Generator Services

Routine Generator Maintenance

Generators have the same maintenance requirements as other powered equipment, requiring an oil change with every 25 hours of operation. They’re an ideal item to bring in for service, as the process can be messy without the equipment we have on hand.

In addition to small engine maintenance (oil change, air filter, spark plug), generators also require periodic testing to ensure the unit is actually supplying the electrical capacity for which it is rated. We generally do this testing both before and after tuning up the motor; it’s particularly important for inverters in domestic use.

Types of Generators

There are two main categories of generators: industrial generators, and inverters. The two are distinguished by sound level and power regulation.

Industrial generators typically found at construction sites are used to power lighting and simple electric motors like those found in power tools, fans and compressors. Such motors have very simple power requirements and possess a high tolerance for power irregularities (minute surges and dips in voltage). Accordingly, such generators are designed for maximized power output, but not for fine power regulation. Nor are they designed with whisper quiet operation in mind.

Unlike power tools, your household appliances and electronics require clean, well-regulated power. That’s why inverters are the way to go for household and camping applications. Unregulated power can potentially do damage to fine electronics, and may produce unwanted noise in audio equipment. Newer inverters utilize an efficient voltage regulator to provide smooth, clean power on par with household electrical service, and they are much quieter.

Older units that lack these electrical safeguards, along with industrial units, must be tested to ensure the generator isn’t running at too many cycles per second at high throttle.

Your operating manual will give you specifics; try and be one of the exceptional folks who actually reads it! You’ll do well to maintain a written log of your usage in order to keep your maintenance on schedule.