Basic genset courses provide an overview of the design, operation and maintenance of engine generators; other courses are more detailed, focusing on a particular aspect of genset maintenance. Some courses focus on a small number of particular engine generators. For example, manufacturers of gensets often only train students to work with gensets manufactured by that particular company. If you require a particularly specialized course, you may have to wait until one becomes available.
Training topics differ depending on whether the course is general or specialized. General genset courses typically focus on introductions to the relevant engine types, safety measures, maintenance procedures, basic operating principles and main system components. These courses also cover engine automation, oil, cooling, compressed air, and electrical systems.
Specialized courses are much narrower in scope and tend to have more detailed content. For example, low-voltage safety courses (up to 600 volts) are typically one day in length, and provide information contained in the National Electric Code and the Occupational Safety and Health Association safety standards regarding occupations dealing with low-voltage electricity. Courses on the maintenance of quiet diesel RV generators are typically three days in length and provide information on inverter technology, variable speed governance, troubleshooting, wiring diagrams and communication software. Many of these courses provide hands-on experience.
Genset maintenance training courses typically last between one and five days. Basic training courses typically cost between $2500 and $3000. Since specialized courses usually contain less overall information, they typically cost less, between $1000 and $2000 per course.