Wednesday 29 May 2013

All You Need To Know About Generator Maintenance In St. Louis

By Rena Hudson


When looking for generator maintenance in St. Louis, area residents should know one or two things. For instance, all generators are not the same. Some systems have complex control and power regulation mechanisms, so they can only be maintained by individuals who have special training on that specific make and model. However, most generators come with standard components and controls, so they can be repaired by any electrical or mechanical engineering technician. Read on to learn more about generators.

Over the years, numerous types of generators have been developed. However, the most popular ones include diesel, kerosene and gasoline generators. The engines in these generators can either be 2-stroke or 4-stroke. While most consumer generators may be portable, all industrial and commercial generators are stationery. Portable generators have the engine, alternator, fuel tank and control circuits on the same frame while stationery generators have fuel tanks, control circuits and switchgear on a separate panel.

Most portable generators often have manual starting mechanisms. They also produce single phase power. The outputs can either be in DC, AC or both. These generators are normally very light and can be carried to remote locations for a wide range of uses. Smaller engines are two stroke while bigger ones are four stroke.

Industrial and commercial generators are normally powered by diesel engines. Their power outputs are normally in three phases, similar to mains industrial power supply. Their engines have several cylinders for maximum power production. Unlike consumer generators, these are normally stationery, and they are mounted in designated locations away from the main office block because of noise.

Servicing of generators is normally based on the number of running hours of the machine. For instance, the supplier may indicate on the manual that servicing should be done after every 800 running hours. This may be a few months or over a year depending on the frequency of use of the machine. Oil and fuel filters must be replaced during servicing to ensure optimal performance.

Bearings, whether bush, ball or roller type, are also replaced to ensure that all shafts rotate freely without too much friction. The acid solution in the batteries powering the starter motor can also be replaced during servicing. Any other damage or inefficiency in the engine or alternator is normally fixed during maintenance.

Servicing of machines should be done on a regular basis before they break down. Ideally, the company supplying the machine should be contracted to service it after a certain number of operating hours. However, other reputable companies should be considered if the supplier charges a lot of money for these services, or is often unavailable to provide the service.

The reputation of prospective companies is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for generator maintenance in St. Louis. Reputable firms should always be favored while companies that have a bad reputation should be avoided. Prices are negotiable whether you are buying a product or a service, so you need to shop around for a better offer before choosing any company.




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