Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of your most common generator questions

The answer varies from manufacturer to manufacturer so it is always recommended to consult your owner's manual. We recommend every 100 hours of use for portable units and every 200 hours for most stand-by units.

Personal preference. If you want to clean the outside of your generator enclosure, use a light non-abrasive cleaning solution and water. Make sure vent holes are clear and free from debris.

Most manufacturers recommend checking the oil every 24 hours of continuous use. DO NOT check or attempt to add oil to a running generator. Consult your owners manual for safe shut-down procedure.

Most Stand-by generators are designed to run for long periods of time as long as they are maintained within the hours of use that the manufacturer recommends. Some customers choose to turn their generators off at night when they are not needed. Constult your owners manual for proper shut-down procedures.

Absolutely! Being prepared is always a good thing! Ask your maintenance technician or call the office to find out which kind of oil your generator needs.

One common cause of this issue is the main circuit breaker at the generator is tripped or turned off. Only if you are comfortable, check to see if the breaker is on and not tripped. If it is on, give us a call.

Pests such as rodents and insects can cause damage to your generator. Although most generators are designed to keep pests out, regular inspections should be performed to ensure pest damage has not occured. If problems become unmanageable, consult with a local pest control service.

We recommend testing your backup generator system at least once a year. Although this procedure is listed in some owners manuals, we recommend that this is performed by a qualified technician. This is included in all of our Maintenance Plans.