How Long Does a Generator Last on Average?

Industrial generators could power a whole city if they were set up correctly! Such is the efficiency and durability of these generators that some places in the world still run on the power of industrial gas generators.

In recent times, home and business owners have seen the value of having a backup power source, and more compact generators have been sold over the years.

You might be wondering how long does a generator last? Before you fork out your hard saved money to buy one, read on below to find out all you need to know about the lifespan of industrial generators.

Learning About Your Diesel Generator

Understanding how your diesel generator works is paramount to knowing how long your generator will last. A diesel generator normally uses a diesel engine with a high-pressure fuel pump that can either be electronically controlled or mechanically controlled.

Mechanically controlled diesel generators have always been the popular choice because they aren’t that advanced mechanically and are easy to repair. However, since common rail diesel engines were produced, more manufacturers have sought out electronically controlled engines, as they are more fuel-efficient and produce less noise.

Regardless of which type of diesel generator you have, the basic maintenance requirements will remain the same.

Prioritizing the use of the generator is really important. For example, if you do have a power outage, you might not need power at that time, so it would be a waste to run your generator when it isn’t needed. This type of approach will keep the hours down on your generator and ensure it lasts for many more years.

Maintenance is vital when it comes to the longevity of a diesel engine, and with a diesel generator, this is no different. You should look to inspect and service your generator every 6 months or 400 hours of use, whichever comes first.

This, however, is a rule of thumb. If your generator hasn’t been used that much, you can get away with doing it once a year.

Do Gas Generators Last Longer?

Selecting the right generator is hugely dependent on the availability of fuel supply, and if gas is cheaper than diesel, then you might want to consider a gas generator. Setting up a gas generator is more expensive than a diesel one but could save you money in the long run.

Diesel generators do have an edge over gas generators when it comes to longevity. This is due to the fact that diesel generators are made of slower, simpler parts. Therefore, the internal moving parts don’t rub together as they do with gas-powered ones, which causes wear and tear over a long period.

Unless you are setting up a gas-powered station, you would be better off sticking with a diesel generator as a cost-effective, more robust option.

Sizing of a Generator

Size matters a lot when it comes to the efficiency and longevity of your diesel generator. If you do have a small generator that is continuously working over capacity, then it won’t last as long as it would if it was running at the right capacity.

It is very important that you know how many kilowatts you need to use while the generator is running and match the generator size accordingly. You could even opt for a generator that has a slightly higher capacity, as this will ensure that it is powerful enough to match all your needs and will never run at full capacity.

Aim to use 90% of the generator’s capacity, as a good rule of thumb. This will ensure that the generator always acquires sufficient combustion pressure and won’t put added strain on the piston rings.

Signs Your Generator Is Failing

In order to get the longest lifespan possible out of your generator, you need to recognize signs that your generator is failing. Picking up a small problem early will ensure that it doesn’t turn into a big problem and cause complete failure.

For this reason, it is important that you continuously check your generator while it is running for any of these signs:

• The generator struggles to start
• Continuous blue smoke from the exhaust pipe
• Poor fuel economy
• Not running at full capacity
• Increased oil consumption between services
• Excessive noise coming from the engine
• The engine has excessive blow-by
• The engine has a rough idle
• Doesn’t stop running when turned off

If any of these symptoms are present, then it’s time to call the professionals and get the engine seen before it’s too late.

How Long Does a Generator Last?

Even if you repair and maintain your generator on time, make sure the load capacity is taken into account. A diesel engine, unfortunately, like any other mechanical equipment, has an expiry date and will eventually fail at some point.

So how long does a generator last? Diesel generators can last from 15,000 hours to a max of 50,000 hours before they need servicing, but that isn’t recommended.

The actual lifespan of a generator largely depends on how many hours it runs each year. For example, a generator that runs for an average of 650 hours can last for 30 years before any signs of wear show.

If the generator runs for an average of 1000 hours or more per year, then you can expect signs of wear to show after about 15 years. However, with continuous servicing and maintenance, you can add on an extra 5 years of life to your diesel generator.

When the Power Grid Fails You

If you own a home or business where the power supply is constantly interrupted, your only viable option is to run a generator and the key is knowing the answer to, “How long does a generator last?”. With such robustness and durability, every business that is reliant on the grid’s power supply should be looking at investing in one today!

Are you looking to buy a diesel generator? Not sure where to go? Head on over to our inventory for sale page and find the best new and used diesel generators for sale!