Performing an in-depth routine maintenance every 6-months will bring data to the forefront for a generator that is suffering from systems that are trending in the wrong direction. See our preventative maintenance inspection checklist for more information.
The frequency schedule for load bank testing on a generator often depends on how the generator is classified and what it is a standby for. For example, if a generator is used as a backup for services associated with loss of life or serious injury—such as in a hospital setting—the testing requirements are much more frequent. Data center and financial organizations are generally held to the stronger guidelines, as well.
These standard guidelines are set by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Critical situations follow NFPA 110 and lesser situations follow NFPA 70. In most cases, it is recommended that non-mission critical generators are tested at 30% to 50% of their maximum load for thirty minutes at least once per month. Critical diesel generators could be tested much more frequently, but this wholly depends on individual requirements and industry regulations. If this monthly test fails, load bank testing for a minimum of two consecutive hours is recommended. Click Here for more information about LOAD TESTING.
If you ask different people this question, you will likely get different answers. That’s because the storage life of any fuel is dependent on the conditions. The military has an obvious interest in fuel storage, given what they do, so they’ve studied storage life of fuels pretty closely over the years. The key is keeping the fuel cool and keeping the fuel dry. Under ideal conditions, diesel fuel can be stored between six and twelve months. To extend the life past twelve months, even under the best conditions, it needs to be treated with fuel stabilizers and biocides. If the fuel can’t be kept cool, below 70 degrees F consistently, twelve months is the longest reasonable estimate for storage. Keep in mind that this is for diesel fuel, not ethanol blends or biodiesel blends. Click Here for more information about Fuel Maintenance.
