Electric Generator repairs and maintenance in Nigeria
Generator Operation
1. What grade of gasoline should I use?
Check with your manual to be sure, but most gas models should use unleaded gasoline (at least 87 octane). Turn the engine off and let it cool before refueling. Never refuel while the engine is running.
2. Do I need to check the oil for a new generator before starting it?
It is always a good idea to check the engine oil before starting your generator. Some generators may be shipped dry, some may have a small amount of oil that was used to perform a bench test on the unit, and some may have a full oil tank. Running any engine on a dry oil tank will cause it to seize up and you will end up with a 50 pound brick instead of an engine and it won’t be good for much besides a paperweight for the world’s largest desk. Checking and changing your oil should become a regular facet of your generator maintenance.
3. Can I have my generator installed in my house?
Yes. You can have generators installed with generator transfer switches if you plan on using it as a back-up power source in the case of a power outage. A licensed electrician should do the installation to make sure that the generator is installed properly and up-to-code.
Back feeding electricity is extremely hazardous. Always trip your service disconnect at your outside meter box to prevent back feeding. If you do not have a service disconnect, you should contact an electrician to add one and the proper receptacle for hooking up a portable generator. Do not plug your generator into your home through a dryer outlet.
4. What type of extension cord should I use with my portable generator?
For Emergency power to appliances it is recommended to use a 12 ga. outdoor extension cord and a multi-outlet power strip with a minimum of 100 joules rating.
5. Is it safe to operate my generator indoors?
No. Engines using fuels such as gas and diesel produce a deadly gas called carbon monoxide. This gas is odorless and colorless, as well as deadly, so it is highly dangerous.1
6. Can you supply generators larger than 12,000 watts?
Yes. We have all types of generators from 8,000w portable gas models for use on the jobsite to diesel generator sets that can supply a continuous output of 461kw for use in large commercial settings, such as hospitals. A licensed electrician should perform the generator maintenance on these units.
7. Can my generator handle a load as soon as it is turned on?
No. You should have the generator running before a load is applied. Similarly, you should not shut the generator down while it is still pulling a load. The RPM (Rotations Per Minute) are set in the factory, so you should not change the engine speed.
8. How long will my generator run on a full tank of gas?
This will vary greatly depending on your generator, its capacity, the size of its fuel tank, and the size of the load you are placing on it. Check with the manufacturer to learn more about your generator.
Generator Troubleshooting
9. Why is my generator having a hard time starting?
When your generator has not been used for a long period of time, it may be hard to start. Begin your generator troubleshooting by looking all around your generator to see if it sustained any trauma or has any broken parts that need replacement. If it does not, and you have already opened the fuel valve, skip down to the generator maintenance section, and make fix any problems that need to be fixed. This is usually because there is old gas in the tank or fuel filter (17 & 18), the battery (22), the spark plug (23) or the carburetor (24). If it still will not start, you will need to take it to a mechanic.
10. What do I do about an engine that falters?
Generator troubleshooting for an engine that falters will often come back to the fuel filter (17). If replacing the fuel filter does not fix the problem, it may be the carburetor (24).
11. What do I do if my engine keeps shutting off?
Generator troubleshooting for an engine that shuts off while running will usually start with checking the air filter (21). If this is not the culprit, it may be a clogged fuel filter (17), insufficient gas, or your load may simply be too much for your generator to handle.
12. Why is no power available if my motor is running?
First check the device you are trying to power. Plug it into a different source that you know to be running to check if the fault is there. This could also be caused by a tripped circuit breaker, in which case, you can simply close the circuit. If neither of these things is the culprit, you will need to have you generator looked at by a mechanic.
*Note: If you close a circuit breaker and it continues to open as soon as you reapply the load, this is a sign of a load that is too heavy. You need to check the limits of your machine. If you are within limits and the breaker is constantly tripped, then you need to have your generator serviced by a professional.
Generator Maintenance
13. How do I check my oil level?
Locate the dipstick and remove it. Identify the full mark on the dipstick and the oil line indicating the how full the oil tank is. If more oil is needed, fill to the indicated mark on the dipstick, but take care not to overfill. Change the oil per the manufacturer’s recommendation to avoid further generator maintenance.
14. What kind of oil should I add to the engine?
This question depends on the engine manufacturer's specifications. Generally, high quality 30-weight detergent is acceptable for summer conditions; high quality 10W-30 is acceptable for winter conditions, but please refer to your engine manual for oil recommendations.
15. Should I turn on my generator if I have not used it for a while?
Yes, this is one of the simplest preventive maintenance services you can do for your generator. Running a generator with a load occasionally is a good idea. Running it once a month will prevent gas from producing a gum on the carburetor.
16. Do I need to remove the gasoline before storing my generator?
Removing the gasoline is always a good idea when storing your generator for a prolonged period of time, especially if you plan on storing it inside. It is never advisable to store combustible materials inside your home.
17. Do I need to use a fuel stabilizer?
As mentioned above, it is not a good idea to store gas in a generator. If you are storing gas in a can for your generator, however, a fuel stabilizer is a good idea. Remember; do not store gas in a confined space such as a car or your house.
18. How do I change a fuel filter?
This can vary by manufacturer, but for most inline fuel filters, you will simply close the fuel valve, remove the clamps on either side of the filter and pull the old one off. Look through the filter to ensure you can see light shining through. If you cannot, it is time to replace it. To replace your fuel filter, just do the reverse process, but make sure to keep the inside of the filter clean. If your filter has an arrow on it, point it in the direction of the fuel flow.