Generator FAQ: Installation, Maintenance & Parts Explained

OEM parts are components of a diesel generator that are produced by the same manufacturer. These parts are specifically produced to the exact specification of the original equipment, which ensures a perfect fit and compatibility.

Diesel generator commissioning means to get the generator online and testing its functionality. It involves visual and mechanical checks, cable and electric connection testing, instrumentation and control console checks, trips and protective function testing, and generator start-up.

The most commonly required generator parts include oil filter, fuel filter, coolant, belts and hoses. While oil filters, fuel filters and oil are changed annually, coolants, belts, hoses and thermostats are changed on a need-basis or every three years.

Servicing a diesel generator depends on factors like the make and model of the equipment. Hence, the frequency of maintenance may vary. However, the thumb rule is to get a diesel generator serviced every 6-12 months or after every 500 hours of operations.

Installation of diesel generators are dependent on different factors such as size, type and capacity of the generator. Normally, a portable diesel generator is easy and quick to install and requires a few hours for the entire process. Stand-by generators can take up to 16 hours.

The basic difference between diesel, natural gas and LPG generators is the fuel type. At the operational level, natural gas generators use spark plugs to ignite the fuel and air mixture, diesel generators compress air into a cylinder, while LPG generators blend gaseous fuel with air for cylindrical injection to generate electricity.

Home stand-by generators have been deemed as a crucial equipment to power appliances you depend on. Besides keeping the lights on, one of the major reasons for having a home stand-by generator is its ability to power essential items such as refrigerators, cooking appliances, furnaces, medical devices and necessary business equipment.

A medium-sized home can be powered by a standby diesel generator for up to 3,000 hours on average, though it is not advised to run a generator for more than 500 hours straight.

First and foremost, the initial cost of a home back-up diesel generator is typically significantly less. Homeowners should also be aware that these generators have a lot fewer parts than their equivalents, which means there is always a much lower chance of maintenance being required.

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) automatically switches the power supply from the primary source to the backup source once it detects a malfunction or outage in its primary power source.

An open set diesel generator must be kept indoors because it is not housed inside a covered structure. Depending on the needs, they can have a base frame fuel tank or a steel base frame design. They also house soundproofing materials and may feature additional features such as access doors.

The size of diesel generators depends on individual needs. You can start calculating the total watts used by the largest motor and all remaining motor and non-motor loads and multiply by 1000 for kilowatts. Add 25 percent for reserve/surge capacity and size the generator accordingly. Nonetheless, it is always advised to trust a professional generator company to ascertain your power needs.

Diesel generators are more efficient and have a higher power output than gas generators, making them ideal for remote or high-demand applications. To handle the higher power loads, diesel generators are more robust and larger than gas generators.

We service different leading generator brands including Perkings, MTU, Cummings, FPT Powertrain Solutions etc.

We offer customized maintenance contracts based on your generator’s needs and usage. These contracts provide regular inspections, tune-ups, and parts replacements, ensuring optimal performance and preventing unexpected breakdowns.

Diesel generators are available in a variety of power configurations including stand-by, prime and portable. Stand-by generators are used for only back-up power during emergencies or outages, while prime power diesel generators are typically used as the primary power source. Portable generators for off-grid projects at facilities that are unable to install a stationary back-up generator.

Suggestive of the name, soundproof generators ensure less disturbance and disruption for local residents owing to the soundproof canopy that emits less noise. It also helps you to comply with local or national sound pollution legislation.

Natural gas generators come in stand-by or prime variants. The stand-by generators are intended to run for a limited time during emergency periods, while prime generators are used when there is no local utility, hence the generated power is the only power source available.

Natural gas generators are maintained on a weekly, monthly, bi-annually and annual basis. Maintenance includes checking or changing air filters, oil and oil filters, spark plugs, battery charge checks, sediment traps, valve clearance and cleaning the generator of dirt and debris both inside the enclosure and outside the unit are all included in maintenance.