Checklist for Testing your Home Standby Generator
When your main power utility goes down and you’re suddenly dependent on your home standby generator system, you want it to work. You don’t want to find out during an emergency that your standby generator system is also defunct. The best way to avoid this scenario is to test your home system thoroughly. The following is a complete checklist of things you can test for to ensure reliability when you need it most.
Pre-Test Activities
It’s important to understand how your generator system works. Read the manufacturer’s manual for information and installation, safety and maintenance instructions. Identify all of your generator’s critical components such as the automatic transfer switch, fuel source, wiring connections and accessories.
Check for Proper Installation
Double-check for proper installation. Is your generator stabilized and mounted according to local building codes? Verify also that it’s connected to the electrical system, fuel source and automatic transfer switch. Look for signs of damage and loose connections.
Visually inspect your generator’s fuel lines and exhaust system. Check for leaking, corroding or other issues. Make sure the generator’s cooling and ventilation systems are unimpeded by debris.
Check the Transfer Switch
The transfer switch on your system may be triggered manually or automatically. In either case, review the ATS manual to be sure you know how it works and understand its settings, modes of operation and any recommended test procedures. Run those test procedures.
Run a Test Operation
The best way to perform a test operation is to simulate a power outage to confirm your generator system’s capacity to respond and operate smoothly. To perform a test operation, go to the main electrical service panel in your house and shut off the main utility power by flipping the main circuit breaker. Shutting off the utility power should trigger the transfer switch to transfer the electrical load to the generator if your transfer switch is automatic. (If your transfer switch requires a manual trigger, perform that trigger.)
The transfer of electrical power from the main utility to the generator should be smooth and without incident. After the transfer, confirm that the electrical load is being powered by the generator. Keep an eye on the generator in terms of voltage output, stability of frequency and consumption of fuel. The generator should be able to maintain a steady supply of power within acceptable parameters. You shouldn’t see dropping voltage or tripping of the generator’s circuit breakers.
Next, restore utility power. If your transfer switch is automatic, it should detect the change and transfer the power load back to the utility smoothly. If you flip the transfer switch manually, the power load should likewise transfer smoothly back to the utility. With the load transfer via either type of transfer switch, the generator should shut down properly.
Perform Ongoing Maintenance
Be sure to set up a maintenance schedule to keep your generator in optimal operating conditions. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on oil changes, filter replacements and overall system inspections. If you hit any snags in pre-test, test or maintenance activities, be sure to consult the manufacturer of your generator or transfer switch or a professional generator system inspector to determine the cause of and remedy any problems. Keeping your home standby generator system in good working condition helps ensure your safety during an emergency.
