Common Reasons For Generator Start FailureUnderstanding How to Properly Maintain Your Standby Power System

Presented By:Jason Blacker

and Jeremiah Rosenthal

BASIC COMPONENTS OF AN EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Controls Not in “Auto”• Start switch in “Off/Reset” position

– Assure System is in “Auto”– Check weekly

• “E- Stop” button pushed in– Reset E-stop– Check generator breaker

TYPICAL CONTROL PANEL

TYPICAL CONTROL PANEL

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Generator Output Circuit Breaker “Open” • Breaker left in “open” or “off” position

– Check breaker position during weekly inspection

• Breaker tripped due to fault or shunt trip– Check breaker position during weekly inspection– Continues to trip indicates fault or alarm

TYPICAL CONTROL PANEL AND CIRCUIT BREAKER

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Battery Failure• Age: 2-3 year life span

– Failure rate increases after 3 yrs– Change before failure for uptime assurance

– NFPA recommends new at 30 months • Constant charging

– Check weekly electrolyte levels

• Corroded terminals– Check weekly & clean terminals as needed

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Battery Failure• Charger turned off

– Check weekly charger operation

• Vibration– Check hold down bracket

BATTERY HOLD DOWN & CHARGER

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Low Coolant Level Alarm/ Shutdown• Low coolant level

– Assure system is full to manufacturers recommendation

• External or internal leak– Check for visible leaks/pooling of coolant

• Block heater– Heat causes coolant to evaporate over time

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Engine Block Heater Failure• Indication is a low coolant temp alarm

– Poor cooling system maintenance• Sampling

– Circuit breaker to heater is off/tripped– Failed heater element– Heater hose leak– Valves in off position– Heater thermostat adjustment

• If equipped (typical setting is 80 to 120)

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Leaks – Fuel or Coolant• Coolant leaks

– Hose connections and clamps– Radiator core– Water pump

• Fuel leaks – Nat Gas/Propane– Diesel: Filters, injection & supply lines

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Oil Leaks and “Wet stacking”• Common oil leaks

– Crankcase breather, filters, drain plug, gaskets, & seals– Check oil level weekly

• Wet stacking– Caused by running on light load– Results in unburned diesel fuel in exhaust system– Load bank testing solution– NFPA and by most engine manufacturers recommend load bank

testing– Load bank test assures system performs under load

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Air In The Fuel System• Infrequent use

– Perform weekly test

• Line leak– Visual inspection

• Faulty system check valve • Fuel storage tank location• Low fuel

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Engine Out of Fuel• Plugged fuel filters with water and

contaminants– Change filters annually & test fuel

• Mechanical level gauges inaccurate– Visually verify fuel level

• Low level alarms failure– check level

• System component failure– Check pumps & valves

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

“My Generator is Running!”• Well-maintained emergency power

systems operate automatically

• Once utility power is restored the generator continues to run for a short time – delay timer in the automatic transfer switch

assures steady utility power is available• Transfer Switch Indicators

AUTO TRANSFER SWTICH PANEL

Utility Power

Generator Power

AUTO TRANSFER SWITCH PANEL

Utility Power Generator Power

TYPICAL REMOTE ANNUNCIATOR PANEL

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

The Power Of A Preventative Maintenance Plan

A standby power system requires routine maintenance to guarantee emergency

power reliability

Visit and free inspection offer

COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE

Weekly “Walk Around” Check ListMonth Comments/Corrective Action

Date of Inspection

General Conditionof engine/generator

Condition of belts and hoses

Engine Oil Level

Coolant Level

Coolant Heater

Water Pump

Radiator

Generator Circuit Breaker Closed

Battery System

Electrolyte Level

Connections

Charger

Exhaust System

Fuel System

Fuel level

Tank Vents

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Control PanelGenerator

Automatic Transfer Switch

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Peterson Power Systems

503.288.6411