---
title: "Generator inspection checklist: free printable template"
description: "A free monthly backup generator checklist to print or use on a phone: fuel and oil levels, battery condition, a no-load test run and notes."
url: "https://mintcheck.today/en/templates/generator-inspection-checklist/"
language: "en"
updated: "2026-11-05"
---

# Generator inspection checklist

This is a monthly check of a backup generator: is there enough fuel and oil, is the battery in good condition, and does it start on a test run? Print the checklist below, or use the same template on a phone in MintCheck.

## Generator check (Monthly)

Fuel, battery and test run

| Item | Result |
| --- | --- |
| Fuel & oil level | ☐ |
| Battery condition | ☐ |
| No-load test run | ☐ Starts normally ☐ Delayed start ☐ Fails to start |
| Notes |  |
| Overall result | ☐ Normal ☐ Abnormal |

## How to do each check

### Fuel and oil level

With the generator stopped, read the fuel level and check the oil against the dipstick marks. Look under the unit for leaks.

### Battery condition

The terminals should be clean and tight, with no corrosion or swelling, and the battery charger, if there is one, should show that it is charging. A weak battery is one of the most common reasons a generator fails to start.

### No-load test run

Start the generator with no building load connected, and let it run for as long as the maker's instructions say.

- **Starts normally:** it starts first time and runs steadily.
- **Delayed start:** it starts, but slowly or only after more than one try.
- **Fails to start:** it doesn't start.

Keep the room well ventilated, because exhaust gas is dangerous, and stay clear of moving parts. Only run the test if you have been shown how.

### Notes

Write down anything else, such as unusual noise, smoke or vibration, a warning light or the run hours.

## How often to check

This template is set to monthly. How often a generator must be run, and whether it must run under load, depends on the rules that apply to you, the maker's instructions and what the generator supplies. Rules can be stricter for generators that supply fire safety or medical equipment.

Load tests and servicing are separate jobs for qualified people.

## If something is wrong

1. Mark it on the checklist and describe the problem. A photo helps.
2. Tell the person responsible right away. A generator that fails to start means you have no backup if the power goes out.
3. Call your service company. Don't try to repair it yourself.
4. Check it again after the fix and record the result.

## Use this checklist in MintCheck

1. In **Checklists**, click **Add checklist** and pick the generator template. Its items and monthly schedule are filled in, and you can change them before you save.
2. In **Assets**, click **Add asset**, pick the generator template and link the checklist.
3. Click **Print QR** and put a label on or next to the generator.
4. Workers scan the label, answer the items and mark the result **Normal** or **Abnormal**. They can attach photos.

To run the test on a set day, choose **Monthly** and **By weekday**, for example the first Monday, and add a time. The site dashboard then shows completed inspections against the planned number, and workers using the MintCheck app can get a reminder 30 minutes before each scheduled check once they have done the checklist in the app.

![The schedule settings with the period, interval, days, and inspection times.](https://cdn.mintcheck.today/manual/v5/en/checklist-schedule.webp)

An **Abnormal** result stays **Unresolved** until a re-inspection confirms the fix.

MintCheck is free for up to 5 assets with no credit card, so you can try this with your generator and a few other assets.

## Common questions

### How often should a backup generator be tested?

This template uses a monthly test run, a common starting point. Required intervals differ by country, by what the generator supplies and by the maker's instructions, so check the rules that apply to you.

### What is a no-load test run?

It means starting the generator and letting it run with no building load connected. It shows that the generator starts and runs steadily.

### Does a no-load test show that the generator can carry the building's load?

No. It shows that the generator starts and runs. A test under load is a separate job for qualified people.

### Who can do this check?

Someone on site can usually read the levels and look at the battery once they have been shown how. Your local rules and the maker's instructions may say who can start the generator, and servicing is for qualified people.

### Can I record readings such as run hours?

Yes. On paper, write them under notes. In MintCheck, you can add a text item for each reading.

## Related features

- [Checklists](https://mintcheck.today/en/features/checklists/): Build inspection checklists from ready-made templates, with check, multiple choice, text and photo items, and schedule them daily, weekly, monthly or yearly.
- [QR inspections](https://mintcheck.today/en/features/qr-inspections/): Put a QR code on each asset. Workers scan it with the MintCheck app to run the checklist due today, with the time, name and photos saved automatically.

## Step-by-step help

- [Checklists](https://mintcheck.today/en/help/checklists/): Create checklists from templates, add items, set schedules, link them to assets, and manage them.
- [Assets](https://mintcheck.today/en/help/assets/): Add assets from templates, link checklists, review each asset's history, and manage plan limits.
- [QR codes](https://mintcheck.today/en/help/qr-codes/): Learn each kind of QR code, then download, print, and put up labels for your assets.