How Long Does Standby Generator Need to be Maintained?

Different manufacturers specify different maintenance schedules for the generators they produce. A standby generator that only supplies backup power during an outage has an oil-change service interval of 200 hours. Compare that to a car. 200 hours at 60 MPH is 12,000 miles. A 2018 Toyota Camry requires an oil change every 9000–10,000 miles.

 

During each service interval, change the oil and oil filter, replace the air filter, and change the spark plugs. Some require a check and adjustment of the valve clearance.

 

Portable Generators often have shorter maintenance schedules—Average is probably about 100 hours, but check your specific model.

 

Generators designed specifically for prime power (primary source of power vs standby power) have longer schedules. Diesel engines in particular can run for months as long as the oil doesn’t degrade. Large filters, high capacity oil pans can all extend the service interval, but frequent checks of the oil are still required.

 

When a generator is in use, always check the oil every 24 hours and top off the oil, but don’t overfill.

 

People often ask, “what generator should I buy?” I always answer that they should buy one designed and built to do the job required. That means a home standby for power during outages, a portable for on-the-job power, a small portable inverter for camping, and an RV generator for your RV.

 

Maintenance is an important consideration. If you live where frequent power outages last for more than a day or are susceptible to weather disasters like hurricanes, make sure your generator maintenance interval is at least a week of run time, or about 200 hours.

 

I also tell people, buy a generator adequate for the job and not one that just barely fills their need. If you’re running a 2000-watt portable 24/7 at a full 2000-watt load, the manufacturer may specify a 100 hour oil change, but the engine is working hot and hard and the oil will degrade before 100 hours. That is one reason to check every 24 hours—to make sure the oil does not degrade. Running at 80 percent of the maximum rated load allows the engine and alternator to run cooler.

 

Finally, remember that climate plays a part in maintenance. A generator operating in a hot, dusty climate (desert Southwest) requires more frequent maintenance than the same generator running in a much cooler, more humid environment.