Megger Testing

To ensure the operation of the alternator we recommend performing regular annual megohmeter testing with your maintenance contract. The alternator is one of two key components to your generator and if it fails it could cause health and safety problems or high economic loss. This especially critical in high corrosive environments or extreme weather conditions cold or hot.

Regular megohmeter testing will benchmark the alternators insulation capacity of the windings in the generator. A megohmeter check should be preformed at least once annually, even if the generator is located in an enclosed area with low humidity. This will help identify insulation absorption problems early before substantial loss of insulation occurs.

Our employees are experience and trained in the diagnosis, analysis and test the data collected. A low megohmeter reading indicates a potential problem, which may be as simple as minor moisture absorption. This can be corrected by use of a space heater or other drying method. Low readings may indicate a more seriously issue such as a reduced insulation condition, this can be caused by contamination from moisture, oil or conductive dirt, deterioration from age, or excessive heat. An extensive insulation leak can result in a need for alternator winding reconditioning. Reconditioning usually involves a thorough cleaning and additional dips and bakes of epoxy varnish.

Be sure to add regular megger testing to your current generator maintenance program. This will head off generator insulation problems before they result in power loss and eventually major, expensive generator failure.