Generators should be installed as if they will always encounter worse case scenarios. Systems installed without this philosophy will generally fail when you need them the most. There is a difference between a generator running the weekly run period and a generator actually providing the electrical source for your home or business during an extended utility outage event.
All manufacturers recommend a complete inspection of generating power systems before they are put into service. As a consumer you should require a comprehensive start up, including load testing with an external load bank, before the generator source is connected to your home or business. To do it any other way would be taking a risk that could ultimately cost you more than the worth of the generator!
Although residential and small commercial generators have been available for years, there is still a lot of bad representation by companies and a misconception by the consumer. A generator is not something you can simply start up and run and just because the engine starts, think that the generator is as it should be. There are several components of a generator, the engine, battery, and starter motor are only 3 of those components. To provide analysis of a system, a company would need to look at everything in order to provide an accurate picture and condition of the complete generator system.
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