Reliance
on an unlimited supply of electric power helps organisations and societies to
function smoothly.The availability of this continuous power allows businesses to
sustain operations without hiccups. To safeguard facilities from the disastrous
consequences of power disruption, many companies are choosing to invest in
standby power systems.
It is imperative to for companies to understand how
to operate and maintain their power equipment, as a lack of generator
maintenance or operation knowledge will undoubtedly result in generator failure
at a time when they need it most.
Let's take a look at nine most common reasons
generators fail to start, and what you can do to try and prevent these from
occurring.
1.
Battery failure
The single most frequent reason for generator issues
is related to battery failure. Most battery failure is related to sulphatebuild-up
— the accumulation of lead sulphates on the plates of lead-acid batteries. You
can avoid this if you replace the batteries regularly. Some experts recommend
replacing them every three years. Also, many battery problems are caused by
dirty and loose connections.Hence maintenance is critical. Cable connections
need to be regularly cleaned and tightened.
2.
Low coolant levels
The most obvious cause for a low coolant level is
either an external or internal leak. One must pay close attention to any
visible puddles of coolant around the generator. While many generators are
equipped with low coolant level alarms, few have a dedicated alarm indicator
for low coolant. Commonly, this alarm will be tied in to a high coolant temp
shutdown circuit.
3.
Low coolant temp alarms
Low coolant temp alarms are mainly the result of
faulty block heaters. Unfortunately block heaters fail periodically. Normal
walk-through inspections should include checking the cylinder head (or engine
thermostat housing) for temperature and verifying that the engine or block
heater hoses are warm.
4. Oil, fuel, or coolant leaks
Most often, oil leaks are not in fact leaks but the
result of “wet stacking” caused by excessive no-load run time. When generators
operate considerably below the rated output level, the engine can start to
over-fuel or “wet stack” and damage the engine.Cooling system maintenance will
help prevent leaks. Replacement of hoses and coolant every three years is
recommended.
5. Controls not in auto
“Not in auto” messages are the direct result of
human error. The obvious reason for “not in auto” situations are because the
main control switch was left in the off/reset position. This usually occurs
after testing or servicing of a generator.
6.
Air in the fuel system
This is a common problem with newer generators that
are not run on a regular basis. Closer tolerances within the fuel systems make it
more susceptible to air affecting start up.
7.
Ran out of fuel
Mechanical fuel level gauges may not always be
accurate. Unlike a vehicle that is moving and using a higher percentage of its
tank's capacity, a generator tank has no movement, causing the fuel to become
stagnant. Mechanical gauges may also stick in a position until vibrations break
them free.
8.
High fuel level alarm
High fuel level alarms are required to prevent the
overfilling of a fuel tank. The alarm should activate when the fuel tank
reaches between 90% and 95% capacity. This lets the person fuelling the tank know when he or she should stop filling.
9.
Breaker trip
Verify that nobody has accidentally pushed a remote
emergency power off switch.
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