Power Generator Testing: A Necessary Maintenance Procedure

Power is an essential component for the operation of commercial or residential buildings. Your backup generator supports all critical items in the event of a power failure. Testing ensures this secondary source is available when an unexpected outage takes place.

Generators are a mechanical piece of equipment used to feed backup electricity to any structure. They have moving parts, a fuel source, and various electrical components. If these items are not properly maintained, your backup electrical source could fail to start, leaving your business in quite a bind. Power generator testing includes a series of evaluations designed to make certain each component is functioning optimally. For example, load testing allows this system to be run at a higher capacity to prevent fuel problems and part degradation. The transfer switch must be evaluated regularly to ensure the generator will kick on when main power becomes unavailable.

Each piece plays an important role in both the performance and reliability of your backup system. Generator dependability is vital any time you have processes, equipment, or egress items requiring constant power.

Breaker Testing Helps Technicians Identify Electrical Current Issues

A circuit breaker is a type of electrical switch that provides protection against a power overload. They are designed to trip if an electrical short or other complication is detected and immediately cut electrical flow to further components. Do not confuse them with a fuse because the two are different. Fuses must be replaced whereas a circuit breaker can be reset for continued usability. High voltage circuits are commonly referred to as switchgear and are typically found among main power sources. Smaller versions are used to control electrical flow through a generator setup.

Breaker testing is a process used by professionals to detect problems before the system is needed and verify proper electrical current. A breaker can trip or fail for many reasons making testing essential to your system. When an outage occurs, the last thing you want is a secondary system failure to occur due to neglected maintenance. Testing should be performed at regular intervals to keep your system up to par.

Preventive maintenance is the best procedure for your building backup system. If something does occur, you may have to rely on a professional to correct the problem or have testing performed to determine where the issue resides. Breaker testing can pinpoint common failure points caused by neglected maintenance. Lubrication, contact adjustments, and lack of care are the most common reasons for a breaker issue.

Prime Power technicians can run a series of tests to not only ensure breakers are providing the proper current protection but also to verify the complete operation of your backup source. Power generator testing can be non-invasive, meaning equipment is used to determine the failure point. Micro-ohmmeters, breaker analyzers, vacuum testers, and resistance measurements are all examples of non-invasive tests. Results identify the problem, allow it to be alleviated, and can be stored as a resource for your system. Our technicians will perform all needed testing, maintenance, and care in accordance to manufacturer specifications to ensure you have a reliable electrical source at all times.