Generator Servicing
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To discuss your generator servicing requirements or to arrange a site survey, please call us or request a callback.
How Much Should Generator Maintenance Cost You?
At Pleavin Power, we offer a cost-effective generator servicing and repair service all across the UK. Many different companies are offering many different levels of generator servicing and maintenance throughout the UK. However, generator maintenance is a mindful process and requires exceptional service. If all you are looking to have done is have the engine filters changed, then this is something that you can potentially do yourself.
A common misconception in the generator industry is about what should and should not be done during a visit. The truth is, nearly all manufacturers recommend the following as a minimum:
- The control panel is tested to ensure all operations are running smoothly.
- Fluid levels are checked and sampled.
- Fluids are replaced every 500 hours of operation or every three years, whichever occurs first.
- Engine valve lash adjustment occurs at the initial 250 hours of operation and every 500 hours.
- Replacement Fuel, oil, air, and auxiliary system filters at least every six months.
- Adjustment or replacement of drive, Auxiliary and fan belts every three years.
- Replacement of engine thermostats and seals every three years.
- Testing of battery CCA, charge rate and capacity.
- Integrity check of the auxiliary fuel system, fuel storage, and operation.
- Integrity check of engine and alternator heaters.
- Control system inspection, connection check and functional operation.
- Connection Torque check in the generator terminal box and on the generator output breaker.
- Mechanical guards, fixings and systems are checked.
- Load-bank test to achieve at least 80% of the rated load for four hours.
As part of the generator servicing, we also complete the following:
- Megger test of windings to measure insulation resistance and track deterioration.
- Regular fluid sampling provides you with a clear image of system health and fuel quality.
- Firmware updates and software updates for primary and auxiliary control systems.
- Tripping battery testing and switchgear maintenance.
- System functionality testing to ensure correct operation, not just an offload test.
- Black-building simulation, supply isolation or emergency simulation.
Standby Generator Servicing
Historically, the industry standard for ‘servicing’ standby equipment is to complete what is classified as one ‘Major’ and one ‘Minor’ a year. The issues with this are that standby systems and critical power systems must always remain available. It must maintain certain set points and levels of readiness to support outages and loss of supply events.
Inspecting and hardly completing any relevant generator servicing tasks twice annually is simply not enough. Older systems may fail and go undetected, whereas newer systems will alarm and highlight faults much sooner. As industry specialists, we see this poor servicing approach too often. In this case, clients are looking at replacements because of a poor maintenance regime. Failed chargers, batteries, glycol levels, and generator issues are avoidable by employing competent specialists and delivering the correct levels of preventative maintenance.
The Pleavin Power approach:
Pleavin Power takes a very disruptive approach and offers a very detailed maintenance service. With our regular servicing, we ensure that we assess your systems before offering support and identifying areas of concern. In addition to that, highlight any existing issues and provide suggestions for improvements.
The next stage is to complete what we call benchmarking, a major service visit:
- Replacing all engine fluids.
- Replacing components as per OEM recommendations.
- Testing cranking batteries and fuel systems.
- Checking alternator winding insulation and main rotor condition.
Afterwards, we completed a functional system test, a mains failure test, and a load test. The equipment will then be ‘benchmarked’ to our standard and ready to enter one of our industry-leading SLA agreements.
Our SLAs don’t offer ‘twice-yearly visits’, ‘major’, ‘minor’ or ‘A’ and ‘B’. We begin with quarterly site visits, inspections, periodic sampling, and functional testing. In some of the most critical applications, our engineers support clients on a weekly and monthly basis.
Prime Servicing
For any engine operating application, there are certain levels of maintenance. Those levels are required to be met to maintain performance and efficiency. OEMs specify the correct levels of service and intervention, while failure to comply often leads to premature failure.
Pleavin Power can work with you to develop a bespoke planned maintenance regime and sampling process during our service agreement. This allows for monitoring engine wear and predicting overhaul intervals, minimising downtime and premature failures. As a minimum, engines that operate for continuous operation should have the following completed (every 450 hours):
- Replacement Fuel, Oil, Fuel Water and Primary filters
- Replacement air filters, when required, are often completed at 1000-hour intervals
- Valve lash adjustment
- Injector height and clearance adjusted
- DC drive belt adjusted
- Fan drive belt adjusted and bearings greased
- Generator Bearings Greased
- Electrical Connections were inspected
In addition to our generator servicing, we also offer generators for sale as well as for hire.
Contact us to find out more:
If you have any questions or would like to discuss how we can help, call our technical team on 0800 689 4803 or email [email protected].
How Else Can Pleavin Power Assist You?
In addition to the quality generator servicing that we offer, we provide a wide range of other services that can greatly extend the lifespan of your generator. One such service is our generator repair service. Generator servicing repair is a generally common issue given the array of issues that can occur, such as battery failures, a blocked fuel filter, and sensor malfunctions, among many others.
In addition, we also serve as an emergency power supply source. This is especially important, as you would hope for a reactive response. A reactive response is something that we pride ourselves on, as we offer a 24/7 response to all clients in the Critical Power, Standby Power and Prime Power Sectors. Should you be looking to migrate to a different location, we also offer diesel generator relocation that will remove any of the hassles of transporting your generator(s) while you are preparing to move.
Supply Power With The Experts:
Should you be looking for a quality source, you are in luck as with Pleavin Power you we have a wide array of generators for sale. Alternatively, we offer both short and long-term contracts should you wish to hire a generator instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maintain your generator by regularly checking for leaks, monitoring oil levels, inspecting/replacing filters, and ensuring spark plugs, batteries, and fuel stabilizers function well. Arrange professional maintenance if needed.
To maintain your generator, regularly check for leaks and arrange professional maintenance if needed. Monitor oil levels, change the oil after the initial 5 hours of use, and inspect/replace filters accordingly. Ensure spark plugs, batteries, and fuel stabilisers function well for optimal performance.
Service your generator every six months or after 400 hours of use. Stick to the six-month schedule if you use it less frequently. Prioritize servicing based on hours used if you reach 400 hours before six months. This applies to all types of generators.
Regular generator servicing is important for optimal performance and longevity, regardless of the type. Whether you choose to do it yourself or seek professional assistance, understanding the required steps and frequency is essential. If you discover leaks during your inspection, it’s advisable to call a professional for assistance.
Generator issues can be related to the condition and performance of the unit. Common problems include low coolant levels leading to overheating, wear and tear-causing fuel system issues and air filter malfunctions. Regular maintenance is highly recommended to prevent these issues, including oil checks after the initial 5 hours of use.
