Checklist template

Generator and emergency power readiness

A ready-to-use checklist with 120 items in 6 sections, covering Fuel, Batteries, Run tests, Transfer switch, Enclosure, Records. Use it as-is in Bindy, or adapt it to your own standards in minutes.

  • 6 Sections
  • 120 Items
  • 97 Yes / No checks
  • 6 Scored ratings
  • 127 Points

Use this template How audits work

1. Fuel 24 items

  1. Generator fuel Choice
    • Diesel
    • Natural gas
    • Propane
  2. Generator make, model and rated output (kW) Short text
  3. Fuel level in the main tank at the time of this inspection (% of capacity) Number
  4. The fuel level is above the minimum set by company policy Yes / No 1 pt
  5. Hours of run time at full load that the fuel on hand provides Number
  6. The fuel gauge reading was confirmed by a dipstick or sight glass reading Yes / No 1 pt
  7. The day tank is full Yes / No 1 pt
  8. The day tank transfer pump ran when tested Yes / No 1 pt
  9. The low-fuel alarm sounded when tested Yes / No 1 pt
  10. The fuel tank, lines and fittings show no leak or weeping Yes / No 1 pt
  11. The tank's secondary containment or interstitial space is dry Yes / No 1 pt
  12. The tank's leak detection alarm is in normal status Yes / No 1 pt
  13. The fill port cap is in place and locked Yes / No 1 pt
  14. The fill port is labeled with the fuel type Yes / No 1 pt
  15. The tank vent is unobstructed Yes / No 1 pt
  16. A spill kit is kept within reach of the fill point Yes / No 1 pt
  17. Stored diesel was sampled and tested for water and microbial growth within the last 12 months Yes / No 1 pt
  18. Date of the last diesel fuel test or fuel polishing Date
  19. The fuel water separator was drained and shows no water Yes / No 1 pt
  20. Fuel filters were changed within the interval set by the manufacturer Yes / No 1 pt
  21. A fuel supplier is under agreement for priority delivery during a prolonged outage Yes / No 1 pt
  22. The natural gas or propane shut-off valve at the generator is open Yes / No 1 pt
  23. Gas piping and the regulator at the generator show no damage or odor of gas Yes / No 1 pt
  24. Fuel readiness Rating
    • Full, tested and leak-free 5 pts
    • Usable but below policy level or overdue for testing 3 pts
    • Not enough fuel or fuel in doubt 1 pt

2. Batteries 15 items

  1. Starting battery voltage at rest (volts) Number
  2. Starting battery voltage is within the range stated by the generator manufacturer Yes / No 1 pt
  3. The battery charger is powered and shows a float charge Yes / No 1 pt
  4. The battery charger shows no fault light Yes / No 1 pt
  5. Battery terminals are tight Yes / No 1 pt
  6. Battery terminals are free of corrosion Yes / No 1 pt
  7. Battery cases show no swelling, cracks or leaks Yes / No 1 pt
  8. The electrolyte level covers the plates in batteries that can be opened Yes / No 1 pt
  9. Batteries are within the replacement age set by company policy or the manufacturer Yes / No 1 pt
  10. Date the starting batteries were installed Date
  11. The installation date is written on each battery Yes / No 1 pt
  12. Batteries were load tested or conductance tested within the last 12 months Yes / No 1 pt
  13. Battery cables show no chafing or cracked insulation Yes / No 1 pt
  14. The battery rack or tray is secure and free of acid residue Yes / No 1 pt
  15. Condition of the starting batteries Rating
    • Charged, clean and within age 5 pts
    • Serviceable but corroded or near end of life 3 pts
    • Weak, damaged or overdue for replacement 1 pt

3. Run tests 23 items

  1. The generator controller was found in the automatic position on arrival Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The controller shows no active alarm or shutdown Yes / No 1 pt
  3. Engine hour meter reading Number
  4. The generator has been test run at the interval set by company policy or the manufacturer Yes / No 1 pt
  5. Date of the last test run Date
  6. Length of the last test run (minutes) Number
  7. The last test run was made under building load or a load bank, not only at no load Yes / No 1 pt
  8. Load carried during the last test run (% of rated output) Number
  9. The engine started on the first attempt at the last test Yes / No 1 pt
  10. Output voltage held within the manufacturer's range during the last test Yes / No 1 pt
  11. Output frequency held within the manufacturer's range during the last test Yes / No 1 pt
  12. Oil pressure stayed in the normal range during the last test Yes / No 1 pt
  13. Coolant temperature stayed in the normal range during the last test Yes / No 1 pt
  14. No unusual smoke, vibration or noise was noted during the last test Yes / No 1 pt
  15. No oil, coolant or fuel leak appeared during or after the last test Yes / No 1 pt
  16. The engine oil level is between the marks on the dipstick Yes / No 1 pt
  17. The coolant level is at the mark in the radiator or the overflow tank Yes / No 1 pt
  18. The engine block heater is working, with the block warm to the touch Yes / No 1 pt
  19. Drive belts show no cracks or fraying Yes / No 1 pt
  20. Coolant hoses show no bulges, cracks or leaks at the clamps Yes / No 1 pt
  21. The air filter restriction indicator is in the green, or the element was inspected Yes / No 1 pt
  22. A load bank test at the level recommended by the manufacturer has been done within the interval set by company policy Yes / No 1 pt
  23. Result of the last test run Rating
    • Started, took load and ran without fault 5 pts
    • Ran with a minor fault noted 3 pts
    • Failed to start or to carry load 1 pt

4. Transfer switch 19 items

  1. The automatic transfer switch is in the automatic position Yes / No 1 pt
  2. The transfer switch indicator lights show normal source available and connected Yes / No 1 pt
  3. A transfer test with a simulated loss of utility power was done within the interval set by company policy Yes / No 1 pt
  4. Date of the last transfer test Date
  5. Seconds from loss of utility power to load on the generator at the last transfer test Number
  6. The transfer time at the last test was within the time required for the loads served Yes / No 1 pt
  7. The load transferred back to utility power after the set delay at the last test Yes / No 1 pt
  8. The engine ran its cool-down period before stopping after the last test Yes / No 1 pt
  9. The transfer switch enclosure is closed and latched Yes / No 1 pt
  10. The transfer switch shows no sign of overheating (discoloration, burnt odor, buzzing) Yes / No 1 pt
  11. The transfer switch enclosure is free of dust, moisture and signs of pests Yes / No 1 pt
  12. The weekly exerciser clock is set to the right day and time Yes / No 1 pt
  13. The working space in front of the transfer switch is clear of stored material, to the depth marked on the floor or required by local regulation Yes / No 1 pt
  14. The transfer switch is labeled with the panels or loads it feeds Yes / No 1 pt
  15. The list of loads on emergency power is posted and matches the equipment connected (refrigeration, registers, lighting, fire pump, elevators) Yes / No 1 pt
  16. Loads added since the last review have been checked against the generator's capacity Yes / No 1 pt
  17. The remote annunciator or building system shows the generator status at a staffed location Yes / No 1 pt
  18. The connection point for a portable generator, where fitted, is capped and labeled Yes / No 1 pt
  19. Condition and operation of the transfer switch Rating
    • Transfers both ways within the set times 5 pts
    • Transfers with a delay or a minor fault 3 pts
    • Did not transfer or not tested 1 pt

5. Enclosure 19 items

  1. The generator enclosure or room is locked against unauthorized access Yes / No 1 pt
  2. Enclosure doors and panels close and latch Yes / No 1 pt
  3. The enclosure shows no rust-through, dents or loose panels Yes / No 1 pt
  4. Air intake louvers are free of leaves, snow and debris Yes / No 1 pt
  5. The radiator discharge is unobstructed for the clearance stated by the manufacturer Yes / No 1 pt
  6. The exhaust pipe and silencer show no leaks, holes or loose supports Yes / No 1 pt
  7. The exhaust rain cap moves freely Yes / No 1 pt
  8. Exhaust is directed away from building air intakes, doors and windows Yes / No 1 pt
  9. Nothing combustible is stored in the generator room or within 3 ft (1 m) of an outdoor unit Yes / No 1 pt
  10. The enclosure floor and pad are free of oil and coolant stains Yes / No 1 pt
  11. No sign of rodents (nests, droppings, chewed wiring) was found inside the enclosure Yes / No 1 pt
  12. A path to the generator is kept clear of snow in winter Yes / No 1 pt
  13. Bollards or barriers protect an outdoor unit from vehicle impact Yes / No 1 pt
  14. The emergency stop button is unobstructed and labeled Yes / No 1 pt
  15. A fire extinguisher is mounted near the generator with a current inspection tag Yes / No 1 pt
  16. The battery-powered emergency light at the generator came on when its test button was pressed Yes / No 1 pt
  17. Warning signs (automatic start, hearing protection, high voltage) are posted Yes / No 1 pt
  18. Vibration isolators and anchor bolts show no damage or looseness Yes / No 1 pt
  19. Condition of the generator enclosure or room Rating
    • Clean, secure and clear 5 pts
    • Minor housekeeping or repair needed 3 pts
    • Damaged, blocked or unsecured 1 pt

6. Records 20 items

  1. A generator log is kept at the unit or in the maintenance system Yes / No 1 pt
  2. Each test run is entered in the log with its date, length, load and readings Yes / No 1 pt
  3. Weekly or monthly visual inspections are entered in the log with initials Yes / No 1 pt
  4. A service contract with a generator contractor is in force Yes / No 1 pt
  5. Date of the last service by the generator contractor Date
  6. The last service report is on file, with its recommendations Yes / No 1 pt
  7. Recommendations from the last service report have been completed or raised as work orders Yes / No 1 pt
  8. Oil and oil filter changes are recorded within the interval set by the manufacturer Yes / No 1 pt
  9. Coolant has been tested or changed within the interval set by the manufacturer Yes / No 1 pt
  10. The fuel tank registration or permit is current, where required by local regulation Yes / No 1 pt
  11. The air emissions permit or run-hour record for the engine is kept, where required by local regulation Yes / No 1 pt
  12. Written operating instructions, including manual start and manual transfer, are posted at the generator Yes / No 1 pt
  13. The emergency contact list (generator contractor, fuel supplier, electrician, utility) is posted Yes / No 1 pt
  14. At least one employee on each shift has been shown how to check that the generator is running during an outage Yes / No 1 pt
  15. Every unplanned outage in the last 12 months is recorded with the generator's performance Yes / No 1 pt
  16. Unplanned utility outages in the last 12 months Number
  17. Alarms and failures recorded since the last inspection have a closed work order Yes / No 1 pt
  18. Name of the person responsible for the generator Short text
  19. Overall readiness of standby power Rating
    • Starts, transfers and carries load, with fuel and batteries in order 5 pts
    • Would start and carry load, with items to correct 3 pts
    • Start, transfer or fuel supply in doubt 1 pt
  20. Deficiencies and corrective actions Comments

About this template

This checklist is part of the Bindy template library. Yes / No checks score 1 point when met; ratings score the points shown for each option. The overall score is the percentage of points earned, with N/A answers excluded. In Bindy you can add photos, assign corrective actions, require sign-off and compare results across sites.

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