WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT – WILL YOUR GENERATOR BE READY?

/in /by

With the increasing number of severe weather events across NZ, power outages are becoming more frequent – and less predictable.

For many sites, a generator isn’t just a backup anymore. It’s critical infrastructure.

But here’s the issue:


A generator only protects your operation if it actually works when you need it.

We regularly see generators that haven’t been tested or maintained properly… and when the power goes out, that’s when the problems show up.

Why maintenance matters more than ever

A proper electrical preventative maintenance plan isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s what ensures your generator will perform under pressure. Done properly, it gives you:

  • Reliability and Availability

    Reduces the risk of unexpected failures when you need backup power most.

  • Efficiency and Performance

    Ensures your generator runs as it should, without overloading or underperforming.

  • Cost Savings

    Prevents major failures and extends the life of your equipment.

  • Safety

    Faulty electrical components in generators are a real hazard if left unchecked.

With more outages and higher reliance on backup power, generators are being used harder and more often.

Common issues we come across:

  • Batteries that fail under load
  • Transfer switches that don’t operate correctly
  • Loose or degraded electrical connections
  • Protection systems that haven’t been tested
  • Generators that haven’t been load tested in years

Most of these don’t show up until it’s too late.

Generator maintenance

A solid electrical preventative maintenance plan should include:

  • Full visual inspections of cables, connections, and enclosures
  • Voltage and frequency checks to confirm correct output
  • Testing of circuit breakers, relays, and protection systems
  • Grounding system inspections and testing
  • Battery testing and load checks
  • Control panel and wiring inspections
  • Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) testing
  • Load bank testing to confirm real performance under demand
  • Infrared thermography to identify hidden faults

This isn’t just ticking boxes – it’s about making sure the system performs in real conditions.

Is your generator ready?

Generators don’t fail when they’re sitting idle.


They fail when they’re suddenly called on to run at full load.

That’s why testing under real conditions and regular maintenance is critical

With weather events becoming more frequent, now’s the time to either:

  • Get your existing generator properly checked and tested
  • Or review whether your current setup is still fit for purpose

If you’re not 100% confident your system will perform when needed, it’s worth getting it looked at properly

Need a hand?

The EAS team can:

  • Assess the condition of your current generator
  • Carry out full electrical preventative maintenance
  • Identify risks before they become failures
  • Make sure your backup power system is ready when you need it

Get in touch with EAS – and make sure you’re not left in the dark.

generator