
118 SEBU8088-06
Maintenance Section
Standby Generator Set Maintenance Recommendations
i03108463
Standby Generator
Set Maintenan
ce
Recommendations
SMCS Code: 445
0-041
A standby generator set may not need to be used
very often. H
owever, the generator set is usually
needed for operation in an emergency situation.
Maintenance of the standby generator set is very
important fo
r the following reasons:
•
The generator set must always be in excellent
operating co
ndition.
•
The generator set must be ready to work under
load at any ti
me.
Establishing a Preventive Maintenance Program will
provide the
se benefits:
•
Maximum availability of the standby generator set
•
Longer service life for the generator set
•
Minimum of e
xpensive repairs
Your Caterpillar dealer can help you to establish an
effective P
reventive Maintenance Program for your
generator set. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for
details.
Maintenance and Operation
Procedures
The high vo
ltage that is produced by an operating
generator set can cause severe injury or death.
Before performing any maintenance or repairs,
ensure tha
t the generator will not start.
Place the engine control switch in the “OFF” posi-
tion. Att
ach “DO NOT OPERATE” tags to all start-
ing controls. Disconnect the batteries or disable
the starting system. Lock out all switchgear and
automati
c transfer switches that are associated
with the generator.
The recom
mended maintenance for the generator set
is listed in this Operation and Maintenance Manual,
“Maintenance Interval Schedule (Standby Generator
Sets)” (
Maintenance Section).
Maintenance an
dRepair
The maintenance that is recommended for Every
Weekcanbeper
formed by an authorized operator.
The maintenance that is recommended for the
subsequent maintenance intervals must be
performed by
an authorized service technician or by
your Caterpillar dealer.
Unless other
instructions are provided, perform
maintenance and repairs under the following
conditions:
•
The engine is stopped.
•
The starting
system is disabled.
•
The generator does not pose an electrical shock
hazard.
•
The generator is disconnected from the load.
Operation
To ensure pr
oper operation, the generator set must be
exercised regularly. For instructions on operating the
generator set, see the Operation and Maintenance
Manual for t
he generator set control panel.
For these operation procedures, follow the
instructio
ns that are provided in this Operation and
Maintenance Manual, “Operation Section”: starting
the engine, engine operation, and stopping the
engine.
Record Keeping
Maintainarecordinordertodocumenttheseitems:
gauge readings, maintenance that is performed,
problems,
and repairs.
Space Heaters
Moisture causes damage to generators and other
electrical equipment. Make every effort to keep the
generato
r set as dry as possible.
Generators can operate without problems in humid
environm
ents. However, problems can occur when
the generator is inactive. Moisture can condense on
the windings. This can result in poor performance.
Also, da
mage to the windings can occur.
Use space heaters in order to help keep the windings
dry. Whe
n the generator is not active, ensure that the
space heaters are operating. When the generator is
operating, turn OFF the space heaters.