Prime Rated Generators are designed to run with 10 load for the duration of an outage with no overload availableLoad MUST be reasonably balanced/distributed across all the three phasesThe AMF panel is used correctly in accordance with manufacturers instructions Maintenance must be carried every 6 months by a qualified generator engineerA test certificate is issued each service/maintenance visit every 6 months Only approved parts are usedAll work and maintenance records are kept availableAny irregularities visual or otherwise are reported in writing immediatelyAll fuel,oil,water and other fluid levels to be kept fullGenerator is never allowed to run out of fuel or oil etc whilst holding the loadGenerator is never over-loaded and never allow the Generators to run lightly loaded for long periodsGenerator is run off load once every week for a test of 5 minutes maximumGenerator is run with load once a monthGenerator enclosure is checked for any possible tempering ( i.e. has the emergency stop button been pressed and not reset?)Someone is appointed as the responsible person to overlook implementationGenerator Maintenance and Testing
A regular generator service program should include tests and checks of the following:
1. Cooling system
Radiator/heat exchanger, coolant, hoses and connections, fan drive pulley and fan, fan belts, jacket water heater, water pump, thermostats.
1. Fuel system
Fuel tank, water trap/separator, fuel lines and connections, governor and controls, fuel filters - primary/secondary, fuel pressure, air induction and exhaust system, air filter, air filter service indicator, air inlet system, turbocharger, exhaust manifold, valves and valve rotators.
1. Lubrication oil system
Oil, oil filters, oil pressure, crankcase breather
1.Starting system
Batteries, battery specific gravity, battery charger, starting motor, alternator, engine monitor and safety controls, gauges, remote annunciators/alarms
1.Generator
Bearings, slip rings and brushes, space heaters, vibration isolators
1.Control panel
Start controls ? manual/auto, voltmeter, ammeter, frequency meter, circuit breaker, auto transfer switch 1. Gas engine Gas lines and connections, carburettor and linkage, magneto/distributor, ignition system, spark plugs 1. Insulation test Main stator, main rotor, exciter stator, exciter rotor
1.Load testing
With full load, perform a two to four hour load test
Overall Energy Systems Testing
As well as performing the periodic Planned Maintenance of each part of the system, consideration should be given to testing the entire system on a regular basis.
An overall system test will involve putting the critical load at risk so careful arrangements and agreements must be made.
Mains Failure Test
Disconnect the mains supply to the protected power equipment for an extended period and check:
With no generator :
the UPS battery supports the critical load for the expected autonomy timeall alarms and control signals are correctthe critical load responds correctly to any signals received from the UPS equipment e.g. system alarms, orderly shutdown sequence etc.If a generator is installed:
1. the Automatic Mains Fail (AMF) equipment operates correctly
2. the generator auto-starts after the expected time
3. the generator output supply is correct and within acceptable UPS input limits.
4. the UPS accepts the generator supply
5. battery recharging takes place while the UPS is being supplied by the generator.
Mains Restoration Test
Following the Mains Failure Test, re-connect the mains supply to the protected power equipment and check:
With no generator:
If the UPS is fitted with auto-restart facilities,
1. The system returns to normal operation automatically, otherwise all UPS modules can be re-started manually and the system restored to normal operation
2. All alarms can be reset.
If a generator is installed :
the Automatic Mains Fail (AMF equipment operates correctly the UPS signals a mains failure during the changeover the generator shuts down after the expected time the UPS accepts the restored mains power supply and recharges the batteries all alarms can be reset. PowerContinuity Means Business Continuity
For further information regarding Uninterruptible Power Supplies please visit our website.
Generator Care Info
