Question 1

How often should a diesel generator be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Diesel generators require weekly visual inspections, monthly load bank testing or exercising, quarterly oil and filter changes, semi-annual coolant and belt inspections, and annual comprehensive service including fuel system cleaning. NFPA 110 and manufacturer guidelines specify exact intervals based on runtime hours and facility type.

Question 2

What maintenance does NFPA 110 require for emergency generators?

Accepted Answer

NFPA 110 requires weekly inspections, monthly load tests (minimum 30% of nameplate rating for 30 minutes), annual fuel quality testing, annual load bank testing, and documented maintenance logs. Level 1 EPSS systems (hospitals, data centers) have the strictest requirements including transfer switch testing and automatic start verification.

Question 3

How does generator age affect maintenance frequency?

Accepted Answer

Older generators require more frequent maintenance. Generators over 10 years old typically need 25-50% more frequent service intervals. Units over 20 years may need double the baseline frequency. Key age-related concerns include fuel injector wear, coolant system degradation, voltage regulator drift, and increased oil consumption.

Question 4

What is a generator maintenance compliance score?

Accepted Answer

A compliance score measures how well your maintenance program meets regulatory and manufacturer requirements. A score of 90-100 means excellent compliance with all tasks current. Below 70 indicates overdue tasks that could result in generator failure, regulatory citations, or voided warranties. Our free calculator generates a personalized score based on your specific equipment and compliance framework.