Keep the power on with a generator maintenance checklist

What Is a Generator Maintenance Checklist?

A power generator is exposed to many different working conditions. Especially on construction sites, a generator is exposed to dirt, dust and other changing external influences such as cold, heat and moisture. For safe operational readiness and a long service life, regular care and maintenance is mandatory. Proactive maintenance will maintain the peak condition of a generator.

Even if the generator runs only occasionally or not at all, maintenance is necessary at regular intervals. Otherwise, the machine literally breaks down. Condensates form, contaminating the oil and making it unusable. In addition, regulators can stick and hoses become porous, which can result in larger, more costly repairs.

How often maintenance needs to be done depends on the model. Regular maintenance is usually associated with warranty claims. Therefore, specifications on the maintenance schedule from the manufacturer can be found in the operating instructions. The maintenance of generators is usually carried out by specialized service teams or employees trained for this purpose in the company.

The advantages of regular maintenance of the generator at a glance

• Damage is detected early and repaired cost-effectively
• Life of the generator is extended
• Reliability and efficiency are maximized
• Preventive maintenance at rest for operational readiness
• Environment is protected through reduced air pollution

This article provides information on the following topics:

1. What to look for in care & maintenance of power generators

2. Use a generator maintenance checklist

3. The benefits of a digital tool for a generator maintenance

What to Look for in Care & Maintenance of Power Generators

Wherever electricity is involved, care must be taken. Before starting maintenance work, a power generator must first be switched off. In addition, the spark plug connector should always be disconnected in addition. In addition, original parts should always be used, which are suitable for the respective generator, otherwise it can lead to significant damage.

Smaller care and maintenance work can and should be done internally at regular intervals, especially if the generator is frequently in use. This work is primarily about extending the service life:

1. Remove dirt and dust
   Dust and dirt can be removed from the power generator with compressed air cleaners. This is especially important to ensure that the generator can cool sufficiently and does not overheat.
2. Change engine oil
   On the one hand, the engine oil serves to lubricate the engine and thus protects important components (such as the valves). On the other hand, the oil provides cooling for the engine. As with a motor vehicle, the oil quality decreases over time, so that the lubricating and cooling properties deteriorate.
3. Maintain air filter
   The air filter has a direct influence on the function of the engine. Excessive contamination can lead to the engine getting less air – performance deficits and increased fuel consumption would be the result. Complete clogging can even cause major engine damage.
4. Maintain spark plugs
   
For trouble-free operation of the generator, the spark plug must be free of deposits and the electrode gap must be set correctly. When replacing, care must be taken to ensure that suitable spark plugs are used so as not to cause damage to the generator.

Use a Generator Maintenance Checklist

Using a checklist for a power generator during maintenance makes the work more efficient and time-saving. All inspection items can be worked through in order one by one and nothing will be forgotten. In addition, maintenance checklists make it easier to keep and document the maintenance schedule.

Whenever a power generator is serviced, the following three points should first be observed without fail:

1. Regular operation – The engine oil will degrade if it sits idle for a long time. Therefore, every 3 to 6 months, it is important to run the generator for a few minutes during maintenance to prevent corrosion. This will also ensure that the generator remains in good working condition.

2. Check for signs of damage – The most important task during maintenance is to check for damage that could involve repair. This involves thoroughly checking the housing, fuel system, exhaust system, and engine for holes, cracks, and fuel or oil leaks.

3. Check generator cleaning condition – Removing visible dirt, mud, and dust is part of the maintenance tasks on a generator. During maintenance, however, these points can be additionally checked again. Above all, dirt that has worked its way into the interior of the generator should be removed.

Based on the above three points, a checklist for the maintenance of a power generator is usually structured as follows:

1. Physical and visual checks of the diesel generator
2. Inspection of and DC electrical systems, engine, exhaust, cooling, fuel
3. Oil and lubrication services
4. Battery testing and inspection
5. Overall assessment of generator condition
6. Signature, date and time of maintenance

Advantages of a Mobile App for Power Generator Maintenance

Those who rely on paper-based inspections quickly struggle with the problem of missing audit reports and documentation logs. Losing the history of a generator’s readings, parameters and damage is problematic and leads to duplication of effort. Replacing paper checklists with a reliable mobile inspection app like Lumiform simplifies using maintenance recording and inspection checklists, and planning for future maintenance intervals.

With Lumiform, maintenance teams can:

• Generate real-time data on maintenance. This makes the quality and reliability of maintenance measurable and constantly optimizes processes based on the data.
• After maintenance, generate reports automatically – this saves complete follow-up.
• Increase efficiency of internal processes: more efficient communication within the team, with third-party vendors, and with management, as well as faster incident reporting, means that any damage that occurs is resolved up to 4x faster.
• Continuously improve quality and safety: Through the flexible form builder maintenance work and processes can be constantly optimized.