A generator supplies electricity during a power outage. To render that service, it needs maintenance and testing that ensure its readiness for electricity generation. Generators that serve Level 1 and Level 2 facilities require different services to be performed on different schedules. Below is a list of these services and the schedules on which they should be performed:
Generator Maintenance
Generator maintenance is performed on a daily, weekly, monthly, semiannual, and annual basis. A diesel generator should have the following services performed daily:
- General inspection
- Coolant heater check
- Oil check
- Fuel check
- Charge-air piping check
The generator should have the following measures performed weekly:
- Air cleaner check
- Battery charger check
- Fuel filter drain
- Fuel tank drain
The generator should have the measures below performed monthly:
- Coolant concentration check
- Drive belt tension check
- Exhaust condensate drain
- Starting battery check
The generator should have the following measures performed semiannually:
- Oil and filter change
- Coolant filter change
- Crankcase breather cleaning
- Air cleaner element change
- Radiator hose check
- Fuel filter change
The generator should have its cooling system cleaned annually.
The services above should be supplied by a power service in Georgia that performs scheduled maintenance as one of its power generation services.
Generator Testing
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes testing guidelines for Level 1 and Level 2 generators. These guidelines require generators to be tested monthly for thirty minutes under available load. If a generator fails to perform at a minimum of thirty percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating during the test, it must be tested annually for two continuous hours under supplied load (i.e. loadbank testing). Guidelines for NFPA generator testing are contained in NFPA 110.
In addition to being tested by NFPA guidelines, hospital generators must be tested according to Joint Commission standard EC 7.40.
Infrared Testing
Performed annually, infrared testing uses an infrared scanner to detect abnormal heat patterns that indicate problems in electrical components. Often, these problems are just developing, and can be resolved while they are inexpensive to repair. In addition to being affordable, infrared testing is also expedient; an Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) can usually be scanned in a day.
Arc Flash Analysis
Arc flash analysis is performed when significant electrical changes are made to a facility. It is also performed to assess the safety of switchgear. A facility whose EPSS is isolated by medium voltage switchgear can benefit from having the switchgear inspected annually for arc flash potential.
Does Your Facility Need the Services Above?
If so, Prime Power, the premier power service in Georgia, is ready to help. For over twenty-five years, Prime Power has supplied commercial and industrial facilities with the services their electrical systems need to perform efficiently, reliably, and safely.
At Prime Power, we know an EPSS is an important investment that protects the business of a company. To help protect that investment, call us today to schedule generator maintenance, generator testing, infrared testing, arc flash analysis, or other power generation services.
