Generator Safety Tips to Prevent Winter Outrages

If seasonal power outrages are hindering your business continuity, standby generators are an inevitable requirement or you!  While these generators are convenient, you still need to follow some standard precautions in their installation and maintenance. So, have a look and learn more about it.

Winter is already here in major parts of North America. The snow has already started falling in some zones and is right around the corner for others. Among those experiencing the most severe winters, regions in mid-west, north and east are included. These regions can suffer power outages making even everyday life tough for many.

Winter storms, in addition to causing deaths generally end up creating variety of issues with the electrical power supply. These can even result in black out for days or weeks. This causes the local economy and organizations to suffer without power. Daily routines get affected on the residential side since most routine activities are dependent on a reliable power source. On the business front, it can be distressing, both physically and monetarily for a company.

To avoid devastations or loses, we have come up with a few useful tips you should follow. Check them out.

• Pre Winter Weather Planning:

Inspections - Standby Generators must be examined before each winter season. You can use a check sheet to mark each individual item, including battery cells, battery specific gravity, coolant levels, etc. to be inspected so that a record of the inspection can be maintained.

Maintenance – You should have a maintenance schedule, which should be completed before the occurrence of any Winter Weather Event. The most important parts of generators are keeping the coolant heaters/block heaters running, making sure the batteries are still good, and the oil heaters maintained. To ensure optimal performance, cleaning, polishing and treating the fuel tank is a must.

Supplies – Ensure the availability of inventories like lubricants, batteries, fuels, coolant and spare parts. A battery warmer and coolant heater can also be great in extreme climates. For outdoor installations, a snow hood can be a choice. 

Backup Plan – What will you do if your Standby Generator fails to start?

• During Winter Weather Events:

Accessibility - Make sure to keep a pathway open for an outdoor installation to your generator. 

Inspections - Keep a check on your Backup Generator. Also, increase the rate of the Standby Generator equipment examination.

Repairs - Keep a track of the start and run durations of your generators. Preparing a document to record any issue or repairs can be useful. 

Using the Generator – For your generator to work well, it is important to keep it warm. For this: 

 
• Block the radiator temporarily to assist in warm-up. Blocking the radiator will limit air from the fan. 
• Running the engine idle will keep the engine compartment warm.

• Post Winter Weather Preparation:

Proper maintenance of the generator is also important after the winter season gets over. This ensures longevity of your generator. 

Review Documentation – It’s now time to collect information and check what worked and what didn’t work according to your Winter Weather maintenance plan and update it accordingly for future. 

Maintenance – Here you’re required to execute the scheduled maintenance, which includes oil change, filter replacements, coolant change, and so on. This will help you in preparing for the summer season challenges before it arrives.

With these safety and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your generators run well and can withstand any weather…without creating any issue.