Generator Testing and Preparedness

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woman sitting on couch during a power outage to convey the importance of a backup generator

When you live in sunny Florida, generator testing and drills keep you prepared and ready for hurricane season. More than just making sure you have enough fuel, you also need a checklist of what to do to ensure your safety.

The electricians at Rack Electric are always here to make sure your generator in South Florida is working as efficiently as possible. We also put together a tip sheet for making sure your generator is ready for anything!

Read on to learn more or just give our experts a call with any questions or to schedule service!

(561) 666-8960

Get Regular Maintenance

If you prioritize nothing else but your preparedness, get regular generator maintenance in South Florida and Boca Raton. The team at Rack Electric will look at your fuel, filter replacements, spark plug inspections, and anything else recommended by the manufacturer. We’ll also run tests to ensure that your generator is working as expected and is ready to go, no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Read Your Generator’s Manual

In between generator maintenance appointments, you should also read the manufacturer’s manual for your generator. You can add a post it note tab or fold back pages that are most important, like how to turn off your generator in an emergency. But don’t skip ahead. Look over all of the details so you have a baseline understanding of how to best care for your generator and know what to do during a power outage.

Visually Inspect Your Generator

Give your generator a visual inspection to look for visible damage, leaks, or loose connections. You also need to check your fuel and oil levels to ensure your unit is free from obstructions around the exhaust and air intake vents.

Top Up Your Fuel Supply

Do you have enough fuel for an emergency? The team at Rack Electric offers generator monitoring services. We’ll bury your fuel tanks and make sure they have enough to safeguard your home or business during an emergency. During our maintenance appointments, we may also drain any old fuel and replace it with a fresh supply to make sure everything runs reliably.

Check the Battery

Does your generator use a starter? Check the battery to make sure it’s fully charged and in good working order. Just like other equipment and systems in your home, you may need to periodically change your battery.

Start the Generator

Good generator testing and preparedness also means starting up the generator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it run for a few minutes to warm up.

Load Testing

When Rack Electric electricians install a whole-house generator, we make sure it meets your home’s current load. If you already have a smaller or portable generator, it’s wise to check the electrical load. Gradually add electrical loads to your generator by turning on various appliances or electrical devices connected to it. You’ll recreate real-world conditions during a power outage to ensure everything is running as smoothly as possible.

Check that Your Generator Works Properly

Is your generator working as intended and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions? Run your generator to see that everything works the way it should and is powering up your home. If your generator has additional features like automatic transfer switches or voltage regulators, check that everything is working the way it should.

Shutdown Procedure

After testing your generator, reduce the load gradually and let it run for a few minutes to cool everything down. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly shut down the generator.

Documentation

Keeping good records is key to a safe, efficient generator. Whenever you test your generator, write down the date, results, and any issues. Good record-keeping can also alert your generator technicians if any problems are on the rise and when they started.

Call Rack Electric: Your South Florida Generator Maintenance Experts

Whether you already have a generator or need a new one installed, regular maintenance and safety tests are critical to your home’s safety. The team at Rack Electric is here to help. We offer maintenance plans, generator repair and generator replacement or first-time installation to keep you and your family safe during hurricane season. Call us today to schedule your appointment!

(561) 666-8960

Learn More About Generator Maintenance & Preparedness in South Florida

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!