In the realm of essential utilities, power stands as arguably the most important for everyday life. Without basic power, systems all over the globe shut down almost immediately. There exists complex infrastructure to keep power going, but what happens when it fails?

Whether communities are dealing with the aftermath of a storm, accidental power outages, or even just running large work sites, having power when you need it is not only helpful, but it’s essential. Generators stand as guardians against potential electricity disasters and harness the power, literally, to keep society up and running in emergencies.

What Are Generators?

Generators are sophisticated devices that are designed to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generators come in a variety of types and configurations, each suited to different applications and power requirements. You’ll find options for any situation, from compact household units to large machines that can be the size of entire buildings or even larger.

The size of the machine determines its energy output, but there are many other factors at play. No matter the size of the generator, they generally have similar mechanisms and processes to create power when it’s needed most.

How Do Generators Work?

Generators have hundreds of pieces and parts, all equally important in creating the energy you need. Generators of all sizes don’t actually create power; they convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. This process is also known as electromagnetic induction. Mechanical energy is the input, usually from some movement from the engine.

Imagine you have a toy windmill that spins when you blow on it. Now, imagine that your windmill is surrounded by coils and magnets, and the movement triggers the magnets to work with one another to create an electrical current that moves among the coils. This current is electrical energy and it’s created in a very similar way in a generator.

Instead of a windmill, it’s an engine that produces movement, or mechanical energy. A process called combustion is what takes the fuel and turns it into mechanical energy. The fuel is burned, which produces the high temperatures and pressure that moves the engine parts.

Types of Generators

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different types of generators. Each type has a specific purpose and comes in handy for various reasons. Three main types of generators are:

• Portable generators
• Standby generators
• Solar generators

Portable generators offer a flexible and convenient solution for powering devices and appliances on the go or in remote locations. They are typically lightweight and compact enough to fit in a car or truck, making them easy to transport and store. Portable generators typically run on gas or diesel. The most common use for portable generators is to have them on hand for homes when the power goes out to power small appliances and limited light sources.

Standby generators have the same application and are also usually run by gas or diesel but are integrated into the infrastructure of the building. They are designed to kick on automatically when there is a power failure, offering seamless power transfer. Some homes have standby generators, especially in areas with tumultuous weather conditions, but the most common use is for large operations and emergency services, like hospitals or police and fire stations.

Solar generators belong in their own category because they have so many different uses. They can be as small as a portable solar phone charger or as large as a solar standby generator for a large-scale hospital system. Instead of running on fuel, they run on solar energy, or sunlight. Solar energy has its pros and cons, but there’s always research and development happening to further the field.

Key Components of a Generator

Though there are hundreds of pieces and parts that make up a generator, there are a few to note when you’re deciding what type of generator is right for you. First, and perhaps most obvious, is the engine. The engine is responsible for the main energy conversion and does most of the legwork.

One of the main components that helps support the engine is the fuel system. The fuel system not only includes the actual fuel, be it gas, diesel, or something else, but it includes all the mechanisms and machinery that get the fuel where it needs to go. Fuel injectors, pumps, and lines all work together to draw fuel into the combustion chamber.

Another key component is the control panel. As the name suggests, the control panel helps control all the different systems within the machine. It starts and stops the machine and gives valuable information about system diagnostics. The control panel helps monitor how your generator is running and what generator maintenance might be needed.

Generator Maintenance Tasks and Importance

No matter if you’re an expert or novice, anyone who owns or manages generators should be concerned with generator maintenance. Generator maintenance is important to ensure that your machine keeps the power running when you need it most. Regular generator maintenance tasks should be performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and can usually be searched using the serial number. Generator maintenance tasks may include:

• Inspection
• Cleaning
• Lubrication
• Parts replacement
• Test runs

Monitoring fluid levels, checking electrical connections, testing batteries, and other tasks can help prevent a major breakdown or safety issue. Generator maintenance helps to keep your machine under warranty, if applicable. Two of the most basic aspects of generator maintenance are changing the air filter and oil filter regularly.

The Importance of Changing Generator Air Filters

Generator maintenance is crucial, and changing air filters ensures the optimal performance and longevity of your device. Air filters play a vital role in preventing dirt, dust, and other contaminants from entering the engine, which can cause damage and reduce efficiency over time. You should change your generator’s air filter sometime between 350 and 450 hours of use.

Air filters act as the first line of defense for the generator’s engine. By trapping particles in the air, they prevent the contaminants from entering the engine’s combustion chamber. Without a clean air filter, these particles will accumulate inside the engine, leading to increased wear and tear on critical components of the generator.

A clean air filter also improves fuel efficiency and ensures your generator doesn’t have to work as hard to produce the clean energy you need for your project. Dirty air filters upset the air-fuel ratio within the combustion chamber, which ultimately leads to wasted fuel. Not only will a new, clean air filter improve your generator, but it will lower operating costs in the long run.

Why Should I Change My Generator’s Oil Filters Regularly?

If you’re keeping up with your regular generator maintenance, oil filters should be at the top of your list, too. Oil filters are critical for removing engine oil contaminants. Over time, engine oil becomes soiled with dirt, metal particles, and other byproducts from regular generator use. If dirty oil cycles through the engine, it forces the engine to have to work harder.

Protecting your engine is imperative, and changing your oil filter on a regular basis is one of the easiest ways to do so. The oil helps lubricate engine parts. Without clean oil, generator parts may grind up against each other and cause undue friction. Increased friction is a recipe for disaster and is sure to shorten your generator’s life.

Just like air filters, changing the oil filter should be part of your regularly scheduled generator maintenance. Oil filters have to be changed more frequently, around every 150 to 200 hours of generator use. Changing the oil filter is one of the simplest and most effective forms of generator maintenance that helps ensure the longevity of your machine.

How to Change Generator Oil and Air Filters

Since changing air and oil filters are two of the key components in generator maintenance, many generator owners like to learn to take care of it themselves instead of hiring a technician every time. First and foremost, you must ensure your generator is off and find the housing for whichever filter you’re trying to change.

Next, simply remove the housing cover and the filter element. Some people find it helpful to take a picture of the housing before starting generator maintenance so that it’s easy to put back together. Replacing the filter itself is the quick part; out with the old and in with the new. Once you think you’ve successfully changed your air or oil filter, it might be beneficial to do a quick test run to ensure everything is in place correctly.

Whether you’re just learning how to manage oil and air filters or you’re a seasoned pro, there are handy generator maintenance kits that have everything you need to keep your air filters and oil filters clean and ready to take on all your power needs.

Common Generator Troubleshooting and Tips

Generators may seem like complicated machines, but they are relatively easy to understand and manipulate. Even so, they need regular generator maintenance and come with their fair share of issues, especially when you’re learning your way around them. Sometimes, your generator may struggle to come to life, especially if it hasn’t been used in a while. Three common power issues are attributed to:

• Low fuel
• Battery issues
• Leaks or weak connections

When in doubt, check your fuel gauge! It may seem like an obvious answer, but when you’re pulling your generator out after a year of not using it, your fingers are freezing from the snow, and you’re just trying to get it over with, fuel might not cross your mind. If your fuel levels are correct, it’s time to check the battery.

Just like cars, generator batteries may have a hard time starting after a period of little or no use. First, give your battery a quick cleaning because there could be some buildup. You may have to jump-start it or charge it, but if all else fails, a new battery is an affordable fix that works every time.

If neither above is the culprit for your generator's dysfunction, take a good look at the wiring and keep an eye out for potential leaks. Regularly inspecting your wiring is an important part of generator maintenance, but sometimes, things simply get a little loose. The same happens with leaks; occasionally you may find that a cap isn’t on all the way, or there’s some fuel where it shouldn’t be. Either way, checking for these issues could save you time and money on unnecessary generator maintenance.

Understanding Generator Specifications

When choosing a generator, some of the specifications can be pretty technical, but it’s valuable to know how to keep up with the proper generator maintenance. The most important things to look out for when looking at generator specifications are:

• Power output
• Fuel type
• Engine information

Power output is arguably the most important specification to understand when selecting your generator. It’s most often measured in kilowatts, denoted by “kW” next to a number. It’s crucial to match the generator’s power output to the job you’re doing. For example, a 15kW generator might be great for powering a few lights in your home, but if you try to power an entire house with one, you’ll certainly have some issues.

Fuel type is another important specification. Gas, diesel, propane, and solar are all viable options and each have benefits and drawbacks. Gas and diesel generators are widely used for their portability and reliability, but there are cleaner emission options, too. Consider your goals here and figure out the best balance for you between power, convenience, and sustainability.

Aside from power output and fuel type, you will see lots of other specifications on a generator that give you valuable information. Horsepower (HP), whether the engine is air-cooled or liquid-cooled, and displacement information are all critical in ensuring the best performance for your power goals. For example, air-cooled generators are typically more compact, while liquid-cooled generators offer more durability.

Choosing the Best Generator for Your Needs

In the world of generators, the options may seem overwhelming. While there are tons of options, it’s easy to narrow down what kind of generator you’d need when you stop to consider your goals.

Whether you’re preparing for emergencies, planning outdoor adventures, or seeking reliable backup power for your home or business, Generator Magic is here to support whatever selection you make, as well as your generator maintenance needs. With the right generator and Generator Magic’s phenomenal customer support, like price matching and generous shipping and returns policies, at your disposal, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you are prepared for whatever comes your way.