OPERATOR'S LOG The operator's log (also called the station log) is a complete daily record of the operating hours and conditions of the generator set. The log must be kept clean and neat. Any corrections or changes to entries for a watch must be made by the person who signs the log for that watch. The log serves as a basis for determining when a particular piece of electrical equipment is ready for inspection and maintenance. Current and previous logs can be compared to spot gradual changes in equipment condition. These changes might not otherwise be detected in day-to-day operation.

Defects discovered during operation of the unit should be noted for future correction; such correction to be made as soon as operation of the generator set has ceased.

Making accurate periodic recordings is particularly important. The intervals of these recordings will be based on local operating conditions.

The form used for log entries varies with the views of the supervisory personnel in different plants, and there is no standard form to be followed by all stations. Regardless of form, any log must describe the hourly performance not only of the generators but also of the numerous indicating and controlling devices.

Figure 3-18 shows one type of log that may be kept on the generator units of a power plant. This is only a

Figure 3-18.- Typical generating station operator's log.

suggested form, of course, and there may be many other forms at your generating station to keep records on. 

OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR SINGLE GENERATOR SETS The following operating procedures are general procedures for operating a single generator unit. Some procedures will vary with different types of generators. Study carefully the recommendations in the manufacturer's manual for the generator you are to operate. Learn about the capabilities and limitations of your machine( s). In the event of a problem, you will know what action is required to lessen the effects of the problem. You or your senior should make a checklist of operating procedures from the manual and post it near the generator.

The steps below will cover starting and operating a typical diesel-driven generator set. (This set uses a dc-powered

motor for starting the diesel engine.) These steps will also cover applying an electrical load.

Starting the Generator Set Proceed as follows to start the typical generator set:

WARNING Do not operate the generator set unless it has been properly grounded. Electrical faults (such as leakage paths) in the generator set, feeder lines, or load equipment can cause injury or death by electrocution. Before operating the set for the first time, ensure that service procedures were performed upon its receipt according to the manufacturer's literature. See also that all preventive maintenance checks have been performed. The voltage change board must be adjusted for the required voltage (fig. 3-11).

1. Open the CONTROL CUBICLE and AIR INTAKE DOORS (fig. 3-15). Close the HOUSING PANEL (ACCESS) DOORS,

2. Set the FUEL TRANSFER VALVE (fig. 3-15) to the desired source of fuel, preferably the auxiliary tank, if it is connected. NOTE: Refer to figure 3-19 for the CONTROL CUBICLE, FAULT INDICATOR PANEL, DC CONTROL CIRCUIT BREAKER, and ENGINE MANUAL SPEED CONTROL. Notice that the control cubicle is divided into an engine section and a generator section.

3. Set the PARALLEL OPERATION-SINGLE UNIT OPERATION select switch (located in the GENERATOR section of the CONTROL CUBICLE) to SINGLE UNIT OPERATION.

4. Set the VOLTAGE ADJUST-INCREASE control to the lower half of the adjustment range.

5. Depress the DC CONTROL CIRCUIT BREAKER (located to the lower right of the CONTROL CUBICLE) to ON.

6. Set the START-STOP-RUN switch (located in the ENGINE section of the CONTROL CUBICLE) to RUN.

7. Set and hold the TEST or RESET switch (on the FAULT INDICATOR PANEL) in the UP position. Each fault indicator light should be on Check and replace defective lamps or fuses.

8. Allow the TEST or RESET switch to return to the mid-position. Each fault indicator light, with the exception of the LOW OIL PRESSURE light, should go out. When the engine has started, the LOW OIL PRESSURE light should also go out. NOTE: If the NO FUEL light stays lit, refill the set or auxiliary tank. Position the BATTLE SHORT switch (CONTROL CUBICLE) to ON (the fuel pump will run to fill the day tank). Set the TEST or RESET switch to the UP position and then release it; the NO FUEL light should go out when the switch handle is released.

9. Set the CKT BRK CLOSE-OPEN switch (CONTROL CUBICLE) to OPEN.

10. Push and release the AIR CLEANER CONDITION indicator, BATTLE SHORT indicator, and CKTBRK indicator. Each indicator light should go on as the indicator is pushed and go out when the indicator is released. a. If the AIR CLEANER CONDITION indicator remains lit, the air cleaner must be serviced. b. If the CKT BRK indicator remains on after you set the CKT BRK switch to OPEN, you cannot continue the procedure. The circuit breaker must function properly. The generator cannot be used until the problem is corrected. 11. Depress the lock button on the ENGINE MANUAL SPEED CONTROL (located below the DC CONTROL CIRCUIT BREAKER), and set the control.

Figure 3-19.- Control cubicle, controls, and indicators. CAUTION Do not crank the engine in excess of 15 seconds at a time. Allow the starter to cool a minimum of 3 minutes between cranking.

WARNING Operation of this equipment presents a noise hazard to personnel in the area. The noise level exceeds the allowable limits for unprotected personnel. Wear earmuffs or earplugs.

12. Set and hold the START-STOP-RUN switch to the START position until the engine starts. As the engine starts, observe the following:

a. The OIL PRESSURE gauge indicates at least 25 psig.

b. The VOLTS AC meter indicates the presence of voltage.

c. The LOW OIL PRESSURE indicator light on the FAULT INDICATOR PANEL goes out.

13. Release the START-STOP-RUN switch. Position the switch to RUN.