If you have a standby or whole-home generator, you expect to have seamless power, even during an outage. While generators are great tools for maintaining safety and comfort, they can fail. Unfortunately, generators tend to fail at the worst possible time — during a storm or outage.
To avoid generator failure when you actually need backup power, look for failure warning signs year-round. Taking fast action is key to restoring backup power. We’re going to share five generator failure symptoms and steps to take during a failure.
Warning Sign 1: Slow or Hard Starting
Generators are designed to start quickly. If your generator struggles to start or won’t start at all, it’s likely due to:
- A weak or drained battery
- Issues with the starter motor
- Stale fuel
- A broken control panel
- Clogged filters
You may also have cold start issues due to chemical changes in fluids at low temperatures. These changes make it harder for the engine to crank and ignite.
Warning Sign 2: Lights Flickering or Power Inconsistencies
Another generator failure symptom is inconsistent power. If you notice your lights flickering or your system shows power drops and fluctuations, you have an issue on your hands. This sign can signal:
- Load imbalances
- Wiring issues
- Fuel injector failure
- A worn alternator
These unsafe fluctuations in voltage should be taken seriously to prevent safety hazards. Unstable output also puts sensitive appliances and electronics at risk of damage.
Warning Sign 3: Loud Noises or Unusual Vibrations
Strange noises are never a good sign. Generators always run with a steady hum, but if you hear clicking, banging, grinding, or whining, you may have an issue. Unusual vibrations or loud noises coming from your generator can be caused by:
- Loose components
- Engine wear
- Failing mounts
- Internal friction
Excessive vibration can lead to structural wear and long-term damage. It’s important to address loud noises promptly to avoid failure.
Warning Sign 4: Strange Smells or Visible Smoke
If you notice strange smells or smoke from your generator, this can indicate the generator is overheating and not safe to run. Some causes of electrical smells or visible smoke include:
- Issues the radiator
- Airflow restrictions
- Internal engine damage
- Cooling system or fuel leaks
- Oil burning
Dark smoke and increased carbon monoxide emissions signal excessive fuel usage or problems with combustion. Never ignore strange smells or smoke as overheating is detrimental to your unit’s lifespan.
Warning Sign 5: Unit Shuts Down Under Load
Sometimes a generator will shut down once it’s under load. This occurrence can be due to:
- Overload
- A failing alternator
- A clogged air filter
- Sensor failure
- Fuel delivery problems
A generator will automatically shut down when it is overloaded and asked to supply more power than its rated capacity. It does this to prevent overheating and internal damage. Unnecessary shutdowns may occur because of a sensor sending incorrect signals to the unit.
Immediate Steps to Take During a Failure
There are a handful of actions you should take during a failure to protect your safety and restore power.
- Prioritize safety: Never attempt repairs while a generator is still running and stay clear of hot surfaces and electrical connections. Ensure your generator is in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Shut down the generator properly: Turn off any connected loads, switch the generator to the off position, and allow it to cool completely before inspecting components.
- Check the fuel: Be sure to assess the fuel supply and quality of fuel. Look for leaks, an empty tank, or contaminated fuel.
- Inspect the circuit breakers: Check the generator’s onboard circuit breakers and reset tripped breakers. Confirm that the transfer switch is in the correct position.
- Reduce the electrical load: Disconnect any non-essential appliances before restarting.
- Restart and monitor: Restart the generator and gradually reapply the load while monitoring for abnormal sounds, smells, vibrations, or warning lights.
If the generator continually fails, shut it down and call a professional.
Common Causes of Generator Failure
There are several common causes of generator failure that could be causing you issues, including:
- Battery failure: Weak or discharged batteries commonly prevent generators from starting or cause unexpected shutdowns. Often, the issue is that the batteries are too old or corroded.
- Fuel contamination: Water, debris, or stale fuel disrupts combustion and damages fuel systems. Contaminated fuel commonly results in hard starting and shutdowns under load.
- Overloaded circuits: Exceeding the generator’s rated capacity will cause it to shut down. Running too many appliances can cause the generator to overheat and cause permanent damage.
- Lack of maintenance: Routine generator maintenance is essential to generator health. If maintenance tasks like changing the oil and filters are ignored, there’s an increased risk of failure.
- Faulty sensors: When oil pressure, temperature, or voltage sensors malfunction, they can trigger automatic shutdowns. A faulty sensor can interrupt operation without any real problem.
When Professional Repair Is Required
You should call a professional generator technician for repair if you’ve followed the steps discussed, and your generator continues to fail. This is for your safety and helps prevent further damage to your unit.
Repeated shutdowns aren’t normal, and professional service can solve the problems. Since generators involve high-voltage components, combustible fuel, and automated components, repairs should be left to professionals.
A qualified technician will have the skills, specialized tools, and training to diagnose the root cause and perform necessary repairs.
Why Choose MyReliablePower for Generator Repair
MyReliablePower is South Florida’s generator repair expert. Our skilled technicians bring years of experience to every job. We offer reliable generator repair services and emergency support for times when repairs cannot wait.
We’re family-owned and customer focused. With over 20 years in business, and 10,000+ generator installs in South Florida, locals trust us to handle their needs. We also have over 1,100 5-star Google reviews from satisfied customers. If you need generator services, choose MyReliablePower.
Schedule Emergency Generator Service
Is your generator having issues starting up or unexpectedly shutting down? The professionals at MyReliablePower will help find the solution. Our professionals are highly skilled and knowledgeable about why generators fail.
Need emergency service? Call 888-895-2372 today!
