If you’re new to owning a generator, it can be a rather worrying feeling when something goes wrong. One issue you may encounter is a generator that appears to start and run, but delivers no power.
The good news is that there are a number of things that you can do to try to diagnose and fix this issue.
Below, we’ll walk you through some of the main reasons why your generator may be experiencing problems, along with what you can do to fix/prevent them from happening in the future.
Reasons Your Generator Isn’t Producing Power
Wondering – why is my generator not supplying light or power? Diagnosis is the first step, before the issue can be resolved. There are a few potential causes of this kind of problem, such as:
1. Loss of residual magnetism
This simply means malfunctions in electrical conductors within the generator. The generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by spinning a conductor in a magnetic field, which induces an electrical current. It needs residual magnetism to start up and create more power.
Problems in this area are often caused by lack of use, improper transportation or damaged conductor components.
2. Connection and/or circuit problems
If your generator switches on but doesn’t produce electricity, the issue could lie within the wiring and circuit breakers. If wires are frayed or connections damaged, the generator may not be able to produce power.
3. Faulty breakers and automatic voltage regulators (AVRs)
If your generator has tripped breakers or defective automatic voltage regulators (AVRs), this could be a sign of overloads or short circuits within the system. Alerts on your generator’s control panel should tell you if this is the case.
4. Poor maintenance
Failing to have your generator regularly serviced and maintained can cause all kinds of problems. This includes failure to start, as well as failure to produce power when the generator does start.
How To Fix It – Methods To Try
Now, how do you fix generator problems like these? Here are some tips and methods to try:
Call In A Professional Engineer
Unless you have the expertise and skills, it’s best to leave generator repairs to the experts. You could end up inadvertently causing more damage or making things worse if you try to diagnose and fix problems yourself.
If in doubt, always call in a professional generator engineer to take a look.
Field Flashing
Field Flashing is a way to jump-start a generator using a small current produced by a battery which could quickly solve your issues.
This may need to happen because when generators are stored for long periods of time, the magnetism in the rotor can reduce over time making the generator as a whole struggle to produce much electricity.
This jump-starting method is only really able to be used on condenser generators and will not be applicable to inverter generators.
Check the Workload
In some cases, you may find that your generator simply cannot cope with the number of appliances it needs to power, or the overall power output requirement.
If your generator has an excessive amount of work to do it may find it difficult to delegate its power and will not be able to produce anything at all, this can cause major issues for the health of your unit.
Every generator is built and designed to cope with a specified power output. If your generator has an excessive load, it may struggle with capacity – potentially being unable to produce any power at all.
Replace Fuses and Circuit Breakers
If your diesel generator is turning on but not producing any electricity, there may be an issue with the fuses and circuit breakers in the system.
Thankfully, generator fuse replacements are very easy to come by. You can also try resetting your circuit breaker to see if that solves the problem.
Check for Motor Damage
Another of the more serious problems that may occur with a generator is that it may have an issue with its motor.
If you suspect that your motor may have been damaged, you should have a voltmeter and ammeter ready. These can help you carry out some tests and make sure that it is functioning properly.You should be able to assess the amount of power the generator is producing, and check this against the manufacturer’s guidelines.
If the output is too low, it’s recommended to have an engineer check the motor and other key components to diagnose the problem.
Preventional Maintenance
The best way to prevent generator issues is to have your generator regularly serviced and maintained by a professional service like ours at Pleavin Power.
Pleavin Power specialises in designing, installing, servicing and maintaining diesel generators, and can develop a tailored maintenance plan to meet your business needs. We also provide a 24/7 helpline and emergency power solutions, so you can always call us if your generator won’t start, produce power or you need a temporary power solution.
Conclusion
If your generator runs but produces no power, this may be caused by issues such as loss of residual magnetism, electrical faults, overloads or poor maintenance.
While some basic checks and fixes can be carried out safely, more complex problems should always be handled by a qualified professional. Regular servicing and preventative maintenance remain the most effective way to avoid these issues altogether, ensuring your generator delivers reliable power when you need it most.
If you need expert assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at 0151 832 5007 or email service@pleavinpower.co.uk to speak to a member of our support team.
