FAQs

Got questions about generators, hire, compliance or servicing? Find quick answers below, organised by topic.

What is a service agreement and what does it include

A retained service agreement means iPower takes ongoing responsibility for the maintenance of your generator on a contract basis. Depending on scope, this covers: scheduled servicing at defined intervals, emergency call-out response with agreed response times, consumables supply (oil, filters, coolant, belts, batteries), load bank testing, ATS functional testing and documentation, and a full asset management record. For life safety facilities, we tailor the agreement to fully satisfy BS 8519 operational and testing requirements.

Can iPower carry out a power quality survey on our site

Yes. We use power logging equipment to measure voltage, current, power factor, harmonic distortion, voltage dips and transients on your existing supply. Useful for: sizing a new generator correctly, diagnosing problems with existing equipment, assessing the impact of new loads, and establishing a pre-installation baseline.

What load bank testing capacity does iPower have

iPower operates compact trailer-mounted load banks capable of simulating resistive and inductive loads up to 1,250 kVA. We can carry out testing at our Dungannon facility or on-site at your premises anywhere in Ireland or the UK.

What is load bank testing

Load bank testing uses a purpose-built resistive (and sometimes inductive) load bank to apply a controlled, measurable load to a generator set. The generator is run at progressively increasing load steps up to its rated output and held there for a defined period. This proves rated output can be sustained, burns off wet stack deposits, and identifies problems — overheating, governor instability, fuel delivery issues — that would not appear on a light load or no-load test.

How often should a standby generator be serviced

For standby generators running infrequently, annual servicing is the minimum — engine oil degrades over time even without running hours. For generators with significant running hours, service intervals follow the manufacturer's hour-based schedule: typically every 250, 500 or 1,000 hours depending on the engine. iPower establishes the appropriate interval for your specific unit and application.

What does a generator service involve

A standard annual service includes: engine oil and filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, air filter inspection and replacement, coolant condition and level check, V-belt inspection and tensioning, battery condition and charging system test, AVR check and calibration, governor response check, visual inspection of all wiring, connections and fuel system components, exhaust system inspection, and a test run under load where possible. iPower provides a full written service record after every visit.

Can iPower service generators from manufacturers other...

Yes. Our engineers carry the diagnostic tools, technical knowledge and parts sourcing capability to service and maintain generator sets from all major manufacturers — Perkins, Volvo, FG Wilson, Kohler, Caterpillar, Himoinsa, Inmesol and others. We are not restricted to any single brand.