Industrial Generator Failure Signs – What to Watch For
Is Your Industrial Generator Failing? 6 Key Warning Signs to Watch For
Your industrial generator is critical to your business operations. When the primary electrical grid fails, your generator can provide the necessary power for lighting, security systems, industrial equipment, tools, communication systems, and other essential electrical components. If your generator is beginning to show signs of wear, you don’t want to risk it not working when you need it most. This can lead to lost production and significant financial losses, especially if you experience a prolonged outage.
Often, a generator repair is enough to restore the functionality of your unit. However, at a certain point, a replacement is inevitable. A new generator is a significant investment, so
it’s natural to want to delay replacing your unit until you absolutely must do so. However, waiting until the last minute can have devastating consequences for your business if the system breaks down in the middle of a power outage.
At Valley Power Systems, we want to help our customers be more proactive about generator replacement to protect their businesses. Here are six key warning signs of industrial generator failure to watch for that could indicate you need a replacement sooner rather than later.
1. You Have an Aging System
Industrial generators have an extended lifespan, especially if they are maintained well over the years. These systems will typically provide 10,000 to 30,000 hours of service before needing replacement. If your unit is reaching this range, it is likely beginning to show signs of wear and tear and may require frequent repairs to sustain performance. It can also be more difficult and expensive to locate and install parts for outdated systems. A generator with new technology will be much more reliable and cost-effective to repair.
2. The Unit Is No Longer Efficient
Reduced efficiency is another early indicator that your generator is nearing the end of its lifespan. The unit may struggle to keep up with your power requirements, putting extra stress on the system and increasing fuel consumption. If a tune-up isn’t enough to address the efficiency loss, a generator replacement might be in order. Our team from Valley Power Systems can fully assess your unit and let you know if a new industrial generator is necessary to maintain reliability.
3. It Consumes More Fuel Than Usual
As your generator ages, it becomes more subject to wear and tear, and you might notice a gradual increase in fuel consumption year after year. This is because internal parts are wearing down, causing the unit to work harder to produce the same amount of power. However, a sudden decrease in fuel economy could indicate a larger issue, such as damaged engine parts. You should have the system inspected by one of our professionals from Valley Power Systems to rule out any major issues with the unit and discuss your repair or replacement options.
4. Your Generator Experiences Frequent Breakdowns
Has your generator needed more repairs in the last few years? This may be causing costly downtime for your business. Frequent breakdowns are a sign that the unit is deteriorating to the point where it is no longer efficient or reliable. While every generator will need repairing at some point, you should be concerned if your unit requires multiple major repairs in a short time. These repairs may begin to add up to a substantial cost. At this point, it is essential to weigh the cost of repairs against the benefits of investing in a new power system.
With a new industrial generator, you can have peace of mind knowing that the upgraded unit will break down much less often, which will reduce your overall repair expenses and protect your bottom line. For honest advice on repairing versus replacing your generator, contact our knowledgeable pros at Valley Power Systems.
5. The System Has Power Issues
When you need to use your generator, it’s often an emergency situation, such as a blackout in your community. It’s crucial to ensure that your system will be able to provide a reliable power source to see you through until the main power grid is restored. However, if your unit is experiencing power issues, such as reduced output or intermittent power supply, the system will not be as reliable. The unit may need a simple repair, or there could be a larger issue that would require generator replacement. Our generator specialists at Valley Power Systems can get to the root of the issue and provide a recommendation. Our goal is to ensure your business can stay up and running regardless of the state of the main power grid.
6. Your Power Requirements Have Changed
Another major reason for generator failure is overloading. This happens when you try to use a unit that’s too small for your power requirements. Continuously exceeding the capacity of the generator can lead to excessive wear and tear, overheating, reduced efficiency, and eventually generator failure. Investing in a new, larger-capacity generator will maintain power reliability for your business.
Properly sizing your new generator is essential. An overly large generator can also cause performance issues, so work with our team to find the right power solution for your site. At Valley Power Systems, we have the knowledge to assess your power requirements accurately and match you with an appropriate system.
Keep Your New System Maintained to Promote Engine Longevity
Once you have decided on a new unit, we recommend investing in preventative maintenance right away. Routine inspections and maintenance will go a long way toward maximizing the lifespan of your industrial generator. Our technicians will visit on a regular schedule to address maintenance needs such as oil and filter changes, fluid refills, leak checks, and performance testing. Keeping up with these essential generator needs will help us identify minor issues before they have a chance to progress. This will allow us to address repairs right away, reduce your overall expenses, and keep your system in prime condition, ensuring you’re prepared for the next power emergency.
Discover Our Reliable Power Solutions
If you’re experiencing industrial generator failure, turn to Valley Power Systems. We offer a wide range of state-of-the-art power solutions from top manufacturers, including Blue Star Power Systems, Atlas Copco, and Waukesha. When you need a new system, our knowledgeable team will help you select the right unit for your site. We will ensure your new system is appropriately sized to manage your power requirements, and we’ll handle the installation promptly and professionally.
You can also count on Valley Power Systems for all your generator repair and maintenance needs. From oil changes to comprehensive engine work, we’ve got you covered. We also offer customized maintenance contracts to keep your new system performing well year-round.
Are you ready to explore your options for a new industrial generator? Contact Valley Power Systems today to get started!