Lighting & Electrical Services Blog | Rayteklighting.com

Emergency Backup Power Maintenance

In today’s modern world we expect all of our technology and power systems to function all the time for us and when they fail it can be extremely costly.  Downtime is simply not acceptable for mission-critical facilities which is why you have likely installed a backup power solution. But, without proper maintenance and repairs, your backup power system could fail also.  There are many causes of power failure, some preventable and some not. Businesses need to employ the assistance of an experienced backup power maintenance company to maintain and fix electrical issues so that preventable power failures and downtime do not occur.

Backup power supplies utilize batteries that have a pre-determined “lifespan.” But, that lifespan is calculated under optimal conditions with consistent maintenance. More often than not, the actual lifespan is much less due to a variety of factors. Though some of those factors are out of control, certain ones like ideal temperature and moisture can be controlled. But, if you are inconsistent with maintenance, you may not even be aware that conditions are not ideal and are diminishing or destroying your backup power supply.

Because of this, it is important to check your backup power supply visibly on a regular basis and also run various tests.  Most people do not know what to look for which is why a trained electrical service technician should be in charge of all emergency backup power maintenance and repairs. In addition to managing visible problems that could be impacting your backup power, certain tests need to be run to see if adjustments need to be made or if it looks like the lifespan of your backup power supply may be in jeopardy. Consult an experienced backup power system maintenance company to get the maintenance and repairs you need.

What are the tips for backup power maintenance?

Backup power generators are a lifesaver in many situations. Primary power sources can be affected in many situations, resulting in a power shut down. A backup generator provides electricity in such situations. It could avoid any disastrous situations in industrial applications. However, the reliability of these backup generators depends on the level of maintenance provided. Companies should consider routine maintenance as an important part of their overall inventory. The steps for these routines depends on different factors such as the make of a generator and its engine size. Hence, always refer to the owner’s manual for recommended instructions.

Exercise

People should power up their backup power generators once every few months to retain the optimal performance. It maintains the freshness of the electric starter’s battery. Hence, the power can be woken up with a quick wake-up call, saving hours of valuable time.

Check fuel

It is essential to stabilize the fuel of backup power generators. Generally, using low-quality, cheap fuel would affect the moving parts of the engine. Over time, it could seriously damage the system, leading to frequent failures. Stabilization helps to keep the fuel polished with a fresh supply regularly. Moreover, it also removes harmful contaminants from the fuel to keep the quality in optimal levels.

Clean vents

The surroundings should be clean and clear to keep a reliable backup unit performance. Intake and exhaust vents are susceptible to dust and other particles affecting them. It could result in overheating the system and permanent standby damage. Experiencing system failures during emergency situations is not ideal. Hence, pay attention and clean the materials clogging vents. Make sure to remove any debris, leaves, and grass from the unit. Once the vents are clear, hire a generator technician to identify any repairs.

Maintenance checks

Give a thorough assessment to backup units once in a while. Regular maintenance checks are an effective way to avoid a standby failure in the middle of an emergency. Constant routine checkups should include, load bank testing, fuel testing, lubrication checks, and unit capacity. Such checks are vital during the winter when the machine is susceptible to moisture and clogs. Companies should prioritize the health of their generators by conducting regular checks. If necessary, hire professional technicians to keep the machine functional in any situation. Once a problem occurs, it will be difficult to rectify afterwards.

Oil changes

It is also vital to monitor the oil levels in the backup power generators. A sufficient amount of oil is enough to operate in an emergency situation. Generator professionals will assess the level and quality of oils during regular checkups. They also recommend the best product for oil replacements.