Why Doesn't My Commercial Generator Work? Top 5 Reasons for Generator Failure
Top 5 Reasons for Commercial Generator Failure
Battery Failure
Battery failure is the most common reason for service calls concerning commercial generator failure. Battery failure is usually related to sulfate buildup (the accumulation of sulfate on the plates of the battery). When enough sulfate has accumulated the battery can’t provide enough current and will usually need to be replaced.
Another reason for battery failure is human error; if the charger has been open or tripped and not turned back on, such as after service or maintenance, your commercial generator will not function.
Many battery problems can be avoided with regular maintenance, since they can also be caused by dirty and loose connections. With regular maintenance on your commercial generator, these can be checked.
Low Coolant Levels
The most common and obvious reason for having low coolant levels is having a leak, which could be either internal or external. You should be doing weekly inspections of your commercial generator, in which you can pay close attention to any puddles of coolant. If coolant is leaking internally, you can inspect the oil for color changes.
Wet Stacking
Wet stacking is a very common problem for diesel engine commercial generators. They are designed to operate with a load, and they operate most effectively within 70% to 80% range of rated output. When a commercial generator operates considerably low the rated output level, or with no load at all, the engine can start to over-fuel, or “wet stack,” and damage the engine. This is why it is important not to buy a larger commercial generator than you actually need.
Ran Out of Fuel
Running out of fuel can be due to a number of causes, including clogged fuel filters and other things that can be prevented by maintaining the fuel tanks and checking them periodically for water and contaminants.
Many commercial generators have a “low level shutdown” which will prevent the engine from drawing in air when it is about to run out of fuel. So check your levels regularly. It is also possible for the fuel level gauges on your commercial generator to not be completely accurate.
Breaker Trip
If the breaker has tripped on your commercial generator, first make sure that no one has accidentally pushed a remote emergency off-switch.
If the breaker trips after the automatic transfer switch, the generator will not start. Never try to manually operate an automatic transfer switch on your commercial generator, as severe bodily injury or even death can occur.
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