Recently our local volunteers of the Phillipsburg Emergency Squad approached us to repair a failed PTO generator on one of their response vehicles. This generator is important as it allows them to power the emergency lighting and AC equipment that is needed while on-site. But what is a PTO generator? A Power Takeoff Driven Generator, or PTO, is a system by which the generator uses power from an external source to produce electricity. This is not an uncommon feature - think of a farm tractor that uses the engine’s power to run accessories from behind such as mowing decks and hay balers. In the case of the Emergency Squad, the diesel engine...

Living in New Jersey and Eastern PA it is not uncommon for many of us to make the pilgrimage at least once every summer to go ‘Down the Shore’ for a day trip or extended stay. If you’ve been able to get there yet this season you have likely noted that the water is exceptionally warmer compared to more recent years. With a Bermuda high stuck off the coast for weeks, ocean temps have warmed up nicely. However, while the warm water is great for summer fun, it is also a factor for fueling tropical storm development. Are you better prepared now then at this time nearly 4 years ago? A point...

Sometimes there can be a huge benefit to having a single machine that can solve multiple power requirements. And this is the value of a mobile generator platform. What image comes to mind when you hear the word Generator? More often than not, visions of a large stationary machine that sits out back or in the dark reaches of your building would most likely pop-up. The fact is, you would not be entirely wrong with this assessment. Frequently these are the solutions that best fit the needs of a single facility looking to provide emergency/stand-by power. However, there are cases in which this type of generator solution may not necessarily fit the...

Yearly maintenance will benefit your generator by routinely running the system, checking for proper operation, and identifying potential issues like worn belts and hoses. During a typical routine inspection and evaluation of your generator equipment, the prudent maintenance technician will often make recommendations to update or replace various components. All of this is in an effort to ensure the generator will run properly when needed. For instance, the starting battery could be more than 4 years old. Although it might work well during the inspection and test run, conventional wisdom would dictate that a battery this old could fail at any time and without notice. The recommendation to replace it now is...

Fuel issues are the number one reason for emergency call outs. With hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in fuel inventory at stake, testing for fuel quality should be #1 on your to do list. Fact. Most diesel generators that were used during Super Storm Sandy in 2012 ran well and after which were filled with fresh diesel fuel. Today, almost 3 1/2 years later, most of that diesel remains in those tanks. Our research from speaking with multiple fuel providers, reviewing documented information on the topic, and gaining insight from various experts in the field, revealed a general consensus that diesel fuel begins to break down and loose quality after just...

Routinely changing generator engine fluids and checking for proper mechanical and electrical operation is an important element to proper generator maintenance. P3 Generator Services provides service contracts specifically to meet this need. But Did You Know? Beyond the basics there is plenty more that can and should be done to ensure your emergency generator is ready for action whenever ground power failures strike your facility. Oil Sampling Routine lab testing of engine oil samples will provide insight into what is going on inside the engine allowing for preventative action long before a problem occurs and potentially saving thousands of dollars in repairs. Fuel Sampling Fuel issues are the number one reason for...