SECTION 1 - Safey
Precautions
Before operating any generator system, read the Operator's Manual to become
familiar with your equipment. Safe and efficient operation can only happen
if the equipment is properly operated and maintained.
No generator manufacturer or installation contractor can anticipate every
potential hazard involved with the installation and use of these type of
systems. The warnings, decal and labels attached to the equipment and used
in this Manual can not cover all hazards. Use of methods or procedures other
than those recommended by the equipment manufacturer must satisfy you that
it is safe for you or others to follow.
The following symbols are highlighted to alert you of conditions that are
potentially dangerous to the operator, installation/service/repair personnel,
or the equipment.
1-1. General Safety
Precautions
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DANGER |
This symbol warns of hazards which will result in severe or lethal personal injury. |
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WARNING |
This symbol refers to a hazardous or unsafe practice which has the potential to result in personal injury or product/property damage. |
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CAUTION |
This symbol warns of immediate hazards which will result in severe or lethal personal injury. |
Keep equipment clean and properly maintained. Normal maintenance and servicing of equipment is a prerequisite to a functional, safely operated machine.
Use common sense, read the instructions and information in this manual carefully,
and check for other local safety rules that require compliance.
Be safety conscious. Read all operational, safety and installation information before attempting to install or operate any generator equipment.
This equipment should be installed, operated, serviced, and repaired by qualified personnel only. The installation and interconnection of this equipment to facility wiring and other equipment must be done by a competent, qualified craftsperson who is familiar with applicable standards and codes governing the installation.
Installation methods, practices, or procedures that are unauthorized or done improperly are dangerous and could result in serious personal injury or damage to property and equipment.
Installation, operation, servicing and repair of electrical power generators and their related equipment must be done in accordance to applicable codes, standards, regulations and laws. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), National Electric Code (NEC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, local industrial codes and requirements must be complied with in the use and servicing of this equipment.
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WARNING | FUEL AND FUMES ARE FLAMMABLE. A fire or explosion could result from violation of recommended practices or procedures |
An open flame, smoking, or welding near a generator is a potential fire hazard. Internal combustion engine fuels are flammable.
Ensure all fuel fittings are properly connected and not leaking. Periodic inspection is required to ensure no leaks develop over time.
Fuel connection at the engine should be made with an approved flexible fuel line. Use of copper piping for flexible lines is not recommended as copper work hardens and becomes brittle.
Never fill fuel tanks while the engine is running, unless tanks are outside the engine room. When fuel comes in contact with a hot engine or exhaust system, there is possibility of a fire or explosion.
Under certain conditions storage batteries will expel explosive hydrogen gas. Do not allow smoking, welding or sparks in the vicinity of any storage battery. Adequate ventilation must be provided around batteries. Battery racks must also be grounded to minimize static charges.
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DANGER |
EXHAUST GASES ARE LETHAL |
Ensure the exhaust system is installed properly and adequate ventilation
is provided. Exhaust gases must be safely piped away from the unit to an
area not used by people. The engine consumes oxygen and the exhaust given
off by the engine contains carbon monoxide gas. Carbon Monoxide is a deadly,
lethal gas.
The installation must have adequate ventilation.
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DANGER |
MOVING PARTS CAN KILL |
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While equipment is running, stand clear of moving parts.
When in service certain automatic start units are capable of starting at anytime. Disable control and power switches before maintaining, servicing or repairing these units.
Before starting work on a self-starting generator, disconnect the starting battery. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable first to prevent accidental shorting.
Ensure all fasteners are secure. Tighten hardware and keep all guards in position over fans, impellers, or other moving parts.
If adjustments must be made while the unit is running, use extreme care around moving and hot parts. Hot parts include engine and exhaust system, muffler, pipes, flexible exhaust pipe section, etc..
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WARNING |
ELECTRICAL SHOCK CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH |
Wire gauge sizes of electrical wiring, cables, and facility circuits must be of sufficient size to handle the maximum electrical current (ampacity) of circuits. Refer to generator system's User Manual to determine appropriate cable/wire size.
Remove electrical power before removing any generator's protective panels
or touching any electrical components.
SECTION 2 - Locations
The location for a generator is dependent on applicable codes and associated
support systems for the generator such as ventilation, wiring, fuel, and
exhaust.
The following factors should be considered:
The ideal location for any generator is away from extreme ambient temperatures and where the generator is protected from adverse weather conditions. It is recommended that generator be as close to the load it is supporting as possible.
The structure the Gen-Set (Generator Set) will be set upon must be strong enough to support the weight of the Gen-Set, its' auxiliary equipment, and other equipment mounted on the structure.
The structure must meet a 1 hour non-combustion fire rating.
The installation site must be clean, dry and not subject to flooding.
Because of excessive ambient temperatures associated with the use of stand-alone metal sheds from exposure to sunlight, a concrete pad with a supported roof and an outside security enclosure (fence) to protect the unit from vandalism, birds, rodents, and other small animals is recommended.
The Gen-Set generates heat while running. Installing the Gen-Set in a tightly enclosed building or shed is not recommended. The site must provide for adequate cooling and ventilation with a minimum of duct work. Adequate ventilation for a generator is specified in cubic feet per minute.
The site must permit engine exhaust gases to be piped away to an area that is uninhabited by people or animals. Care must be given to ensure that exhaust gases do not re-enter an occupied area.
The site must provide adequate acoustical noise and vibration isolation.
The outside site must provide access to the generator to allow for maintenance, service, and repair. A three foot (.914 meter) service clearance around the unit is recommended.
Fuel supply and ease of refueling must be taken into consideration.
Adequate normal and emergency lighting must be provided in any installation.
When mounting a generator outside on a roof or next to a building the generator must be at least 3 feet from any combustible wall and 5 feet from any opening(i.e. doors, windows, vents, & ducts).
2-1. Ground/Floor
Loading
The foundation for the generator must support the total weight of the generator.
This includes fuel, oil, and the weight of any associated support systems.
Plan for 3 feet (1 Meters) of access around the generator for maintenance,
service and repair.
When calculating the floor loading, ensure the fuel weight, cooling system
fluids (where applicable), piping, pumps, power cables/runways and supporting
structures are included in the calculations. Most user's manuals do not include
the weight of the fuel tanks since most are sold less tank.
Tips on Hooking up a Generator (genset) to a Uninterruptible Power System (UPS)
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Copyright © Dexter A. Hansen
