11 Jul A Comprehensive Guide to Maintaining Your Commercial Backup Generator

Introduction

At Gentec Services, Inc., we understand the importance of having a reliable backup generator for commercial businesses. A backup generator is an essential piece of equipment that provides a reliable source of power in the event of a power outage. With our 14 years as Diamond Certified, our technicians are state certified and highly trained to provide the highest quality of service for our customers. This comprehensive guide will provide an overview of what to consider when purchasing and maintaining your commercial backup generator.

When considering purchasing a commercial backup generator, it’s important to understand the different types available, how to size your generator, fuel type and availability, cost considerations, maintenance requirements, installation and permits, warranties and service contracts. Once you have your generator installed and running, you need to establish a regular maintenance schedule to ensure it runs properly when you need it most. This guide will also cover basic checks before starting your generator, regular maintenance procedures, storage requirements, troubleshooting common problems and safety tips for operating your backup generator.

At Gentec Services Inc., we are proud to be Diamond Certified for 14 years in a row and believe in only the highest quality of service for our customers. Contact us today for all your electrical needs! Professional, dependable, and comprehensive 24 hour emergency electrical service in the Bay Area.

Pre-Purchase Considerations

When considering purchasing a commercial backup generator, there are several considerations that should be taken into account. This section of the guide will provide an overview of the types of generators available, how to size your generator correctly, fuel type and availability, cost considerations, maintenance requirements, installation and permits, and warranties and service contracts.

Types of Backup Generators

The first step in purchasing a commercial backup generator is to determine which type is best suited for your needs. There are two primary types of generators: stationary and portable. Stationary generators are typically larger and more powerful than portable generators and are designed to remain in one place for extended periods of time. Portable generators are smaller, lighter weight, and can be moved from one location to another as needed.

Sizing Your Generator

Once you have determined the type of generator you need, it is important to make sure that it is sized appropriately for your needs. The size of the generator should be based on the amount of power you need for your application. It is important to note that many commercial applications require a larger generator than residential applications due to the increased load requirements.

Fuel Type and Availability

The next step when selecting a commercial backup generator is to consider the type of fuel required for operation. The most common fuels used in commercial generators are diesel, natural gas, or propane. It is important to consider the availability of these fuels in your area before making a purchase decision as some areas may not have access to all fuel types or may only have limited availability.

Cost Considerations

When selecting a commercial backup generator it is important to consider both the initial purchase price as well as any ongoing costs associated with operating and maintaining the unit over time. Initial purchase prices can range from several hundred dollars for small portable units up to tens of thousands for larger stationary units with additional features such as automatic start/stop capabilities or remote monitoring systems. It is also important to factor in any ongoing costs such as fuel costs, maintenance costs, permit fees, etc., when calculating total cost of ownership over time.

Maintenance Requirements

In order for a commercial backup generator to operate properly and reliably over time it is important that regular maintenance be performed on a regular basis in accordance with manufacturer instructions and local regulations if applicable. Regular maintenance should include changing oil filters regularly, checking fluid levels regularly (oil, coolant), inspecting electrical connections regularly (batteries, alternator), testing safety controls regularly (circuit breakers), etc., depending on the type and model of generator being used..

Installation and Permits

Depending on where you live there may be certain requirements or regulations regarding installation or use of a commercial backup generator system such as requiring permits or inspections by local authorities prior to operation or requiring specific safety procedures or protocols be followed during operation (such as keeping exhaust away from windows). It is important to check with local authorities prior to purchasing a commercial backup generator system so that any necessary permits can be obtained prior to installation if required by law in your area..

Warranties and Service Contracts

Finally when selecting a commercial backup generator it is important to understand what warranties or service contracts may be available through either the manufacturer or distributor/installer you purchased from prior to making any purchase decision.. Many manufacturers offer extended warranties on their products which can help cover repair costs in case something goes wrong while other distributors/installers may offer service contracts which provide scheduled maintenance services at predetermined intervals throughout the life cycle of your unit..

Operating and Maintaining Your Generator

A commercial backup generator can provide an invaluable safety net to businesses when the power goes out, but it is important to understand the operating and maintenance requirements for your generator in order to keep it running reliably and safely. This section of the guide will cover how to establish a maintenance schedule, basic checks before starting the generator, regular maintenance procedures, storing your generator properly, troubleshooting common problems, and safety tips for operating a backup generator.

Establishing a Maintenance Schedule

The first step in maintaining your commercial backup generator is to establish a regular maintenance schedule. Depending on the type of generator you have, this may involve checking oil levels, changing filters, inspecting belts and hoses, and performing other routine checks on a weekly or monthly basis. It is also important to check the fuel supply regularly and make sure that it is stored properly in containers that are designed for fuel storage. Additionally, you should ensure that any necessary permits are up-to-date before operating your generator.

Basic Checks Before Starting the Generator

Before starting your commercial backup generator each time you use it, it is important to perform some basic checks to ensure that it is running properly. These include checking oil levels, inspecting belts and hoses for signs of wear or damage, making sure that all electrical connections are secure and tight, checking the fuel supply lines for leaks or blockages, and ensuring that all safety features are functioning correctly. If any of these checks reveal potential issues with the generator, they should be addressed immediately by qualified personnel before operating the unit.

Regular Maintenance Procedures

In addition to performing basic checks before each use of your commercial backup generator, there are also several regular maintenance procedures that should be carried out on a more frequent basis in order to keep it running optimally. These include changing engine oil and filters regularly; inspecting spark plugs; cleaning air filters; replacing worn or damaged parts; testing battery voltage; inspecting exhaust systems; checking fuel pressure; adjusting carburetor settings; lubricating moving parts; and performing other routine inspections as recommended by the manufacturer’s manual.

Storing Your Generator Properly

When not in use, it is important to store your commercial backup generator properly in order to maintain its performance over time. This includes keeping it in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures; covering it with a tarp or other protective material when not in use; ensuring that any exposed metal surfaces are coated with an appropriate rust inhibitor; draining any remaining fuel from the tank before storage; disconnecting all electrical connections from the unit; disconnecting any external fuel sources such as propane tanks; and making sure that all safety features are functioning correctly before storing your unit away for extended periods of time.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you experience any issues with your commercial backup generator while it is running or during operation such as strange noises coming from the engine or excessive vibration during start-up then there are several steps you can take in order to troubleshoot these common problems yourself without needing professional assistance: firstly check all electrical connections for loose wires or faulty components; inspect belts and hoses for signs of wear or damage; check all fluid levels including engine oil level and coolant level if applicable; make sure all air filters are clean and free from debris build-up; adjust carburetor settings if necessary; replace spark plugs if needed; lubricate moving parts as recommended by manufacturer’s manual etc..

Safety Tips for Operating a Backup Generator

It is essential to follow safety precautions when operating a commercial backup generator in order to avoid potential accidents or injuries caused by misuse of equipment: always read through manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using the unit – never operate without reading these instructions first! Make sure you have adequate ventilation when using indoors – never run indoors without proper ventilation! Do not overload circuits – only plug appliances into designated outlets provided on the unit! Keep children away from running generators at all times! Never refuel while engine is still hot – allow unit cool down completely before refueling! Store fuel safely away from heat sources – only store approved fuel containers near generators!

Finally always keep fire extinguishers nearby when using generators just in case of emergency situations arising due to improper use of equipment! Following these simple guidelines will help ensure safe operation of your commercial backup generator every time you use it!

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Conclusion

At Gentec Services, Inc., we understand the importance of having a reliable commercial backup generator. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the information needed to make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing and maintaining your generator.

We are proud to offer our customers state certified, highly trained technicians who are fully insured and have been Diamond Certified for 14 years in a row. Our technicians are available 24 hours a day for any emergency electrical services you may need in the Bay Area.

When it comes to choosing a commercial backup generator, it is important to consider all factors such as size, fuel type, cost, maintenance requirements, installation and permits, warranties and service contracts. Once you have chosen your generator, establishing a maintenance schedule and performing regular checks before starting the generator will help ensure that it runs smoothly and safely.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your commercial backup generator, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at Gentec Services, Inc. We are here to provide you with professional and dependable service for all your electrical needs!