Generators - Break in Testing Your Generator

After installing a generator, the electrician should load test your generator. Some manufactures require you load test it at one time. Never do it 100% of the load. A new generator needs to break in. The way you break in a generator is by gradually adding the load. I usually start by introducing the lights and then wait ten minutes or more. Then repeat that process adding one appliance at a time, washing machine, dryer, water heater, and air conditioning unit. You are trying to introduce a small amount of load to the generator a little at a time.

Compare that to buying a new car. The automaker will tell you to take it easy for a few months until the engine is broken in. An installer should take care during installing a generator and gradually add the load to a generator. Resistance type loads like load banks need to be watched carefully. Resistance type loads pull more amperage and can get hotter and hotter. For instance, in your home, your electric cook top or electric oven are resistance type loads that can increase over time. As that goes up, it will increase the load on the generator. Some generators can only handle 60% of your resistance load.

Another break in test is the requirement of your oil change. It is not done the day of installation but is a necessary step. You should change your oil after eight hours of running time. They used to suggest you change it after 12 to 20 hours but that has changed. They are shortening the break in time. If you drive your car for eight hours, think of how many miles that would be.

You don't want the break in oil to stay in the generator. The wear of the engine will stay in the break in oil and will cause damage to the bearings and to the engine. You can see the metal shavings. They can get caught in the oil pump or the bearings. They can also get caught in the engine. It is crucial to keep up with your engine maintenance.

I would like to invite you to visit http://www.energyconsciousconsultant.com to find out how Farbe's Electric can give suggestions to reduce your energy costs to save money

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By Robert Farbe