#generatortips

Generator Safety During Hurricanes

During hurricane season, backup generators become essential—but safety must come first.

Important safety reminders:

Never run generators inside garages or enclosed areas

Keep them away from windows and doors

Install carbon monoxide alarms

Avoid plugging directly into wall outlets

Preparedness reduces risk and keeps your household protected when storms strike.

Why Generator Load Capacity Matters More Than You Think

When buying a generator, most people focus on brand and price. But the most important factor is generator load capacity.

If your generator is too small, it overloads. If it’s too large, you waste fuel and money.

Here’s what you need to know:

✔ Running watts = Continuous power supply ✔ Starting watts = Extra power to start motors ✔ Ideal operating range = 50%–80% load ✔ Always add a safety margin

Undersized generators cause voltage drops and system damage. Oversized systems increase operational costs.

Proper load calculation ensures:

Reliable power during outages

Longer generator lifespan

Improved efficiency

Protection for critical equipment

Not sure how to calculate your load requirements?

Energy Store Consulting provides professional guidance to help homeowners and businesses choose the right generator capacity.

Your power is only as reliable as your generator. 💡 But did you know that simple mistakes—like ignoring maintenance or using the wrong fuel—can cut your generator’s life short?

Swipe through and learn the must-avoid mistakes that keep your business running strong.

Keep Your Generator Running Smoothly with These Essential Tips

Generators are the backbone of many industries, from mobile detailing to construction sites and home backup systems. They provide power when and where it's needed most. But what happens when your generator experiences low oil pressure? This common issue can lead to bigger problems if not addressed properly. Don’t let it leave you stranded without power.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about low oil pressure in generators—what causes it, why it happens, and how you can fix it before it leads to serious damage.

Understanding Low Oil Pressure

Low oil pressure is a warning sign that something is wrong with your generator's internal workings. This issue can cause parts of the generator to wear down faster and even lead to engine failure. Knowing the causes of low oil pressure is crucial for maintaining your equipment and keeping it running smoothly.

Common Causes of Low Oil Pressure in Generators:

Oil Levels are Too Low: One of the most common causes is low oil levels. Always check your oil regularly to ensure it's at the proper level for smooth operation.

Dirty or Contaminated Oil: Over time, oil collects debris and contaminants. If your generator’s oil becomes dirty, it can affect the pressure and lubrication of essential engine components.

Worn Out Oil Pump: The oil pump is responsible for circulating oil through the generator. If it's worn out or malfunctioning, oil pressure will drop, causing inefficient lubrication.

Leaking Oil Seals: Oil seals keep the engine lubricated. If they are worn or damaged, oil will leak, leading to low pressure.

Clogged Oil Filters: Oil filters trap dirt and contaminants, but when they become clogged, they restrict oil flow and cause a drop in pressure.

High Engine Temperature: Excessive heat in your generator can thin out the oil, making it less effective at maintaining pressure.

How to Fix Low Oil Pressure

If you suspect that your generator is suffering from low oil pressure, here’s what you can do:

Check Oil Levels Regularly: Keeping your generator’s oil levels in check is one of the easiest ways to avoid low pressure. Top off the oil whenever needed and use the correct grade for your generator model.

Change the Oil and Filters: Routine oil and filter changes are key to preventing oil contamination. Change your oil according to the manufacturer's guidelines and always replace the oil filter at the same time.

Inspect the Oil Pump and Seals: If you notice leaks or reduced oil circulation, inspect your oil pump and seals. If either shows signs of wear or damage, replacing them early can prevent costly repairs later.

Monitor Engine Temperature: Ensure your generator is operating within the recommended temperature range to avoid thinning the oil.

Why Regular Maintenance is Key

Low oil pressure can seem like a small issue, but it can lead to bigger problems, including engine failure. By performing regular maintenance on your generator, you can ensure it continues to run smoothly, providing you with reliable power whenever you need it.

Ignoring low oil pressure could result in expensive repair bills or, even worse, a non-functioning generator when you need it most. Stay ahead of the problem by keeping your generator in top shape!

Want to learn more about the causes of low oil pressure and how to avoid them? Check out our full guide here: What Causes Low Oil Pressure In Generator? Top Issues Explained

 Conclusion: Ensuring Longevity and Reliability of Your Generator Through Proper Oil Pressure Management

Portable generators provide a constant source of power for houses, businesses, and outdoor use. They are most frequently utilised in places where the electrical connection is irregular or absent. Widely used by people of all vocations, from vacationers and construction professionals to policemen and rescue crews, generators are important machinery used to provide power when it is needed the most.

Whether you're out in the woods camping, doing challenging work in a remote building site, or killing time during a blackout, it is important that you adhere to a few central guidelines to guarantee security, not only for yourself and others but for property and the generator itself.

All that power brings with it great responsibility. Heeding, or dismissing, these simple rules may mean the difference between life and death.

1. Read everything

The person in charge of the generator should browse the operator's manual before using it. The operator's manual must contain everything one needs to learn more about the generator: usage instructions, operational limitations, maintenance guidelines and safety measures. The generator is usually coated with safety and warning labels and it's imperative that you follow them.

2. Know your needs

Generators come in a wide range of dimensions and output. Before obtaining a generator, you need to know how much power you require. Make a list of all the appliances, components, and devices you plan to power using the generator. Make sure that the total power needed by your list doesn't exceed your generator's rated output.

Failing to do this could cause a generator overload, leading to overheating and even an explosion. Conversely, you could find that your generator is too powerful for your requirements and you end up wasting money and energy.

3. Keep it dry

To decrease the chances electrocution, the generator should be kept in a dry area away from potential sources of moisture. Never use the generator in wet conditions if it is exposed. If placed outside, the generator should be located under an open canopy or tent.

You shouldn't also attempt to power devices which were exposed to moisture. Exposure to water or moisture can damage your generator, or worse, electrocute the people around it.

4. Position the cords correctly

Do not put the generator's power wires along paths often used by people since they're a possible source of several dangers. If unintentionally dragged, you may damage the cable and the power outlet.

Always keep the power cords dry and covered, Put warning signs around it to notify people of its placement. Don't place the cables near sources of moisture.

5. Put in a well-ventilated area

Never put the generator in a partially-enclosed area. You also should set the generator apart from potential ventilation points such as doors, vents, and windows. The fumes created by the generator are potentially deadly. A lot of people have died out of generator fume inhalation.

6. Switch off before refuelling

Don't attempt to refuel the generator while it is running. In a similar vein, do not refuel it once switched off as long as the engine remains warm. Allow the machine to cool down before refuelling. Petrol inadvertently spilled near the generator when it's still hot can ignite.

7. Use appropriate gas containers

Store gas in gas containers that are pre-approved. Only use the fuel that has been recommended by the manual or as written on the machine labels.

8. Plug directly

Plug all appliances and tools into the generator. Never use a splitter. Look carefully at the manual or check around for recommended outdoor-rated extension wires.

9. Never backfeed

A good well-built generator can last for a long time, but just like any machine, it requires regular proper maintenance. Just as people exercise and eat healthy food to keep themselves trim and fit, generators also have to be maintained to ensure safe and proper operation.

The higher the quality of the maintenance, the longer your petrol generator will last without the need for repairs, which could easily translate to higher costs due to the purchase of expensive parts and even the unit's replacement.

Here are a few maintenance tips to ensure your petrol generator can run safely and properly when you need it.

1. Plan a 6-month maintenance cycle

The bulk of the maintenance work if your petrol generator will be done within a six month period. Many of the simplest tasks involve a visual inspection, such as checking whether there is enough fuel, oil, coolant and so on. Other routine tasks such as air filter cleaning occur weekly or monthly, depending on the size and load of the generator.

Replacing some parts such as the oil filter have to be done every few months. One of the gravest mistakes people commit is installing a part and forgetting about it. While petrol generators are supremely hardworking machines, a simple mistake can lead to catastrophic failure.

2. Don't use a generator indoors

Petrol generators give off noxious fumes, the kind that will render you unconscious before you even know you've been hit. A generator must always be placed in a well-ventilated area. Even generator enclosures are designed to ensure maximum air circulation. You also risk generator damage if it can't breathe due to poor air circulation, so make sure the area is ventilated.

3. Change the oil regularly

Generators use a lot of oil and require frequent oil filter replacements. Just like an ink cartridge for your printer, an oil filter for a generator won't last very long. You have to change the oil filter for every four days of operation. Check the user manual or the supplier for the correct interval as the frequent replacement can become costly fast.

4. Don't refuel directly

Some people refuel by feeding the petrol directly into a working generator. Not only is this extremely dangerous, it can also damage your expensive generator. While there are generator models and scenarios which permit direct refuelling, those are exceptions rather than the rule.

Turn the generator set off before refuelling it. You should also wait for the generator to cool down prior to refuelling it. Diesel generators don't require a cool down period, but a petrol generator should be handled with extreme care.

5. Use a good power cord

Not all power cords are made equal. They vary in terms of their power load capacity and environmental exposure limitations. Put simply, if your power cord has to be exposed to rain and snow or the like, you should get one that can take it. Not only outdoor-rated power cords last longer, you also reduce the risk of accidental electrocutions.

6. Keep spare fuel on hand

Petrol generators produce electricity by rotating magnetic coils along each other. One of the worst things that could happen to a generator is the coils becoming demagnetized. This happens if the generator runs out of petrol.

Even though the generator has stopped producing electricity,  the devices drawing power from the unit will suck the magnetism out of the coils. The result is an extremely expensive refurbishment or even the purchase of a new generator. If you must run a generator dry, you have to make sure it is not connected to anything. Consult the user manual.

7. Remove old fuel

Petrol doesn't last forever. It ages and degrades, and even becomes foamy, which means you cannot leave petrol in the fuel tank indefinitely. If you turn on a generator with degraded fuel, it can cause serious problems.