A generator can keep you comfortable and safe during a power outage caused by a natural disaster. It can keep your food good and run essential appliances. But sometimes, if your generator sits idle for a long period, without running, then it may not even start.
Extended idle time for a generator results in a dead battery, and it is the most common reason why the generator fails to start.
A battery is essential for generator starting, as it provides power to the generator starter and controls the fuel injections. Moreover, besides lending a hand when starting, it also operates critical electronic components which are responsible for the automatic starting of a standby generator when a power outage is detected.
This is almost similar to a car engine, where also the battery is used to power the electronics.
So, if the generator battery is dead, what can you do? Is there another way to start the generator? If there is, then how can you do it? and is it safe to do so? In this post, we have discussed all those in detail.
Table of Contents
Why does Generator Fail to Start?
There are plenty of reasons why generators will refuse to start. In this section, we will look at the most common ones.
The most common reason for starting failure is a dead battery. Most of the generator uses a lead-acid battery, which is made up of electrolytes and plates. The battery converts the chemical energy to electrical energy. It fails to supply the current or doesn’t provide enough to start the generator when these plates get coated with the sulfate crystals.
Sulfate crystals come from the electrolyte when it becomes deeply discharged. In this case, you will need to install a new battery. It may also be possible that there is no problem with the battery, but the connections are dirty and unclean. So you should clean it periodically and also make sure that connections are proper.
Other than that, a low oil level will also prevent the generator from starting. This is a safety feature, and to remedy that, pour in new fuel. If the tank has no fuel, then also generator won’t start, so check that as well.
When a generator starts, it should be on no-load; electronics or any appliances should not be connected to the outlets; that is a requirement. If that is not the case, then also generator will not start. Remove them and then start again.
When a generator runs, the engine will get hot. If the temperature is not managed, then the engine may break down, and the generator won’t start. For that purpose, the generator uses a coolant to reduce the temperature.
So, you should check its levels at regular intervals. Also, inspect for a coolant leakage; for most generators, it will be red, which you will see around the generator.
Moreover, a generator will not start simply because the choke is in the wrong position. So, before starting the generator, make sure every simple thing is ensured; if that is so then, you can think of other reasons why your generator isn’t starting.
Why Battery is Needed to Start a Diesel Generator?
Without a battery, a diesel generator can’t start, a battery is essential. Its main function is to start the engine by powering the starting motor on the side. On top of that, it also helps to keep an eye on grid power and oil/water conditions by powering electronics to ensure that they meet the starting requisites.
The battery used in a diesel generator is almost maintenance-free, thanks to its structural design. There will be very little need for a periodic distilled water replacement too. Another plus point is that it will have twice the lifetime of normal batteries.
Small diesel generators will usually have two 24V DC batteries, while bigger units need four.
Is It Possible to Start the Generator without a Battery?
As you well know by now that other than fuel, a generator needs a battery to start the engine. But, when a battery is dead, and you don’t have any other option, can you start the generator without it? The answer to that question is yes, and you can do that.
But for that, you will need a supercapacitor. It acts as a jump starter, so it also requires jump-starting cables. Supercapacitors are environment-friendly, free from harmful chemicals, and also very safe to use.
How to Start the Generator without a Battery?
As mentioned, a battery of a generator will keep discharging as long as the generator doesn’t work. This happens when you store the generator for longer, the battery will slowly and fully discharge itself. When the generator runs, the battery supplies the energy to the engine and other components, and it starts discharging.
And for how long that will last gets decided by for how long the generator will run, how many times, and how much charge is there in the battery. This is because when the battery self-discharges, there is a possibility that it can’t be recharged on its own.
So, if it is confirmed that a dead battery is responsible for the generator’s inability to start, then the solution is the use of a supercapacitor.
A supercapacitor is a box-like device that will have two output terminals and two input terminals, input terminals to charge it. A generator can be started by attaching this supercapacitor to the generator with jumper cables from output terminals.
Other than that, when you face a problem with your battery, then you should contact the generator manufacturer. If the unit is still under warranty, they will replace it free of cost.
Most generator owners will be concerned about the safety of the unit and themselves when it comes to starting a generator on a supercapacitor. But there is nothing to worry about, and it is a perfectly safe thing to start a generator this way. Small generator units don’t have a battery on them; instead, a pull start is used to start the generator.
So, similarly, if there is no battery on a bigger unit, then also it can be started and that too safely.
Battery Maintenance Tips
If you want your generator to start quickly and without any problems, then you should regularly perform maintenance checks on it. A battery can fail due to several problems, which can either be mechanical or chemical in nature. If you want to avoid those problems, then we have mentioned tips on how you can keep the battery in good condition.
The first thing to check is the terminal connections, and if they are loose, then you need to tighten them. This is because these electrodes may get corroded over time which will result in reduced current flow.
Even if your connections are proper, the atmospheric conditions may lead to problems. So, to entirely insulate them from the environment, you can apply the silicone sealer after cleaning all the terminals.
The electrolyte level of the battery will gradually decrease, so it needs a regular inspection and replacement. The low level can damage the battery. If you find it to be less, then add distilled water; you can’t add river or well water. You can also add diluted sulphuric acid. A low level of distilled water oxidizes the plates.
Other than that, a generator shouldn’t be stored for an extended time without running, and you can run it for an hour every once in a while to keep the battery as well as its components in good condition. Also, you should check the battery’s voltage level using a multimeter if it is proper or not.
Conclusion
A battery not only starts the generator but also powers other critical components of a generator, so if you have a dead battery, then you should replace it as soon as possible.
But, if you need a generator in the meantime or the battery in your unit doesn’t power critical components, then you can start the generator without it too. Provided the reason for starting failure is a dead battery.
It is a safe and simple method, you just need to have a supercapacitor, and the generator will roar with life. Moreover, to keep the battery in good condition, you should follow the maintenance tips discussed above. It will increase the reliability of your generator.
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