A generator’s life expectancy is an essential factor to consider when investing in backup power systems. Notably, most companies in the industrial sector have already invested in diesel generators due to their countless benefits. Discover the advantages of diesel generators with our review.
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With a business to run, you need a generator that can run in any work environment, especially during a power outage. Such a generator will keep your business going even if there’s no electricity. Thankfully, diesel generators are reliable enough to do that.
Important Contributing Factors
The life expectancy of a diesel generator depends on two main factors: the size and maintenance practices of the generator. Other factors also include:
- Brand and quality of the generator
- Size of the generator’s engine
- Environmental conditions
Let’s delve deeper into the two main contributing factors of a generator’s lifespan.
Generator Sizing
Size matters a lot when it comes to the efficiency of a diesel generator. That’s why you should determine the load size of the machines you plan to operate using the generator.
If you use up to 90% of a generator’s load capacity, there’s no doubt it will have a longer lifespan. It ensures that the generator will always acquire sufficient combustion pressure to hold its piston rings in place.
However, using a smaller diesel generator for a bigger load size can reduce its lifespan. In these particular situations, under-loading a generator will bring harm to its life expectancy.
Maintenance Practices
Any well-maintained generator will last longer than a poorly-maintained one, whether it’s a natural gas or diesel generator. To keep your generator running for many hours, it’s important to maintain it regularly. Don’t wait for a power outage to run the generator. Full maintenance of a generator involves changing the oil or air regularly, changing fuel filters, and checking if there is any change in performance.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check if your generator produces sound, smoke, vibration, or consumes more fuel than before. These signs could indicate an underlying problem that needs repair.
General Life Expectancy
Diesel generators can last for at least 15,000 hours to a maximum of 50,000 hours before needing servicing. Ultimately the life expectancy of any individual generator will depend on factors such as generator sizing and preventive maintenance practices.
The lifespan of a generator also depends on the hours it runs every year. For instance, a generator that runs for 650 hours per year can work for up to 30 years to reach a life expectancy of 20,000 hours. In the same way, the lifespan will reduce if the generator has been working for even more hours in a year.
Understanding Your Generator
A generator’s life expectancy relies on factors such as exercising and maintenance. To extend the life of your generator, it’s extremely important to prioritize the time you spend operating your generator, whether you have a power outage or not. By regularly using your generator and performing regular maintenance, you’ll find that you can greatly improve your generator’s life expectancy.
Contact us to see our wide selection of generators to keep you and your business processes running all year long.
