Standby power systems are almost all driven by a diesel generator set, which is made up of the diesel engine, the generator and other attached equipment and devices. The reasons why so many organizations such as airports, hospitals and businesses depend on diesel generator sets are simple. They are durable, reliable, last forever and can get up to full speed operation in a matter of seconds. That is, if you practice regular diesel generator maintenance.
Regardless of the fact that, under ideal conditions, your backup diesel generator set doesn’t even get used, its longevity and reliability will depend on regular preventive maintenance. After all, you don’t want to find out in the middle of a blizzard that your diesel generator set has a set of dead starting batteries or a cracked drive belt.
How often and what type of diesel generator maintenance is required will depend primarily on actual operating time, but the basic maintenance schedule will be the same regardless. If the diesel generator set is used for prime power and running continuously, some maintenance will be daily and weekly. This will include regular checks like any other engine such as inspection of coolant, oil and fuel, checking the starting batteries and keeping all the filters and belts cleaned and replaced.
If the diesel generator set is used for backup power and runs only occasionally, the regular maintenance items can be done on a longer schedule. But you will still want to start the engine on a regular basis to make sure everything is operational and to check running systems. Whether the system is used regularly, sporadically or never, you will need to change the oil and fluids regularly, charge the batteries and check the belts.
Think of the diesel generator maintenance schedule on your diesel generator set like you would a diesel engine car sitting in your garage. If you drive it constantly, it requires regular and frequent maintenance. But even if you never drive it, you need to take it for a periodic spin around the block, keep the battery charged, and keep the fluids changed and checked.
Provide proper diesel generator maintenance and your diesel generator set will continue to be the reliable workhorse you need and expect it to be.
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