
- Belt and hose replacement
- Thermostat replacement
- Air filter replacement
- Air cleaners–check/oil for element
- Check for fuel leaks
- Change fuel filter
- Check exhaust system for leaks
- Check battery specific gravity, electrolyte level and clean connections
- Check battery charger operation
- Inspect ignition wiring, if equipped
- Check ignition timing, points and plugs, if equipped
- Battery replacement
- Coolant removal and replacement
- Radiator hose and fitting replacement
Key Points to Monitor/Maintain Standby Set Reliability
General Inspection
- Exhaust
- Fuel lines/filters/fittings
- DC electrical systems batteries
Engine
- Fluid levels
- Oil p
- Exhaust smoke
Cooling Systems
- Water pump
- Radiator fins
- Leakage
- Belts
Fuel Storage
- Contamination
- Leaks
Filtration
- Fuel filter
- Oil filter
- Air cleaner
Switch Gear
- Structures (cleaning/inspection)
- Racking mechanisms
- Circuit breakers
- Trip units
- Protective relays/devices
- Thermal imaging
- Control power
- Battery charger
ATS
The Importance of Transfer Switch Preventative Maintenance
When it comes to emergency power generators, the significance of transfer switch preventative power generator maintenance cannot be overstated. Imagine your primary power source fails and your emergency generator remains dormant due to a faulty transfer switch, that’s a disaster scenario no one wants to encounter.
In fact, the National Fire Protection Association’s code 110 mandates annual power generator maintenance checks of transfer switches. Trained technicians follow a thorough breakdown of checks and cleaning procedures, which includes everything from de-energizing engine start signals and inspecting mechanical and electrical interlocks, to thermal imaging of Automated Transfer Switch (ATS).
Here are the procedures a trained technician would generally follow for the cleaning and systems check for a transfer switch:
- De-energize the engine start signals
- Check interior of transfer switch cabinet
- Clean control board areas and relay cases, check for loose or missing relays
- Check control wiring connections and wire bundle runs for abrasions
- Lubricate necessary moving parts with manufacturer’s recommended lubrication where applicable
- Test all lights and note which are in need of replacement
- Inspect mechanical and electrical interlocks where applicable
- Inspect timing functions and record if possible
- Inspect arc shields for proper installation and condition
- With the customer’s consent, inspect emergency and main contactors (contactors on nonbypass switches will necessitate operation of transfer switch in the bypass side of switch only)
- Inspect control contacts
- Bypass switches will be placed in bypass to inspect main contacts by means of placing bypass to the preferred source (utility) and placing the auto part of the switch disconnect and removing from the ATS cabinet
- Indicate deficiencies and recommend repairs
- Re-energize the engine start signals
- Initiate bypass switches in test mode Nonbypass switches will not be actuated unless authorized
- Thermal imaging of ATS only
Choosing the Right Maintenance Partner
Aligning with a power generator maintenance partner who isn’t invested in the specifics of your power generation equipment can raise red flags. Equally important is understanding that a planned maintenance program should be sculpted to suit your needs whilst maintaining adherence to the manufacturer’s service requirements.
Enter Brags & Hayes Generators. As specialists in maintenance, we don’t merely check your machines for issues. Our highly skilled, trained, and certified technicians bring a wealth of experience and expertise that ensures the correct procedures are followed, potential issues are optimally addressed, and equipment reliability is prioritized.
Selecting Brags & Hayes Generators as your maintenance partner ensures you receive exceptional service, detailed guidance and the profound peace of mind knowing your power generation needs are in the hands of experts. Linked to each other by the shared objective of maintaining your power in whatever you do, choosing Brags & Hayes Generators puts you on the path to unstoppable power generation.
If you require any technical assistance or have further inquiries of power generator maintenance, feel free to reach out to us. We’re available via the Whatsapp chat function on this page, email at info@bnhgenerators.com, and also by phone on +1.954.657.7777. We are always here to help!
