Generator Checkup: Meaningful Maintenance for Safe Service

Inclement weather, like ice, high winds, and lightning, sometimes creates power outages in rural areas. Farm sites rely on electricity to keep operations running smoothly. An electrical outage over several days may lead to significant losses in yield and profit.

Farm managers and owners should consider several checks to ensure their backup or standby generator is in top order when the time comes to put it into service.  Meaningful maintenance that ensures safe service and equipment efficiency is essential.

Installation of Generators

• Keep in mind that generator exhaust creates carbon monoxide (CO). This odorless, colorless gas is toxic. Make sure the generator is positioned outside and in well-ventilated areas. Remember, it is toxic to both humans and animals.
• Do not use generators indoors, such as in parlors, sheds, or barns.
• Do not place generators near air intakes such as windows to prevent pumping fumes into the building.
• Install and check carbon monoxide detectors in areas near standby generators.
• Avoid back-feeding by utilizing a professionally installed transfer safety switch to protect line workers working to restore power. Also, never connect your generator directly to the building's wiring or an outlet.
• Practice fuel safety by storing flammables away from heat sources.

Maintaining Stand-by or Back-up Generators

Regular and preventative automobile maintenance will increase their life expectancy and reduce the chance of a significant breakdown. The same goes for your backup or standby generator. Inspecting and servicing your generator to ensure it will function properly in times of need is essential. Depending on the generator's size and fuel type (gasoline, diesel, or even alternative fuel), the maintenance and frequency of service may vary.

You should consult your owner's manual or service technician for your generator's specific requirements and service intervals. Before completing any maintenance, ensure the generator's power is locked out and tagged out to prevent any unintentional start-ups.

Key Generator Components

• Fuel (diesel and alternative fuels may require more frequent maintenance)
• Engine oil (proper weight oil for engine and environment)
• Cooling system - if not air-cooled
• Air intake
• Electrical/starting system (batteries, wires, alternator, auto-start, and spark plug-if applicable)
• Power transfer switch

Along with regular maintenance, completing a visual inspection of the unit is also crucial.  

Check for other issues such as:

• Combustible material near the exhaust
• Dirt or dust accumulations
• Any pests that may be moving in (e.g., air filters and wiring can be attractive)

If your backup generator is being stored for any length of time, cover it to reduce exposure to dust or other environmental factors, which also helps prevent pests from using it as a new home. Lastly, check your manual to determine if you should use a fuel-stabilizing additive to prevent the fuel from going bad over the storage period. By following the service manual for your stand-by or backup generator, you can rest assured it will provide dependable power when you need it most.

If you are maintaining a biogas digester, refer to our article on proper maintenance.