It can take a few minutes to hours before a generator can cool down for proper handling or refuelling. However, understand that when a generator overheats, it can take the internal components a longer time to cool effectively.
Having an internal combustion engine is the reason why every generator generates a significant amount of heat, likewise, any other equipment that has this engine. This directly implies that once a generator is in use, it needs to be handled and refuelled carefully. The best thing to do is to wait for the generator to cool down, however, how long does a generator need to cool down?
Well, in this article, we are going to discuss how it takes a generator to cool down, explore the normal temperature and the reasons for cooling a generator down. Also, we will provide practical tips on how to keep your generator cool. Let’s dive in.
What is the Normal Temperature of a Generator
In some countries like the United States, standards have been developed that help to guide the safety and performance of generators. A generator has a capacity of exhausting temperature more than 500°C (932°F), but it’s designed with the features that help in reducing the risk of getting burnt, with limits set on the surface temperatures of both the metal and non-metal parts of the generator.
If your environment has an ambient temperature of 20°C (68°F), then the maximum surface temperature of the metal parts of the generator will be 50°C (122°F), while the non-metal parts will be 70°C (158°F). This will result in the maximum temperature of a generator’s panelling and contoured portions increasing to 90°C (194°F), which will set the limit of the insulation temperature to lie within the range of 115°C (239°F) to 190°C (374°F).
Why Do Generators Need To Be Cooled?
A generator needs to be cool to ensure it doesn’t disappoint you when you turn it on. This is to make sure that it works well or doesn’t make any funny sounds as a result of overheating, so this means proper maintenance needs to be done to avoid any inconvenience.
5 reasons why your generator need to be cool
1. Ensures smooth functioning of the generator
An unexpected power outage can happen and you don’t want any unexpected glitch to surface. And you want to avoid getting frustrated when you turn on the generator and it doesn’t start and you wouldn’t want that during an electricity crisis. So to avoid this kind of situation, you must make sure that your generator is cool by keeping it in a place that’s ventilated enough, making the generator well pump to supply the needed power.
2. Prevents fuel-related problems
Leaving your generator to get overheated or not maintained there are chances that it can develop fuel-related problems. This means that without proper maintenance your generator can get a clogged injector or its batteries can start leaking. So it’s better safe than sorry. That’s why you need to ensure that you always check your generator to prevent fuel problems from happening.
3. Increases the lifespan of the generator
The generator being cool will save you a lot of headaches and money. Neglecting your generator when it’s overheating or doesn’t cool quickly can amount to a high repairing cost and if it’s not attended to can stop the generator from working. This will lead to a compromise of its lifespan as a result of a lack of maintenance.
4. Improves efficiency
Ensuring that your generator doesn’t overheat or maintain adequately will help your generator reach its efficiency potential. And it starts from making sure that your is always cool and there’s a proper maintenance routine for it.
5. Saves money
Ignoring your generator would lead to high repair costs. Any time you notice that your generator doesn’t cool quickly, find what’s the problem and make sure it’s repaired. You have to make sure that your generator is properly maintained, be proactive.
And you have to keep up with this maintenance to ensure your generator is working smoothly. If you ignore the signs that it doesn’t cool quickly, chances are, you will end up with a malfunctioning generator. Save yourself unnecessary troubles by keeping your generator in good shape.
How Long Does a Generator Need to Cool Down
First, understand that every generator has the potential of overheating, and knowing how long it takes a generator to cool down shows that you’re worried that your generator may be overheating.
Well, how long it takes your generator to cool down depends on some factors such as;
- The generator’s model
- The type of fuel your generator uses.
- How long the generator is used per time.
- And the size of your generator.
It can take a few minutes to hours before a generator can cool down for proper handling or refuelling. However, understand that when a generator overheats, it can take the internal components a longer time to cool effectively.
Also, where your generator is located, plays a role in how long it will take your generator to cool. So you should understand that the external environment has a major impact on the thermal control of a generator. Moreover, you can change some of the conditions to improve heat dissipation from the generator to enable it to cool down quickly. To achieve this, here are some factors to consider:
1. External temperature
Using your generator on a hot sunny day will cause it to heat up and will take a longer time to cool down after use. When there’s a higher air temperature it can result in lower air density that affects the amount of oxygen available to the generator, making it work hard in delivering power which increases the chances of overheating.
2. Altitude
Altitude leads to the reduced amount of oxygen available to a generator, causing it to overwork, which will result in overheating.
3. Airflow
It’s not advised you use your generator indoors because it will not only cause carbon monoxide but will lead to the lack of airflow. Meaning that the heat generated by the generator is intact, which will cause the generator to overheat, and to cool down will take a longer time.
4. Other radiating heat equipment
Having your generator close to any heat-emitting device will increase the temperature of both your generator and that of the device, which will cause both to overheat.
What Causes Generator Not Cooling Quickly
There are key problems that can cause your generator from cooling quickly:
1. Low coolant levels
To help regulate the temperature of the parts of a generator, a liquid-cooled generator is needed that will facilitate the transfer of heat away from components that can become overheated. Where there’s a leak from the gasket or blockage, it will prevent circulation that will cause your generator not to cool quickly as a result of overheating.
2. Low oil
Oil is essential in the lubrication of the parts of the engine so that it performs well. If the engine runs on little or no oil it can cause the components to wear out and can lead the generator to overheat because it is working hard to maintain its output.
3. Dirt and debris on the generator engine
It’s very easy to overlook the buildup of dirt on your generator, but it will act as an insulator preventing the dissipation of heat, meaning the generator will not cool quickly.
4. A break-down fan
The fan helps to keep the unit cool and functional. However, dirt can clog the fan causing the vital cooling machine not to function.
5. Excess fuel in your generator
When the generator uses more fuel than is required, it can cause it to run hotter as the fuel has to be used up. This will cause your generator not to cool quickly because of the overheating it’s experiencing.
6. Blocked air filters
When the air filters are blocked they can’t draw fresh cool air into the generator, regulating the temperature needed to avoid it overheating.
7. Overloading the generator
Using more appliances that your generator can carry may result in the generator overworking to supply power to the house. This can cause it to overheat and cooing quickly becomes difficult because of the load it’s carrying.
Tips for Keeping Your Generator Cool
Generators work better when they are cool, so let’s consider the following tips that will help in keeping your generator cool;
1. Regularly change oil and filter
To keep the system lubricated, you need fresh oil for the parts to work together. As the oil gets older, it will become ineffective and that can cause the integral components to start wearing down. When the oil is not changed frequently it will make the filter not be able to keep dirt and debris from getting into the engine. And it will lead to the generator overheating which will cause damages, so the oil has to be changed frequently to ensure the smooth running of the generator.
2. Maintaining the coolant level
A generator needs a steady supply of coolant for the temperature to be adequately controlled. Coolant helps in absorbing the chemicals the engine produces and when it is not enough, the engine gets hot and shuts down, especially if it’s overheating. That’s why you have to consistently check the level of the coolant to ensure smooth performance.
3. Don’t block the exhaust area
The exhaust helps in removing the hot air produced by the engine. If there’s any equipment, wall, or anything blocking the exhaust area, the generator starts to overheat because the hot air is not going out. It’s recommended that the generator be kept outdoors to avoid chemicals from the exhaust getting to anyone inside the house.
4. Regular maintenance routine
A regular maintenance routine will help in identifying and repairing any problem the generator may develop, which will prevent it from escalating to bigger problems.
Conclusion
Many factors affect how long it takes a generator to cool down, however, there are a lot of things to do to ensure your generator cools quickly. Don’t refuel your generator when it’s hot because it can ignite or explode. Always turn off the generator and let it cool down completely before refuelling it or changing the oil. Also, remember to always carry out a regular maintenance routine for your generator to help avoid anything that can cause overheating and not cooling quickly.
