7 Generator Maintenance Tasks To Improve Longevity

Whether you perform maintenance tasks around your home or you hire someone to do that sort of work, you’re probably aware of the amount of work that homes tend to create, especially if you’re trying to ensure that problems don’t  come up when you least expect them. Some of the tasks in this list are things you can do yourself, and others, like the first, are things you might want to call in a professional for. These 7 generator maintenance tasks will help protect your investment and keep it running in perfect condition.

1. 1. Have Your Generator Serviced Regularly
      Generator companies offer a variety of services, including annual maintenance packages for different generator systems. For some units, you may be able to get away with maintenance checkups every two years, but there is a shelf life to some of the components inside the generator. Spark plugs, filters, and other parts will need replacement at some point. Staying on top of that means fewer surprises.
   2. Keep An Eye On Oil & Fluid Levels
      Oil is necessary to protect the engine of your generator. It is a good idea to check the lubricant levels regularly, including after each use of the generator. Top these fluids off whenever necessary to ensure adequate levels.  Many companies suggest keeping an extra bottle of oil handy, just in case.
   3. Check Hoses & Coils Regularly For Holes, Rust & Other Issues
      Rust and corrosion put you at risk of problems when you least expect them. Corrosion can lead to problems with fuel and lubricant levels. This goes along with Tip #2: If there are holes or other issues  that are not taken care of, you could find that fluid levels are inadequate and the unit may not start, or,  the generator may start, but could damage the engine.
   4. Get Your Generator Covered
      To protect your generator from the elements, especially the rain, it is important to create or purchase a cover or enclosure of some sort. You can also build a structure to cover your generator, similar to a doghouse, if you don’t want to buy one.
   5. Protect The Motor From Burnout By Using Appropriate Cords
      The length and gauge of power cords can help to lessen the voltage that comes out of your generator. This protects the motor of the generator, and it also protects the items that you are powering. Heavy duty power cords with the appropriate gauge and length limits the resistance to power flow. If you’re using a longer cord to avoid potential issues like carbon monoxide, you’ll want a 16 gauge wire, which has a limit of 10 amps, based on National Electric Code guidelines
   6. Clean Yard Debris & Grime From The Unit Regularly
      Leaves, grass clippings and dirt can build up over time and cause problems with your generator. Accumulations of dirt can slow down the motor or stop it altogether. Brush leaves and yard debris off of the outside of the system regularly so that nothing unexpected gets inside to tear up the motor.
   7. Check The Battery & Connections Of A Portable Generator
      As part of your regular generator maintenance self-inspection, you’ll want to make sure that the battery terminal connections are tight, free of debris, and that they are free of corrosion. A well-connected battery lessens the chance of startup problems. Also, check to ensure that the battery is not leaking fluids anywhere.  If you find that your battery has an issue, like if it is low on voltage or leaking fluids, its’ time to replace it. Contact your generator dealer, or an auto parts store to learn more about the appropriate battery for your portable generator.

Contact Integra Electrical For Generator Maintenance

Generators are similar, but no unit runs just like another. Depending on the style of generator that you have, they may run differently than your neighbor’s.  Instead of seeking advice from neighbors and friends, it might be best to consult your manual or contact a dealer to find out what annual generator maintenance tasks are required. Because not everyone is confident in their abilities to maintain a mechanical system like a generator, there are often service packages that can bundle many of these maintenance tasks. There are manuals that explain how to maintain a backup power generator, for those who are comfortable undertaking these tasks on their own. Refer to your purchase paperwork or contact your dealer to see about scheduling annual maintenance. The licensed electricians at Integra Electrical offer same-day generator maintenance when available. So don’t risk costly repairs down the line by not keeping your investment in pristine condition. Call our office today for generator maintenance and see why local homeowners trust their electrical systems to Integra!

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By zach@admachines.com

6 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Fuse Box

When your home has a proper working electrical panel, the home is in excellent shape. Your home’s electrical service panel contains a series of circuit breakers and fuses that control all the electrical components in your home. Much like other appliances in your home, even your electrical system is prone to malfunction. Here are 6 signs to look out for that indicate you may need to upgrade your fuse box.

1. Faulty Wiring Issues

Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of residential fires in the United States. If a home has faulty wiring, there is a significant increase in likeliness of fire. Older wiring may not meet code and wire insulation and other materials tend to deteriorate over the course of time. Some of these warning indicators of faulty wiring include:

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Slight shock or tingling sensation when touching appliances
• Constant burning smell
• Sparking or discolored power outlets

If you notice any of these signs, it would be wise to contact a professional electrician. 

2. Installing New Large Appliances

If you are installing large appliances in your home, especially one that requires large amounts of energy, you should check your electrical panel and fuse box. The panel may not be able to handle the amount of power to keep these appliances running. These appliances include refrigerators, hot tubs, air conditioner, and other large devices. 

Electrical panels provide fairly wide amounts of power amps, ranging from 100-400 amps. If your amps do not meet your electrical consumption needs, your circuit breakers will trip any time you try to turn on the hot tub or air conditioner. 

3. Replacing Fuses With Circuit Breakers

Fuses and circuit breakers perform the same essential functions. They prevent short-circuiting or overloading of electrical currents that is attached to any electrical devices. Fuses, however, are one-time use and are color-coded depending on their capacity. When they detect that a current is running at too high of a level, the fuse will combust and melt, creating an interruption of electrical flow. Older homes typically divide amperage amounts amongst four or so fuses within a home. Circuit breakers simply have to be reset. 

Fuses are somewhat outdated in relation to the modern age. Contact a professional as soon as possible. 

4. Blown Fuses

Mid-century fuse boxes were designed with a 60-amp capacity. Modern homes use three times more amperage than the outdated predecessor. Individuals and families have more electronic devices such as laptops, blow dryers and more televisions in the past number of decades. Because of this, there is a larger draw on electrical systems. Because of this, archaic fuses are more prone to overload. If your home has frequently blown fuses, you should upgrade your system.

5. Constant Use Of Extension Cords

While extension cords can be beneficial in certain scenarios, an over-reliance on them could be dangerous. Most extension cords are intended for temporary use rather than extended usage. 

In addition to being a tripping hazard, electrical wires are usually kept in or against walls for a purpose, a protected system of wiring leads to less wear and tear. Wires that are left strewn across your living room floor can get shorted or pinched leading to damaged outlets. Constant use of these extension cords is not ideal. Contact your local electrician to install more outlets. 

6. You Are Upgrading Your Home Or Other Appliances

If you are expanding your home, remodeling or installing new appliances, this might be the ideal time for upgrading your electrical panel. If you are installing any new appliances, you will need to upgrade your panel. 

In any of these cases, it is ideal that your upgrade your system for safety purposes. Take this into consideration. About 51,000 house fires a year are caused by improper and malfunctioning electrical panels, so it would be wise to contact an electrician as soon as possible.

Call Integra Electrical To Upgrade Your Fuse Box Today

Take control of your home safety by keeping your electrical system up-to-date. An updated electric system will not only protect your home against hazards, but will provide you with enough power to conveniently operate all your electronics simultaneously without anymore blown fuses or tripped breakers.  The licensed electricians at Integra Electrical offer same-day fuse box services when available. So don’t keep running to your electrical panel to reset your circuits every time you turn on a new appliance. Call our office today and see why local homeowners trust their electrical systems to Integra!

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By zach@admachines.com