When you have a generator in South Florida, you never want to worry about whether or not it’s going to work, especially during a storm.

More than an inconvenience, a generator fail during a power outage can impact your home’s safety and comfort. Suddenly you don’t have lights, essential appliances, air conditioning, or any electrical devices and systems that help run your day. But what should you do if your generator suddenly stops working?

The team at Rack Electric put together a comprehensive guide to help you troubleshoot your generator should it stop working during a power outage. 

So read on to learn more, and remember that we’re always here for your generator needs, from emergency repairs to new installations!

(561) 666-8960

Basic Generator Troubleshooting Steps

If your generator fails during a power outage, it’s important not to panic. Taking a calm, measured approach to troubleshooting will help you find the cause and a potential fix as soon as possible.

1) Check Your Generator’s Fuel Supply

One of the most common generator problems is an empty, damaged, or contaminated fuel tank. The fuel needs to be fresh and free from any water or other substances. Using fresh fuel could solve the problem and get your generator working again.

2) Inspect Your Generator’s Battery

If your standby generator not working, you may have a weakened or dead battery. Take a moment to examine the battery for signs of corrosion or loose connections. Wipe away any dust, debris, or flakes of corrosion that could impact its performance.

3) Examine the Circuit Breaker

If your generator isn’t working, it could be as simple as checking the circuit breaker. A tripped breaker could be the culprit and need a simple reset. 

If these steps don’t get your generator working again, you need professional intervention. Give our experts a call for generator repair in South Florida to get the peace of mind you deserve.

Common Issues That Cause Generator Failure

Familiarize yourself with some of the most common problems to make fixing a generator more straightforward:

• Overheating: Generators can eventually overheat and experience damage if they run too long without adequate ventilation. If your generator is overheating or your ventilating is compromised, shut off the generator and let it cool before restarting it again.
• Low Oil Levels: Your generator may automatically shut off anytime the oil is too low. You can avoid operational issues by checking your oil levels and topping it off as frequently as needed.
• Clogged Air Filters: When your generators’ air filters are dirty or clogged, you may experience diminished efficiency or a complete system shutdown. Make sure to clean or replace your air filters, per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Electrical Faults: When your generator’s wiring or components are damaged, it could fail you. Remember that any electrical issues and damage should be addressed by a professional electrician.

What to Avoid When Troubleshooting Your Generator

DIY generator troubleshooting can be effective, but there are some things you should never handle on your own. Otherwise, you could end up damaging your system or exposing yourself to further safety hazards.

Avoid DIY Electrical Repairs

Anything involving electricity and wiring exposes you and your generator to hazards. Trying to make these types of repairs yourself can also void your generator’s warranty. Give the electricians at Rack Electric a call anytime you suspect wiring issues or component failures.

Never Operate a Generator Indoors

You should never run a generator in an enclosed space that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect the safety of you and your family by operating your generator in an outdoor area that’s located away from any windows and doors.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Never ignore the warning signs with your generator, including smoke, odd noises, unexpected shutdowns, or cycling. Anything strange or unusual could signal an urgent problem that needs an immediate intervention. Give the team at Plumbers 4 Real a call and we’ll come out for any generator maintenance, repairs and installations to keep your home or business safe.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician for Generator Service

Generator troubleshooting can work for minor problems, but at some point, you’ll need to call for generator repair South Florida specialists. Persistent shut downs, cycling, noises, vibrations, smoke, and anything unusual requires a second look to avoid long-term damage. Give us a call and we’ll make sure everything is working the way it should and share any generator repair tips that could help your situation before the next storm rolls in. 

Preventative Generator Care

Preventative care and routine maintenance is the best way to avoid emergencies. Here are some simple backup generator failure solutions to consider:

• Routine Maintenance: Give the team at Rack Electric a call for annual maintenance to make sure your generator is in good working order. We’ll check the oil, test the battery, and inspect all of the components for wear and tear.
• Install Surge Protectors: Surge protectors are a simple yet effective way to safeguard your generator against unexpected spikes in voltage. Without surge protection, you could damage your generator’s components and need a repair or new replacement.
• Test Your Generator Regularly: It’s important to periodically test and run your generator for short periods. Catching problems early can safeguard your home when the power goes out or a hurricane rolls through.

Call Rack Electric for Generator Service Today!

We know that dealing with a failing generator can be stressful, but some proactive care and troubleshooting can go a long way to get your system back on track. The team at Rack Electric are also always here for all of our generator repair South Florida services, maintenance, new installations, and more. Schedule your generator service appointment today!

(561) 666-8960