Standby Generator System Specialists, Florida Tampa serving Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, Gainesville, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota

Preparing Your Generator for Hurricane Season

We are a currently two months into the official hurricane season. From the beginning of June to the end of November, it is not only advisable but necessary to be ready for a hurricane. During and especially after a storm has passed over, there is a good chance that you and your business may be left without electricity.

A lack of electricity can cause multiple problems. Consider these potential benefits that you can experience in the event that you are left without power after a storm if you are prepared.

· Increased Revenue- If you provide products or services that people will need after a storm, it will be increasingly difficult to operate without power. Obviously, if you cannot do business you will lose revenues. A working generator can provide you an influx of cash to pay for your own post storm repairs.

· Social Responsibility- Your customers depend on you in good times and bad. If you are able to do business during a blackout or after a storm you will there for your customers and they will remember that. This will help down the road as it has the ability to create positive sentiment.

· Decreased Damage to Your Facility- Without power you will be less able to address damage inside your actual facility. This can lead to structural damage and loss of equipment and files. With a working generator you can carry on operations as soon as possible.

In order to avoid these and other issues you should take some time to prepare your generator. If you have not done it yet, take the time to follow these tips to stave off unnecessary hurricane damage

· Make sure that your generator is a deliberate part of your emergency plan. Does it have the capacity to meet your needs. Perhaps you bought the generator several years ago and have purchased more or larger equipment since. Ensure that your generator has the wattage capacity needed to operate your equipment/facility. Be sure to clear your equipment with your local electricity supplier to ensure you meet code. For a new or additional generator we suggest you consider one of these.

· Properly store your generator. Is a mounted generator in a location that is above potential flood levels or your portable generator stored in area that will not be underwater? If not, relocate it immediately. Also, be sure that your generator is in a location that can accommodate the potential exhaust. This will keep your air breathable while you work after a storm.

· Check to make sure your generator works. Start the generator to make sure that it will be ready when you need it.

· Have the generator inspected by a professional. Even if you generator starts you may want to consider service. Carburetor and other common problems can be avoided with timely checkups by certified service technicians.

· Be fuel ready. Regardless of which type of fuel powers your generator in times of need, have extra on hand. Being prepared will pay dividends when the lights go out. Also, you may need to remove old fuel that has been stagnant in the tank of your generator. Certain types of fuel need to be replaced if left in the generator for an extended period of time.

Your generator may be just one part of your hurricane preparation, but remember how important electricity will be after a storm. Electricity will power televisions and radios that will deliver news, refrigerators that will store food and even air conditioning which may be one of the few creature comforts available directly after a storm. More importantly, it will be impossible to get computer servers and alarm systems back online or to get employees back into a functioning office without electricity.

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Top Seven Generator Problems

Companies rely on their generators for consistent and reliable performance during emergencies. Yet improper maintenance, operation, and even storage can impact a generator’s performance. Learning how to identify potential generator problems extends the life of your generator and ensures that it will operate optimally. These seven problems frequently cause generator maintenance challenges:

1. Water damage: Although one might assume that this problem strikes only generators stored outside, it can affect those stored indoors as well. Water on the outside of the generator can cause rust to form, corroding wires and impeding electrical connections. Meanwhile if water gets on the inside of the generator engine, it can corrode parts and provide breeding grounds for bacteria, which can clog filters. Prevent water damage by using the generator in a dry place free of condensation and other moisture sources.
2. Poor fuel quality: Generators that run on gasoline or diesel may begin to run rough or produce extra smoke due to poor fuel quality. Water in the fuel can cause the damage described above, while sediment in the fuel can wear down parts prematurely and cause clogs in the fuel filter and fuel injection system. Be sure to always use the manufacturer specified fuel quality, and buy fuel from a reliable source.
3. Corroded connections: The wires and battery nodes can get corroded over time, causing a weak connection between the battery and generator engine. That breakdown can lead to difficulty starting the generator. Inspect wires and battery before each use. Look for rust, hardened casing, or any other substance that could hinder an electrical connection. Clean the battery nodes if necessary, and replace any faulty or damaged wires.
4. Overheating: Generators are not designed to run at full capacity all the time. Generally they should run at 60 to 75% of their capacity. Brief dips below are okay, so long as the generator then runs at full capacity for a short time afterward. However, operating the generator at its maximum volume can cause it to overheat and shut down, similar to what happens when a car engine overheats. Check with a generator expert about the electrical load on your generator, to make sure it falls within the manufacturer’s specifications.
5. Failure to start: When a generator won’t start, it’s usually because of a clog in the system or low fuel levels. Check both the oil and fuel before starting the generator, and carefully follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to prevent clogs and damage. If a generator won’t start after a few tries, and there’s plenty of oil and fuel, it’s time to call a qualified generator service provider.
6. Excessive smoke: Multiples problems can cause smoke, from dirty fuel injectors to water in the system. Usually this symptom goes along with a rough engine running. Sometimes using better fuel can solve the problem, but if it persists, consult a technician for repair.
7. Inconsistent electrical supply: If the generator cuts on and off, or fails to provide a steady output, check the electrical connections first. If these are all operational, the problem could be that the engine is misfiring or has insufficient pressure for combustion. Call a generator repair technician as soon as possible.

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When to Call for Service on Your Generator

Generators comprise the backbone of your enterprise emergency system, powering every vital system from the air conditioner to the security system. Yet it’s easy to forget about a generator when it’s not in use, and even easier to forget about proper generator service and maintenance. Proper maintenance not only ensures that your generator runs when necessary, but it can also save money by reducing repair costs and limiting down time.

Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

What’s the best way to keep your generator running? Follow the guidelines for preventative maintenance. It’s ideal to purchase a generator from a company that also services generators; the staff will be well versed in your brand and model of generator and can plan routine maintenance accordingly. During a preventative generator service visit, the technician usually checks the following items:

• Oil and other fuel levels
• Gauge accuracy
• Fuel and air filters
• Battery power and connection

Remember, a generator is essentially a very large engine, so it needs regular “tune-ups” just like a car or other motorized equipment. These generator service visits are important, even if the generator isn’t frequently used. Leftover fuel can develop into sludge that clogs the carburetor, while battery connections can get dusty or corroded and cause inconsistent electrical supply.

When to Call for Repair

Without regular maintenance, the engine of your generator can get stopped up with old fuel, dust, and dirt. Over time, these can wear out the parts or even cause the generator to fail entirely. If it has been more than a month since the last time you ran your generator, schedule a maintenance check-up before using the generator. These signs are also an indication that it’s time for a service call:

• Trouble starting the generator
• Unusual noise coming from the generator while it’s running
• Signs of oil or fuel leaks around the generator
• Inconsistent electrical supply, indicated by flickering power or outage while the generator is in use

Timely service keeps your generator reliable and steady. Opt for regularly maintenance visits whenever possible, to protect the generator from damage due to wear and neglect. Be sure to choose a generator service provider with long-standing knowledge and expertise.

SOURCES

http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/Generator_Maintenance.aspx

http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/eyeonthestorm/before-the-storm/generator-maintenance-be-prepared-before-a-storm/

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Seven Things You Need to Know before Buying a Generator

Purchasing a generator is a critical step in maintaining comfort and safety during a power outage. Yet choosing a generator can seem daunting; selecting the right model requires an intimate knowledge of electrical capacity, flow, and function. To make the process easier, prepare for generator shopping by answering these seven questions.

1. Where will the generator be stored? If you’re planning to store the generator until needed, a portable generator is the best choice. However, if you’ll need consistent back-up electricity without setting up the generator every time, a stationary model is best. These must have a foundation and meet local building codes, but they can also be set to turn on and off automatically, based on power flow.
2. Will the required fuel be easily accessible? Generators may run off diesel, natural gas, gasoline, or propane. While stationary generators can be tied into a utility or reservoir to cut down on refueling, portable ones cannot. It’s important to consider how readily available the fuel will be—and its cost.
3. How will the generator be secured when not in use? Note that portable generators are simple to transport, which also means they are targets for theft. If the generator will be outside when it’s not in use, opt for a stationary model. Although installation presents an added expense, it also ensures that the generator remains secured to the property.
4. How much power will you need? Consider all the vital systems that you wish to power with your generator, including air conditioning, alarm, and other systems. It may be a good idea to make a list of these items before talking to a professional. An expert can calculate how much power will be needed and help you choose a generator that fits your needs. Remember that a generator requires not just running watts (to keep it going), but also starting watts (a little extra energy to get it going), so that will figure into the generator expert’s recommendation.
5. How critical are the systems that will be powered by the generator? In hospitals and other settings, a power outage can literally endanger people’s health. Meanwhile, some businesses may lose income or security due to loss of power. If electricity is a vital part of your building’s function, consider a stationary model that turns on automatically during a shortage or outage.
6. What kind of maintenance does a generator require? All generators require regular maintenance. Ask an expert how to care for your generator and extend its life. For instance, learn how to add and check the oil, visually inspect the generator, and troubleshoot common maintenance problems. Find out if you’ll need to schedule maintenance checks with a professional, as well.
7. What kind of warrantee is included with the generator? Reputable generator companies provide a warrantee on the equipment they sell. Ask about any limitations on the warrantee, and how long it lasts. Sometimes a “good deal” on a generator isn’t such a good deal if the equipment isn’t guaranteed to last.

Considering the answers to these seven questions can help you make a more informed decision about the generator that’s right for your needs. For more answers to common generator questions, visit our Generator FAQ.

Sources:

http://www.shophoneywellgenerators.com/store/categories/generator-frequently-asked-questions.htm

http://generatorflorida.com/resources/generator-faq.html

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