Maintaining or repairing a generator is an important task for the smooth running of your electrical equipment. If you want to use generator maintenance services, you must have basic knowledge about the electric repair services market.

Generator maintenance education and training is important to stay ahead of your competitors, by having up-to-date information about the latest developments. If you want to maintain generators on your own, you must be aware of safety precautions that you will need to follow. You can also seek an expert’s advice if you want to maintain your generators without a technician’s help.

If you want to pursue a career in generator maintenance services, you will need to search for generator maintenance education and training courses.

Some important points that you must consider before searching for resources for generator maintenance education and training are:

1. Understand the basic information about generator maintenance
2. Search for courses that provide information about generator maintenance
3. Join associations that provide access to useful information in the field of electrical repair services
4. Subscribe to magazines for professionals in the electrical equipment industry
5. Understand technical standards for maintaining or repairing electrical equipment

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the basics of generator maintenance and the relevant terminology

You can search for basic information about generator maintenance and repairs by browsing through different online resources. Some companies that provide generator maintenance services also offer guidelines for generator repairs. Some reputable data publishing companies also provide generator maintenance education and training.

I recommend: Diesel Service & Supply provides information about generator maintenance. Honeywell International, a generator manufacturing company, provides a glossary of generator terms to help you understand more about generators and generator maintenance. You can also refer to tool-boxes.net to understand the basics of generator maintenance.

Enroll in courses that will enable you to work as a generator maintenance technician

If you want to be a generator maintenance technician, search for courses that provide information on generator maintenance equipment and accessories.

I recommend: Gen-Tech, a power generation specialist company, offers generator training courses that provide information on generators, their applications, inspection and maintenance. AVO Training Institute offers a training program for maintenance personnel called ‘Motor and Generator Maintenance and Testing’.

Understand the maintenance principles and safety measures related to generator maintenance

Generators, when not used or maintained properly, can have serious safety problems. Therefore, generator maintenance education and training is essential, to help you understand the necessary maintenance procedures, as well as the safety measures.

I recommend: You can refer to a write up by Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group that explains the various generator safety tips. You can also read through an article about ‘Generator Safety for Home’ at Allegheny Power, a part of Allegheny Energy that operates energy generating facilities.

Join associations to gain knowledge in the field of generator maintenance services

You can join associations for companies that manufacture and/or repair electrical equipment, including generators. You can also attend conferences and exhibitions by these associations.

I recommend: You can join Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA), an association for power generation firms. The InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA) is another organization that develops standards for the safety and reliability of electrical equipment.

Most companies have emergency plans in place for their maintenance provider if something goes wrong. Many of these plans include a backup generator to provide power, in case of a power outage during storms or natural disasters. In fields where it's absolutely essential to keep power up and running, like medical or emergency services, a generator is your first line of defense against disaster.

It's important to note that generators require regular maintenance to ensure they'll function during an emergency. Maintenance helps avoid problems like cracked fan belts and overheating, and keeps your generator running at optimal efficiency. Before consulting a maintenance directory and making plans, here are some important things to consider:

1. A standby generator is a permanently installed generator that automatically generates power if the electrical supply fails. These are most common among essential services, like telecommunications and police and fire stations. They require extra generator maintenance because these services are most needed during a blackout.

2. Some generators may require a power conditioner to run certain electronic appliances. This devices improve the quality of power the device receives and should always be checked during generator maintenance.

3. Generators should be checked at least once an hour when running, to ensure everything is functioning smoothly, and that there are no leaks or electrical shorts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Test the starting battery every time you begin generator maintenance

The first thing on your maintenance list should be checking the starter battery. Undercharged or deteriorated starting batteries are the most common cause of generator failure. Over time, the batteries lose their ability to hold a charge and must be replaced. Test the starting battery under load, or with a battery load tester to prevent generator starting problems.

I recommend: Buy a battery load tester from ToolSource.com or choose one from ToolTopia.com.

Practice preventative maintenance on your generator

It's important to change your generator's oil and filters annually. Maintaining a generator like this can save both time and money in an emergency where replacement generators or parts may not be readily available. Check the fan belts for cracks during your yearly check-ups, and replace them as needed. This helps prevent overheating.

I recommend: Check out Northern Tool + Equipment for generator replacement parts and other accessories, like filters. Or, buy oil for your generator at Camping World.

Find maintenance providers to inspect your generator

Most manufacturers suggest a routine inspection of your generator after a certain number of operating hours. If your generator sees heavy use, you may need this inspection sooner rather than later. A professional maintenance provider may notice problems you've missed, replace more specialized parts, and measure how well the generator functions. Many generator maintenance companies also provide a service guarantee, to protect your generator if something goes wrong.

I recommend: Get an inspection from Turbine Generator Maintenance if your generator is steam or combustion powered. Or contact a generator manufacturer, like Kraft Power, to see if they offer maintenance inspections.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Often, your generator manufacturer will provide generator maintenance for free or at a discount. Companies that require multiple generators can often get things like 24-hour service, preventative maintenance and on-site calls as part of a packaged business deal.