PacB Group // Recommended Spares for the Repair and Maintenance of Electrical Generators

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Recommended Spares for the Repair and Maintenance of Electrical Generators

There are a surprising number of ways in which to produce an electric current. They range from the simple act of rubbing a plastic or glass rod with a piece of silk or fur in order to liberate electrons, to achieving the same effect by bombarding certain materials with photons from the rays of the sun. Most commonly, however, we rely upon the combustion of fossil fuels to power a generator whose mechanical energy is then converted into electricity. A ready supply of essential spares for both their electrical and mechanical components is essential for the ongoing operation of manufacturing plants and any environment where their output may be crucial to productivity.

Most often, but not exclusively, the source of the mechanical power will be a diesel engine. Not only is this the more powerful option, but it also has less moving parts, which can become worn or damaged, than a petrol engine. Because diesel oil is flammable, storing adequate reserves of fuel on-site presents a fire hazard. That said, the perfect machine still has to be invented and so, like a car or a washing machine, a generator is going to need certain spares from time to time. Therefore, it is extremely important that their owners and local suppliers know which of a given machine’s many parts are most likely to be required at short notice.

In practice, these tend to fall into one of two categories. Some engine parts will need to be replaced at regular intervals, as part of the manufacturer’s recommended preventative maintenance schedule. This is an undertaking that is often tackled in-house. Parts that are most prone to long-term wear and tear, could fail without warning and threaten production. For such contingencies, many companies maintain a backup generator in order to minimise downtime while fitting or waiting for the spares required to repair the damaged machine.

Naturally, parts do tend to vary in size and design according to the brands and models of the machines in use. If you have personnel with the required knowledge and skills, it is feasible to undertake servicing and repairs internally. In this case, it is important to ensure that you not only have all of the necessary spares for the particular make and model of generator on hand, but you also have all of the tools that will be needed in order to fit them. It is also important to remember that, should you choose to use components other than those of the engine manufacturer, it could result in that manufacturer’s warranty ending.

To ensure you can keep the power going, there are a number of parts, which owners need to have access to either on-site or from a dependable supplier. These include the generator spares typically required for routine maintenance such as oil, air, and fuel filters, as well as gaskets, and packings.

For those unpredictable, but potentially disastrous breakdowns, it can be a comfort to know that your supplier maintains stocks of main bearings, connecting rods, cylinder valves, and piston rings. In addition, they should either carry all of the necessary parts for fuel injection pumps or fully-assembled replacement units. In practice, it is not really feasible for the average owner to prepare for every possible contingency.

One of the many reasons why so many companies rely on the PacB Group to supply their generators, is our policy of maintaining ample spares for all of the best-known brands and their various models. State-of-the-art workshops and the ability to design, install, and maintain gensets and control panels for all purposes are, of course, equally good reasons.