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3 Common Reasons that Generators Fail

When the power goes out, homeowners with a standby generator can rely on their units to power on and provide a secondary source of electricity – usually.

Unfortunately, generators don’t always work like they are supposed to, especially when they aren’t properly maintained. Here are a few common reasons that your generator might fail the next time you need it most.

Human oversights.

People aren’t perfect, and it’s a very real possibility that someone made a mistake somewhere during the setup process. There are many precise steps that must be followed in order to get a generator to operate correctly, and just one small mishap can result in failure. Common human errors include forgetting to add fuel, set the transfer switch, or making sure the breaker is set to provide power.

Generator battery malfunction.

Just like your car, your generator needs a jump start from a powerful battery to get running. And just like your car, corrosion on the connecting pieces can cause this battery to fail. Check your battery’s connections for a buildup of sulfate, you may be able to clean this off and restore power to your generator. If the connections look clean, there may be an issue with the battery’s charge.

Problems with the generator’s fuel supply.

Generators produce electricity by converting fuel into energy – if there is something wrong with the fuel supply, no electricity can be made. Common problems with the fuel supply include forgetting to refill (as discussed in human oversights), leaks, and air entering the fuel line.

Maintain your home standby generator by professionals.

The best way to make sure your generator is ready for the next power outage is by having it maintained by professionals. Back up your backup power supply with an annual service plan from the experts at Cannondale Generators. We serve Fairfield County CT, Westchester County NY, and more. Visit our website for more information, or give us a call at (203) 762-2608.

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