Generator Installation and Safety

Generators – Installation, Safety Precautions, and Regular Maintenance Schedule

Selecting a Generator

1. In the case of a portable generator, only a limited number of appliances can be energized in the event of a power failure. It is essential to determine the ‘constant wattage’ which is the sum total of the wattages of each individual appliance that you seek to keep functional.
2. Motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and air-conditioners require power as much as three times their constant wattage at the time of starting up. The chosen generator should meet or exceed the ‘constant wattage’ rating and have a ‘surge rating’ that exceeds the ‘start-up wattage’ requirements.
3. Voltage ratings of the equipment and the appliances that you wish to operate should be matched.

Installation Procedures

1. Upon unpacking the generator from shipping cartons, first conduct a thorough inspection to detect any damage that may have occurred during shipment.
2. Check whether the rated amperage/wattage capacity of the unit is adequate to handle all the intended loads during a power outage.
3. The unit should be placed outdoors in a protective enclosure, where sufficient air for cooling and ventilation is available in an unobstructed manner.
4. The generator should be installed in close proximity to the location of the transfer switch and the fuel supply.
5. A grounding lug is usually provided for grounding the frame and external conducting parts of the equipment.
6. All batteries must be completely charged before they are inserted into the generator.
7. Similar care must be ensured while unpacking and installing the transfer switch.
8. The unit should be connected to the electrical system supplied by the utility only by means of the automatic transfer switch.

Safety Precautions

General Hazards

1. Installation, repair, and maintenance should always be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
2. Exhaust fumes emitted by generator sets contain poisonous gases like carbon monoxide that can be life-threatening.
3. The area around the generator must be clean and free of clutter and combustible materials.
4. The equipment must be regularly inspected, and defective or damaged parts must be replaced in a timely manner.
5. The unit should not be opened or dismantled while it is functioning.

Electrical Hazards

1. All power voltage supplies should be turned off at the source while installing or servicing the generator.
2. All electrical connections, such as wires, cables, and terminals, must be properly insulated and covered.
3. The frame of the generator and any external conducting parts should have proper grounding/earthing wiring.
4. Wiring, cables, and cord sets must be of the recommended capacity.

Fire and Explosion Hazards

1. Smoking in the vicinity of the equipment can be fatal.
2. Fuel or oil spills and the presence of combustible materials around the generator pose a risk of explosion.
3. A fire extinguisher should be readily available.

Regular Maintenance Schedules
Annual, semi-annual, or quarterly maintenance schedules ought to be strictly followed to increase the reliability of the equipment.

1. Inspect the cooling system, air intake system, and air cleaner.
2. Check the fuel system, exhaust system, and electrical system.
3. Change oil and filters annually.
4. Inspect controls like voltage regulators, relays, and monitors.
5. Adjust transfer switch time delays and reset exerciser clocks.
6. Monitor performance parameters such as A.C. output and frequency.

Abiding by all guidelines detailed in the manual ensures the safe and optimum use of the product.