A Guide on How to Shut Off a Generator Properly

How to Shut Off a Generator – The proper use of the generator will help to prolong the lifespan of your generators for long periods of time

Of course, it is not just used without proper care. To prevent damage, you need to understand how to turn the generators off properly, just like when turning them on. 

Even though it seems simple, understanding how to turn off or turn on a genset properly has a big impact on its long-term performance.

If you haven’t paid much attention to the entire usage and storage process before, then start now. 

So, through this article dimulti.id will give you the explanation on how to shut off a generator properly to prevent any damage to your electronic devices and your generator itself.

How to Shut Off a Generator?

The properly executed shut off process not only will maintain your device performance, but also improves energy efficiency. Here’s a description of each step of switching it off. 

1. Disconnect Device

The first very important step when turning off a genset is to make sure that all electrical loads connected to the genset have been turned off. 

This includes turning out electronic devices such as lights, electronic devices, and other devices that use the power of the gensets. 

Disconnecting any load before switching off the entire generator helps to avoid power surges that can damage electronic equipment or overload the generator. 

For example, if you turn off the generator without turning off the lights or other devices that are still active then the load that is suddenly disconnected can cause a fatal power surge for the generators and other electrical devices connected to the generating system.

2. Lower Your Generator RPM

Once all electrical loads have been disconnected, then slowly lower the rotation of the generator. This is done to give the engine a cooling time after the power supply to the load has stopped.

Slowly reducing engine rotation also helps reduce mechanical pressure on engine components and reduces the risk of damage when the engine stops rotating. 

For example, if a generic machine runs at a high rotation and then immediately turns off, it can cause heavy pressure on internal components. Then in turn this action can reduce the life of the machine.

3. Cooling Down

Wait a few minutes to make sure the engine temperature returns to normal and all the internal systems are running well. 

This action will give the genset an opportunity to balance its internal load and avoid ups or fluctuations that could harm the device. 

Although the machine may have stopped rotating, the components in the machine can still be hot due to the previous work process. 

However, by waiting a few minutes, you allow the machine to cool down and prevent damage from high temperatures.

4. Shut Off the Generator

Once it is confirmed that the engine is stable and all systems are running normally, the last step is to turn off the entire genset. 

You can turn off a switch or a power button according to the instructions on the genset device. 

Make sure to turn the generator off carefully and follow the instructions recommended by the manufacturer. 

Shutting it off with the right steps will help maintain the device’s performance and extend its lifespan.

5. Turn the Fuel Switch to Off

Set the generator’s fuel valve to the “OFF” position. This to shut off the fuel to further flowing and to prevent any leakage that may happen.

Also Read: “The Ultimate Generator Buying Guide“

Thing to Pay Attention to Before Shut Off a Generator

Before you turn off a generator, there are some important things to keep in mind for the process to run smoothly and efficiently. 

Using the following information, you are expected to be able to ensure the safety, optimal performance, and efficiency of the generator.

1. Check the Electricity Loads

Before turning off the generator, make sure that no excessive electrical load is still connected. This is important to avoid power surges that can damage electronic devices or overload the generators. 

Turn off all unnecessary equipment and make sure all power sources have been disconnected from the Generator.

2. Check the Condition and Temperature of Your Generator

Any device that has too high of temperatures or overheats indicates a not really good condition. That’s why you need to pay attention to the engine temperature of the generator you’re using. 

Make sure the machine is not in excessive heat or is running heavy loads. Turning off the generator when the engine is in inappropriate condition can cause problems resulting in damage to vital components.

3. Check the Fuel Level

Make sure the generator still has enough fuel for future use. Turning off the generators when the fuel is in small quantities can cause problems when you turn it on again or worse, even damage the fuel system itself.

So it’s better to check and refill the fuel before using the generator. Remember not to fill the fuel when the engine is still in high temperatures or even in the state of the generator being in use.

It can trigger fires that endanger you and the people around. 

4. Disconnect the Load Gradually

If the generator is used to carry heavy loads, it is recommended to disconnect it gradually. This helps to reduce power surges that can damage electronic devices or burden them suddenly. 

Also, one thing that is worth noting is to disconnect the loads from the heaviest to the lightest.

Also Read: “The Difference Between Silent And Open Generators“

So there you have it! How to shut off a generator properly and safely to ensure not only the generator itself but also the devices that connected to it!

In choosing the generators, make sure to look for the one with an SNI logo on it, as the generators with SNI logo on it, have been tested for its quality and safety.

The SNI itself is a product approval and certification to ensure that every product and service that are sold and distributed in Indonesia has already met the Indonesian standards and regulations.

Before being issued by the SNI certificate, those said products need to undergo a rigorous set of tests to determine its quality and safety aspect.

There are few items that are mandatory to be certified by the SNI certification as you can see HERE.

Other than that, the SNI certification also covers a lot of products in a lot of industries, ranging from automobiles to agriculture.

It is also recommended to put the SNI logo on your product aside from the mandatory list above.

So, as for business owners, having the SNI certification on your product can be so beneficial for your business.

The SNI certification can be used as a key selling point for your product, and it can also be used to boost the trust from the Indonesian market to your product.

If you’re interested in that subject, kindly check the info below!

• Address: Jl. H. M. Tohir Jl. Margonda No.15, Pondok Cina, Kecamatan Beji, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 16424 (Google Maps)
• Phone Number: (021) 27843242
• E-Mail: info[at]narmadi[dot]com