reason gen sets v2
DESCRIPTION
Top reasons generators fail to startTRANSCRIPT
Common Reasons For Generator Start FailureUnderstanding How to Properly Maintain Your Standby Power System
Presented By:Jason Blacker
and Jeremiah Rosenthal
BASIC COMPONENTS OF AN EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Controls Not in “Auto”• Start switch in “Off/Reset” position
– Assure System is in “Auto”– Check weekly
• “E- Stop” button pushed in– Reset E-stop– Check generator breaker
TYPICAL CONTROL PANEL
TYPICAL CONTROL PANEL
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Generator Output Circuit Breaker “Open” • Breaker left in “open” or “off” position
– Check breaker position during weekly inspection
• Breaker tripped due to fault or shunt trip– Check breaker position during weekly inspection– Continues to trip indicates fault or alarm
TYPICAL CONTROL PANEL AND CIRCUIT BREAKER
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Battery Failure• Age: 2-3 year life span
– Failure rate increases after 3 yrs– Change before failure for uptime assurance
– NFPA recommends new at 30 months • Constant charging
– Check weekly electrolyte levels
• Corroded terminals– Check weekly & clean terminals as needed
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Battery Failure• Charger turned off
– Check weekly charger operation
• Vibration– Check hold down bracket
BATTERY HOLD DOWN & CHARGER
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Low Coolant Level Alarm/ Shutdown• Low coolant level
– Assure system is full to manufacturers recommendation
• External or internal leak– Check for visible leaks/pooling of coolant
• Block heater– Heat causes coolant to evaporate over time
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Engine Block Heater Failure• Indication is a low coolant temp alarm
– Poor cooling system maintenance• Sampling
– Circuit breaker to heater is off/tripped– Failed heater element– Heater hose leak– Valves in off position– Heater thermostat adjustment
• If equipped (typical setting is 80 to 120)
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Leaks – Fuel or Coolant• Coolant leaks
– Hose connections and clamps– Radiator core– Water pump
• Fuel leaks – Nat Gas/Propane– Diesel: Filters, injection & supply lines
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Oil Leaks and “Wet stacking”• Common oil leaks
– Crankcase breather, filters, drain plug, gaskets, & seals– Check oil level weekly
• Wet stacking– Caused by running on light load– Results in unburned diesel fuel in exhaust system– Load bank testing solution– NFPA and by most engine manufacturers recommend load bank
testing– Load bank test assures system performs under load
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Air In The Fuel System• Infrequent use
– Perform weekly test
• Line leak– Visual inspection
• Faulty system check valve • Fuel storage tank location• Low fuel
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Engine Out of Fuel• Plugged fuel filters with water and
contaminants– Change filters annually & test fuel
• Mechanical level gauges inaccurate– Visually verify fuel level
• Low level alarms failure– check level
• System component failure– Check pumps & valves
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
“My Generator is Running!”• Well-maintained emergency power
systems operate automatically
• Once utility power is restored the generator continues to run for a short time – delay timer in the automatic transfer switch
assures steady utility power is available• Transfer Switch Indicators
AUTO TRANSFER SWTICH PANEL
Utility Power
Generator Power
AUTO TRANSFER SWITCH PANEL
Utility Power Generator Power
TYPICAL REMOTE ANNUNCIATOR PANEL
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
The Power Of A Preventative Maintenance Plan
A standby power system requires routine maintenance to guarantee emergency
power reliability
Visit and free inspection offer
COMMON REASONS FOR GENERATOR START FAILURE
Weekly “Walk Around” Check ListMonth Comments/Corrective Action
Date of Inspection
General Conditionof engine/generator
Condition of belts and hoses
Engine Oil Level
Coolant Level
Coolant Heater
Water Pump
Radiator
Generator Circuit Breaker Closed
Battery System
Electrolyte Level
Connections
Charger
Exhaust System
Fuel System
Fuel level
Tank Vents
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Control PanelGenerator
Automatic Transfer Switch
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Peterson Power Systems
503.288.6411