Check the Charge To Avoid Emergency Generator Service
How are your batteries doing? It is one of the first questions you will field when you make the call for emergency generator service. That is because roughly half of all generator failures start with a bad battery. Staying on top of battery maintenance and replacements is not only essential for reliable operation; it can alleviate the need to make emergency service appointments to repair your system.
Testing Your Battery
Make sure that you test the battery voltage using a properly calibrated and grounded voltmeter. You should also carefully review the result of current and previous load tests to determine whether the battery is operating within acceptable ranges or if a downward trend is developing. Remember, if when you apply a load to the battery, the voltage drops below 11.5Vdc and doesn’t recover, it is a sure sign that your battery is bad and needs to be replaced.
Finally, if you use a trickle charger, make sure that the battery isn’t overcharging. If you overcharge the battery, you can cause permanent, irreversible damage to the battery that will necessitate prompt replacement to protect your generator from damage.
Quality Batteries Are a Sound Investment
Batteries are expensive. Good batteries are priceless. While it may be tempting to save a few bucks by purchasing a budget battery, we strongly recommend purchasing quality components for your generator systems. While you may spend more for a high-quality battery, the investment is a fraction of what you could lose due to lost productivity, lost inventory, and genset damage.
Of course, even the best batteries wear out over time. Most generator batteries will deliver reliable performance for two to three years. This, of course, depends on the operational environment, operational hours, the age of the generator, and any unresolved maintenance issues with the generator system.
Remote Monitoring Makes It Easy To Stay On Top of Your Battery
Installing a reliable remote monitoring system will make it easier to stay on top of battery maintenance. Whether you have one generator or dozens to monitor, generator remote monitoring systems will provide you real-time data on your battery’s operation. You can use this information to spot a weak charge or another developing issue.
Remote monitoring systems also make it possible to track fuel levels, keep an eye on operating temperatures, and monitor other critical factors. All of this comes together so that you can adjust your maintenance schedule, generate reports, maintain regulatory compliance, and schedule regular service before you need emergency generator service.
We encourage you to contact Gen-Tech Power Generation Specialists at (800) 625-8324 to speak with our generator technicians about the battery maintenance they recommend for your specific system. We’re happy to answer your questions and, if needed, schedule an emergency generator service appointment to repair your generator system.