• Home
• Connecticut Electrical Tips
• Common Generator Malfunctions

Common Generator Malfunctions

If you’ve ever been inconvenienced by a power outage, a whole-house generator may be a useful addition to your home. Whole-house generators can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs over time in some homes. Power outages cost homeowners a lot of money, especially if they have to replace spoiled food items, seek alternative shelter, or schedule repairs for burst pipes and damaged electrical equipment. In other cases, a power outage can be even more serious if someone in the home requires medical equipment to run at all times. Whole-house generators offer many advantages over small portable units, as they can power your entire home seconds after a power outage with very little hassle.

And as an added bonus, generators rarely run into any problems that necessitate major repairs. Most generators aren’t used very frequently, so as long as there’s a reliable fuel source (propane or natural gas), the generator should kick in soon after the power shuts off. However, there are a few potential malfunctions you may want to look out for when you bring a new generator in your home.

• Wiring Issues – A generator is wired directly into your home’s electrical system so that it can sense when there is no longer an electrical current running through the home. Wiring issues are rare but they may result from poorly-maintained equipment or faulty installation. Be sure to schedule maintenance for your generator from time to time to make sure all of the electrical equipment is functioning.
• Battery Failure – In some generators, batteries will need frequent replacement. Batteries can wear down if they become exposed to the air as this can allow lead sulfates to develop.
• Refrigerant Leaks – Generators have a small supply of coolant inside of them in order to keep the system from overheating, and while this shouldn’t dissipate, it could leak over time.
• Oil/Fuel Leaks – Most generators run on either propane or natural gas. If you encounter a leak, it could be not only detrimental to the system, but also dangerous, another reason regular maintenance is so important.

Contact Electrical Connection Inc., a company experienced with repairs, maintenance, and installation of propane and natural gas generators in Newington. Give us a call today!