Your New Job: Generator Maintenance
COVID-19 greatly impacted the workforce in myriad ways – from entire offices shifting to remote work to mass layoffs. Many essential employees, including building and maintenance personnel, experienced furloughs. As a result, many commercial properties operated with fewer staff, leaving new personnel responsible for equipment like generators.
Whether you originally signed up for a different role or have suddenly been thrust into the world of generator maintenance (perhaps as an office manager now managing the generator!), this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge you need. With a little information and help from your generator service company, you’ll find that keeping your generator in good condition is straightforward.
Here, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions new generator managers ask, with expert insights from Duthie Power Services Director of Operations, Randy Gross.
Where IS My Generator?
First things first, don’t worry if you’re unsure where your generator is located! Generators can be tucked away in various places around a property, such as:
- On the rooftop
- In an enclosure behind the building or a parking structure
If Duthie Power Services is your regular generator service company, contact us and we’ll be happy to tell you your building’s generator location and any other pertinent information you may need to know.
What Maintenance Does My Generator Need?
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your generator runs smoothly during an outage. Duthie Power Services Sales Engineer, Garrett Talbott, recommends:
- Annual and Semi-Annual Service: This comprehensive check covers the entire generator.
- Annual Automatic Transfer Switch Service: Ensures the switch functions properly, transferring power from the grid to the generator when needed.
- Annual Generator Load Test: Verifies the generator can handle its full rated load.
In California, commercial generators must also undergo a short monthly test to ensure they’re operational. This is a simple process, and your generator technician can teach you how to perform it.
What Kind Of Fuel Does My Generator Need?
Most generators run on Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel. Some units can also use propane or natural gas. It’s crucial to know your generator’s fuel type to ensure you’re prepared for refueling needs.
How Can I Get Generator Fuel?
Unlike cars, standby generators can’t be driven to a gas station for a fill-up. Fueling a generator requires planning, especially during emergencies. At Duthie Power Services, we offer fuel delivery ranging from 20 gallons to over 1,000 gallons, ensuring your generator stays powered in any situation.
Can I Get On-site Training for Generator Maintenance?
Absolutely! We provide on-site training sessions led by Duthie technicians. During these sessions, you’ll learn essential skills like test-running the generator, checking fluid levels, and reading gauges accurately. By the end of the training, you’ll be more confident in handling routine maintenance tasks.
“It’s unfortunate when companies let go of critical staff like facility managers and maintenance personnel,” says Randy. “If you’re a new generator manager needing information and guidance, we’re here to support you.”
Final Thoughts:
Stepping into a new role, especially one as critical as managing a generator, can be daunting. But with the right resources and support from your generator service provider, maintaining your generator can become a manageable part of your responsibilities. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance—ensuring your generator is in top shape is essential for your business’s continuity and safety.
