Inspect critical components, record operating readings, identify abnormalities and track follow-up with a practical daily DG checklist for facility managers and operators.
Printable inspection form · Operating readings · Defect and corrective-action log
A useful inspection does more than confirm that the generator looks normal. It records what was checked, what was observed and what needs follow-up. Not every item applies to every installation or needs to be performed daily. Follow the manufacturer's schedule and your site's approved procedure to determine when each check is required.
Check the area before inspecting the generator.
Record: Obstructions, spills, damage or unsafe conditions that need attention.
Check the oil with the generator stopped, following the manufacturer's specified procedure and waiting period.
Record: Oil level or indication, leakage and any abnormal change. Repeated oil loss needs investigation; topping up alone may not resolve the cause.
Check coolant only according to the manufacturer's safe procedure.
Safety: Never open a hot, pressurized cooling system.
The starting battery is essential for reliable DG operation, especially during automatic start demand.
Record: Condition, voltage where checked and any warning. Voltage alone does not prove cranking capability.
Where a restriction indicator is fitted, check it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Record: Indicator status, visible damage and required follow-up.
Confirm that the available fuel is suitable for the site's required standby duration.
Record: Fuel indication and any abnormality. Do not assume one tank-fill percentage fits every installation.
Look for visible signs of deterioration without touching hot or moving components.
Record: Component, observed condition and any action needed.
During an authorized start or test, observe the DG from a safe position. If an exhaust leak is suspected, keep personnel away, notify qualified maintenance personnel immediately, and follow the site safety procedure, including shutdown where required.
Record: Symptom, alarm and when it occurred. A successful start does not mean every parameter is acceptable.
Inspect displayed status, alarms and operating mode where relevant.
A normal display alone does not prove the full mains-failure detection and transfer sequence works correctly. Testing must be authorized and protect connected loads.
Where required and available, record actual values rather than writing only “OK.”
Record: Actual reading, unit and applicable OEM/site reference.
From a safe position, look for fuel, oil or coolant leaks, new vibration, unusual sounds, smells, exhaust changes, warnings or readings outside applicable limits.
Record: Condition, time, relevant reading, person notified and action taken. Follow the site's escalation or shutdown procedure for unsafe conditions.
A useful record explains what was actually observed—not just “not OK.”
Before closing the inspection, confirm that required checks are complete and that unresolved findings are visible to the next responsible person.
Record: Operator, date, time, outstanding actions and supervisor review where required.
Record actual readings where applicable and compare them with the correct reference for your installation. The form should make it possible to review what happened during this inspection—not merely show that a box was ticked.
| Parameter | What to record | How to assess it |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | Level or indication; visible leaks; unusual changes | Manufacturer's specified method and range |
| Coolant | Level or indication; leaks; temperature if displayed | Manufacturer and site procedure; safe temperature conditions |
| Battery | Condition and voltage if required | Applicable procedure; voltage alone does not confirm cranking health |
| Output voltage | Actual displayed reading and unit | DG nameplate, manufacturer and site requirements |
| Frequency | Actual displayed reading in Hz | Applicable operating range |
| Oil pressure / coolant temperature | Actual displayed readings where available | Manufacturer's specified limits |
| Load | Displayed load, kW or kVA where available | Approved test plan and site procedure |
| Runtime and test duration | Hour-meter reading and actual duration | Maintenance plan and approved test procedure |
| Defects | Observed condition, notification and action | Site escalation and corrective-action process |
Test duration, load, acceptable readings and test frequency vary by generator, installation and site requirements. This checklist intentionally does not prescribe universal limits.
Use a structured inspection form to record checks, capture operating readings and make sure defects are assigned for follow-up.
The Pazo PDF includes facility and DG details, pre-start checks, running readings, a defect and corrective-action log, handover notes and sign-off fields.
Get the free DG checklist PDF ↗Submit the download request through your connected lead form. Configure PDF delivery after form submission.
A daily checklist and periodic preventive maintenance serve different purposes. The inspection helps identify current conditions; preventive maintenance follows a planned schedule for servicing and component care.
| Daily DG inspection | Periodic preventive maintenance |
|---|---|
| Looks for visible defects and abnormal indications | Includes planned servicing and component maintenance |
| Records readings required by site procedure | Follows manufacturer-recommended tasks and intervals |
| Identifies issues requiring escalation | Investigates, repairs or replaces components as needed |
| Documents inspection results | Supports long-term reliability and maintenance planning |
| Completed by an appropriately trained operator or assigned person | Performed by personnel qualified and authorized for the work |
The daily checklist does not replace scheduled servicing, load testing, statutory inspections or specialist maintenance where required.
Practical answers to common questions that come up during routine generator inspections.
Record the actual readings, applicable limits or reference, active alarms and time observed. Report the abnormality according to the site's escalation procedure. A successful start does not establish that all operating parameters are acceptable.
Actual readings help the maintenance team compare results over time and identify changes a pass/fail mark can hide. Repeated changes may warrant investigation even if the generator continues to run.
Record the voltage and starting symptom, including any warning indication. Voltage alone cannot establish battery cranking capability or rule out other starting-system problems. Refer the issue to a qualified technician.
Recurring coolant loss should be recorded and investigated. Note the observed level, visible leakage and relevant temperature indication. Do not assume repeated top-ups are a permanent solution.
No. A normal display does not necessarily prove the complete mains-failure detection, generator-start and transfer sequence works. Testing must follow the approved site procedure and be performed by authorized personnel with appropriate safeguards.
Where available and required, load information helps establish the conditions under which the generator was tested. Runtime without load information may provide an incomplete picture. Follow the approved test plan for load and duration.
Mark it as not applicable or unable to complete, as appropriate, and explain why. Notify the responsible person if the missing check affects readiness. Do not guess a reading or leave an unexplained blank.
Consistent records let the team compare observations and readings across inspections. Repeated low coolant, recurring alarms or starting problems are easier to identify when each occurrence includes a date, evidence and follow-up status.
No. The checklist records the inspection and identifies findings. A work order assigns and tracks maintenance activity to address a defect. Link the finding to the site's work-order process when further action is required.
Untrained personnel should not perform live electrical work, bypass safety interlocks, open hot pressurized cooling systems or conduct unauthorized transfer and load tests. Follow site safety rules and refer work outside your training or authorization to qualified personnel.
Use the on-page checklist for guidance and download the printable Pazo DG Checklist PDF to maintain a structured inspection record.
Get the free DG checklist PDF ↗Adapt the form to your DG model, site procedures and safety requirements before use.
Technical note: This is a general inspection template, not a substitute for the DG manufacturer's manual, approved site procedures or applicable safety requirements. Have a competent DG or facility-management professional validate it before operational use.
