Power Connect Newsletter

Depending on where you live in the United States, snow can be a problem. Snowstorms in the early months of 2018 pummeled the East Coast, bringing cold temperatures and heavy snow. Nearly two million homes and businesses were without power after the wet, heavy snow and high winds knocked down trees and toppled power lines. 

Standby generators can help ensure your business is prepared for the issues associated with winter power failures. Winter and subfreezing temperatures make starting and running generators more difficult, so fall is a good time to prepare the emergency power source for the cold and snow to ensure it is ready to run.

First, proper placement of a generator system will help protect it against the elements. According to NFPA 110, emergency power systems located outside must be installed in a suitable enclosure capable of resisting the entrance of snow or rain at a maximum wind velocity as required by local building codes. Generators need to be listed to the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2200 standard. The listing is a sign that the gen-set has been evaluated and approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. A generator manufacturer only receives approval to apply the listing after a rigorous review and identification of all the unit’s components.

Generators need to be inspected before each winter season and again before a winter weather event to make sure the unit will start and run without incident. Operators should clear accumulated snowfall from the sides of the unit. Doing so can keep the generator from overheating during operation and will prevent ice build-up on the generator’s enclosure and internal parts. The operator should walk around the generator and inspect it to make sure there are no loose items. While these checks are especially important in the winter, Generac Industrial Power recommends they be done regardless of the season. All scheduled maintenance should be completed prior to any winter weather event. 

If the unit is located outside, one of the hardest things about operating it in the winter may be starting the engine. To make sure the unit always starts when needed, the operator of a diesel generator should ensure it is always filled with fresh fuel. To prevent gelling and ensure optimal performance, the fuel tank should be cleaned, polished and treated. According to NFPA 110, fuel quality and fuel management are concerns because many generator failures are attributed to poor fuel quality, contamination and other fuel system problems. Running the generator prior to any weather event will also help ensure availability as well as fuel quantity and quality.

In the event of a storm, consideration should also be given to fuel delivery problems due to weather, shortages and other conditions. It might be impossible to refuel diesel generators if the roads become impassable. Emergency plans may require larger on-site temporary or permanent fuel storage containers, but using oversized tanks should be assessed in advance, since diesel fuel has a shelf life. These fuel issues are eliminated if using a natural gas generator.