Hour meter for generator

Types of Hour Meters for Generators

An hour meter for generator tracks the number of hours a generator has been operated. It is also called a running meter, timer meter, or maintenance hour meter. There are different types of hour meters for generators, and they include the following:

• CDI hour meter generator

  This is a simple and highly accurate hour meter that tracks generator usage. It has no internal battery but is powered by pulses from the generator's ignition coil. The CDI hour meter uses a microcontroller to track the number of pulses and calculate the operating time. It updates the reading every second based on the number of pulses counted. The reading is displayed on a small LCD screen. Some models may also have backlit screens for better visibility in low light conditions.

• Digital hour meter

  A digital hour meter displays the tracked hours using digital numbers on an LCD or LED screen. These hour meters use internal sensors to track the hours and display them on the digital screen. Some digital hour meters have extra features. For instance, they can track multiple channels or have adjustable time intervals. They also have programmable settings to meet specific user requirements.

• Maintenance hour meter

  A maintenance hour meter is designed to track the maintenance schedule of an hour meter generator. It logs the total running hours and the hours of each maintenance activity. The maintenance hour meter displays the logged data on a digital screen. Some advanced maintenance hour meters have alarm functions. They can notify users when the generator reaches a predefined maintenance threshold.

• Generator usage hour meter

  A generator usage hour meter tracks the total hours a generator has been used. It is mostly used for monitoring purposes. The generator usage hour meter can be either mechanical or digital. Mechanical meters have moving parts that track hours. On the other hand, digital meters use electronic components to track and display hours.

• Service hour meter

  A service hour meter keeps track of the service hours of the maintenance staff. It logs the hours maintenance staff worked on the generator. The service hour meter can be useful for organizations that need to track maintenance activities for scheduling and reporting purposes.

Specifications and maintenance of hour meters for generators

There are several specifications buyers need to consider when purchasing an hour meter for generators. They include:

• Display: The display on an hour meter is important. A lot of people will prefer an LCD. It displays the information clearly and is easier to read, even in low-light situations.
• Size: The body size of an hour meter for a generator is also important. They come in different sizes, such as 48 mm x 24 mm, 52 mm x 26 mm, and 48 mm x 48 mm. Buyers should get one that fits the panel well. Also, they should consider the mounting type: surface or panel.
• Power supply: An automatic hour meter requires a specific power supply to function. The supply can be 12 volts, 24 volts, or 220 volts AC. Buyers should get one that matches the generator's power supply.
• Water and dust resistance: When an hour meter for a generator has water and dust resistance, it increases its durability. It can withstand harsh conditions. The resistance is measured with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This means it can block unwanted particles from getting inside and damaging the internal components of the hour meter.
• Memory backup: When the power supply goes off, the memory backup will retain the recorded data. An hour meter with a memory backup can go up to 10 years. This means the user will not lose the information that has been logged.

Maintaining an hour meter for generators is important. It ensures users get accurate readings for maintenance scheduling. Here are some tips on how to maintain an hour meter for a generator:

• Clean the hour meter regularly: Dust and moisture can interfere with the readings of the hour meter. Therefore, it should be cleaned regularly, at least once a week. Wipe the surface using a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials because they can damage the display.
• Check the connections: Inspect the wiring connections periodically to ensure they are secure. Loose connections can affect the accuracy of the readings.
• Monitor the power supply: Some hour meters run on batteries. Therefore, users should monitor the power supply and change the batteries when they are low. Also, they should use a power supply that matches the requirements of the hour meter.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Different hour meters have different specifications and requirements. Therefore, buyers should read the manual and follow the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer.

How to Choose an Hour Meter for Generator

There are several factors to consider when choosing an hour meter for a generator, such as reading, power source, durability, installation, and additional features.

• Reading: The reading of the generator hour meter is one of the most important considerations. Buyers can choose from a trip, total, or resettable hour meter. A trip hour meter records every trip and can be very useful for maintenance scheduling. A total hour meter records the total hours of operation and is often used for tracking maintenance schedules. On the other hand, a resettable hour meter allows users to reset the readings, making it ideal for tracking specific activities or projects.
• Power source: Choosing an appropriate power source is very important when selecting an hour meter for a generator. Buyers can decide between battery-powered, self-powered, or externally powered hour meters. Battery-powered hour meters are very common because they are portable and easy to install. Self-powered hour meters use the generator's mechanical movement to generate power. They are reliable and do not require any batteries. Externally powered hour meters are connected to an external power source, such as the generator's electrical system.
• Durability: Buyers should consider the durability of the hour meter. They should select a meter that is designed with strong housing material to withstand harsh environments. An hour meter with a waterproof and dustproof design is very useful because it can be used in different applications and harsh environments. They won't have to worry about the hour meter getting damaged by water or dust.
• Installation: The installation process of the hour meter is very important. Buyers should choose an hour meter that is very easy to install. Some of them come with installation kits that make the process much easier. They should also select an hour meter with a clear display so they can easily see the readings while operating the generator.
• Additional features: Many hour meters for generators come with additional features that can be very useful. Buyers can look out for features such as backlighting, alarm or alert functions, maintenance reminders, and programmable settings. An hour meter with backlight will be very useful because it will allow the user to see the readings clearly, even in low-light conditions. Alarm functions notify users when they reach a specific hour of operation. Maintenance reminders help users to keep track of maintenance schedules, while programmable settings allow them to customize the meter according to their specific needs.

How to DIY and Replace Hour Meter for Generator

There are several steps to DIY and replace an hour meter for a generator. They include the following:

• Safety Precautions

  Before doing anything, it's important to follow safety precautions. This includes turning off the generator. Also, ensure that all the wires are not touching anything that could cause a short circuit or electric shock. Read the manual carefully to understand how to install the new hour meter safely.

• Choose the Right Hour Meter

  Get an hour meter that is made for generators. It should match the one that is already in the generator or be better. It should also be easy to install and safe. Make sure it is compatible with the generator's specifications and can handle the required logging frequency.

• Gather Required Tools

  Get the tools needed to install the hour meter. This could be a screwdriver, pliers, wire cutter/stripper, electrical tape, and a wrench. Additionally, ensure to have safety glasses and gloves for added protection during the installation process.

• Remove the Old Hour Meter

  Take off the screws holding the old hour meter. Be careful not to break anything. After that, carefully pull out the old hour meter from the generator. Take a picture or make a note of how the wires were connected to the old meter before removing it. Disconnect the wires connected to the old meter. Remember to do this gently so you don't damage anything.

• Connect the New Hour Meter

  Follow the instructions from the maker of the new hour meter. Connect the wires just like the old one was connected. Make sure the connections are tight and secure. This hour meter will track how many hours the generator runs. Connect the new hour meter to the generator using the same wiring configuration as noted earlier.

• Mount the New Hour Meter

  Put the new hour meter in the same place where the old one was. Use the screws to keep it from moving around. Make sure it is tight and will not fall off. Once secured, close the generator's access panel or cover.

• Test the New Hour Meter

  Start the generator to ensure the new hour meter works. Check that it is counting the hours correctly. If it is not working, check the connections again and make sure everything is connected right.

• Record the Initial Reading

  Once the new hour meter is verified, record the initial reading for reference and maintenance scheduling. This will help track the usage and plan for maintenance accordingly.

Q&A

Q1: Why use a generator hour meter?

A1: The generator hour meter tracks the running time of the generator. This information helps in scheduling maintenance, ensuring the generator's reliability and optimal performance, and reducing wear and tear.

Q2: What is an hour meter on a generator?

A2. An hour meter on a generator is a built-in or external device that records the total operating hours of the generator. It helps users track usage for maintenance and service scheduling.

Q3: How does a generator hour meter work?

A3. A generator hour meter works by monitoring the electrical signals generated by the running engine. It then translates these signals into recorded hours, providing an accurate account of the generator's operating time.