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Think of your generators like you do your own vehicles. Your vehicle can sometimes be difficult to start during very cold days. The same is true for your generators. Here are a few reasons why your generator may not start during the winter:

• Cold oil
• Cold battery
• Cold electronics
• Air blockage
• Exposure to weather elements

As you enter the winter months here are some things that an organization can do to prepare your generator:

• Inspect and clean your generator – While this is already a regulatory requirement to inspect the emergency generator weekly, it is especially important to make sure you inspect the air vents. During the fall, you can get leaves and twigs blowing around and they will commonly get stuck around the air vents of your generators. Make sure the vents are clean and clear. Check for loose wires and other parts to make sure there are no signs of corrosion.
• Run the generator regularly – While it is no longer a code requirement to run a generator weekly, during the winter months is a good time to do this. Running the generator allows for the moving parts to become lubricated, and it maintains the seals in the generator.
• Use an engine block heater – Having an engine block heater, also called a water jacket heater, can prevent dangerous cold starts by keeping the engine oil warm when the generator is idle. An engine block heater can combat the issue that cold temperatures present for starting generators. Another consideration is to install a coolant heater, air inlet heater and control panel heater if your generator faces freezing temperatures.
• Change to a winter-grade oil – You can lessen the friction and make it easier for your generator to start if you utilize a thinner oil that is designed for winter use. You can then change back to the typical oil once the temperatures start warming up.
• Warm the batteries and keep them charged – Most of the emergency generators in hospital use lead-acid batteries. The cold weather can adversely affect those batteries. Sometimes the below freezing temperatures can reduce the functionality of the battery to less than half of its capacity. Keeping the batteries warm can be performed with a thermostatically controlled warming blanket. This blanket can be plugged into the same power source you are using for the engine block heater.

Freezing sprinkler piping during the winter months can cause a huge flooding issue in hospitals. According to NFPA 110, wet fire sprinkler systems require freeze protection if any portion of the sprinkler system is in spaces where temperatures cannot be maintained at or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the ways that the code permits to prevent freezing is the use of an antifreeze solution. However, the solution must be in compliance with your local and state fire codes. Before utilizing any type of antifreeze solution, it is very important to consult with your fire sprinkler system professionals, including your local fire authorities. This is to make sure that the solution you are using does not create additional fire risk in the event that the sprinkler system is activated during a true fire. Some solutions have been known to create a fire risk when used in sprinkler systems. There are new products on the market that meet a UL listed standard for use in fire sprinkler systems as an alternative to antifreeze solutions. It is important to understand all the requirements that would be needed to be followed in the event that an organization utilizes this type of solution. Please refer to NFPA 110-2010 7.6 for requirements, as well as local fire authorities. I hope that you all have a safe winter season and always be prepared.