ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE MANUAL

1. General

All electrical systems require periodic maintenance in addition to non-scheduled

maintenance caused by unpredictable events such as storms, accidents, and equipment failure.
The intent of periodic maintenance is to keep the system operating at an acceptable level of
service to the public.

1.1 Panel Board

1.1.1 Maintenance Schedule for Emergency Lighting

Recommended
Maintenance or Test
Interval Reference
Inspection Monthly

 Periodic inspection should be made to see that the panelboard is kept clean, free from
dirt and moisture. Occasionally the connections between the panelboard unit parts and
busbars, as well as connections between wires and panelboard unit parts should be
checked and tightened where necessary.
 Fuse contacts should be inspected. The panelboard is alternately heated and cooled as
the current is turned on and off. This causes expansion and contraction of the parts of
the panelboard, which added to vibration, usually present, tends to loosen fuses and
connections.

1.2 Wiring and Connection Maintenance

1.2.1 Maintenance requires:

 Clean conductors, terminals, and connectors of all corrosion.

 Tighten terminals and connectors including breaker, transformer, and contactor
connectors.
 Check the equipment grounding system including conduit end bushing connections,
bonds, equipment grounding conductors, enclosure grounding connections, and pole
grounding connections.
 Check the grounding electrode, grounding electrode conductor, and associated
connections.
 Check conductor insulation for damage, and repair if necessary.
 Replace deteriorated or missing conductor and terminal identification markings.

1.3 Generator

Generator must be maintained. Follow the maintenance schedule of the manufacturer

of generator. Inspections must consist of
 Check for leaks, assessing oil and coolant levels
  Look at the belts and hoses
 Check the battery terminals and cables.
 Inspect the oil as well, as it must be changed regularly.

1.3.1 Maintenance Schedule for Generator

Recommended
Maintenance or Test
Interval Reference
Inspection Monthly
Change oil Every 100 hours of operation

1.3.2 Generator maintenance requires:

a) Annual fuel cleaning and filtering, as diesel fuel degrades quickly. After a few weeks
of operation, diesel fuel degrades via contamination of water and microbes, resulting in
clogged fuel lines and filters. Fuel cleaning involves using biocides annually in all
generators except for the standby generator, in which it will attract moisture.

b) The cooling system to be maintained, which requires checking the coolant level at
existing intervals. This must be done during shutdown periods.

c) Checking for battery power; this is especially true for standby generators, as battery
issues are their primary cause of failure. Make sure the batteries are robust and charged
enough to last long so as to not incur any start-up hitches for the generator.

d) Regular testing to inform of the battery’s current status. Testing involves checking the
electrolyte levels and specific gravity of the batteries. The batteries themselves also
must be clean.

e) Besides the above best practices, it is also important to exorcise the generator on a
weekly basis for 30 minutes under load. This will charge the battery, remove excess
wetness, lubricate the engine and filter the fuel and foil. Any loose pieces found
anywhere on the generator must be placed securely in.

f) You should also keep records of inspections and tests for future inspections and
scrutiny. These records will allow you to stay in the know of your generator’s state.

g) Generator Location – Generator is located in flat, stable area that allows enough room
for second generator. Fuel trucks can access generator(s).

h) Lifting Gear – Lifting gear is properly supported with dunnage. Generator is level.

i) Fueling – Some states require empty fuel tanks. Fuel tanks as needed.

j) Fluid Level – Check coolant and oil levels for engine.

k) Start Engine and Inspect – Prior to connecting generator set to load, start engine at
generator control panel and inspect for: fuel leaks, coolant leaks and oil leaks.