GENERATOR INSTALLATION

Generators are not permitted to be closer than 25 feet to a load; however, in setting up the generator, try to place the equipment near points of large demand to reduce the size of wire required, to hold the line losses to a minimum, and to afford adequate voltage control at the remote ends of the lines.

Moving the generator may be accomplished by lifting or pulling. The generator set comes equipped with a lifting sling usually stowed in the skid on the side of the unit opposite the operator's control panel.

Site Selection

If you are to select the site upon which the generator is to be set up, study a plot or chart of the area on which the individual buildings and facilities (demand) have been plotted. The site you select should be large enough to meet present and anticipated needs. It should be level, dry, and well drained. If this type of site is not available, place the generator set on a suitable foundation and bolt it down to minimize any unnecessary vibration.

Sheltering of Generators

Although advanced base portable generators are designed to be operated outdoors, prolonged exposure to wind, rain, and other adverse conditions will definitely shorten their lives. If the generators are to remain on the site for any extended period of time, they should be mounted on solid concrete foundations and installed under some type of shelter.

There are no predrawn plans for shelters for a small advanced base generating station. The shelter will be an on-the-spot affair, the construction of which is determined by the equipment and material on hand plus your ingenuity, common sense, and ability to cooperate with men in other ratings. Before a Builder can get started on the shelter, you will have to inform him of such things as the number of generators to be sheltered, the dimensions of the generators, the method of running the generator load cables from the generator to the distribution system outside the building, and the arrangement of the exhaust system, radiator discharge, and cooling air.

Installation specifications are available in the manufacturer's instruction manual that accompanies each unit. Be sure to use them. Appropriate consultation with the Builder regarding these specifications may help minimize various installation and piping problems and costs.

The following hints and suggestions will also be helpful:

1. Ventilation is an important factor to consider when you are installing the units inside a building. Every internal combustion engine is a HEAT engine. Although heat does the work, excess amounts of it must be removed if the engine is to function properly. This can be accomplished by setting the radiator grill of the engine near an opening in the wall and providing another opening directly opposite the unit. In this manner, cool air can be drawn in and the hot air directed outdoors. These openings can be shielded with adjustable louvers to prevent the entrance of rain or snow. In addition, when the engine is operating in extremely cold weather, the temperature in the room can be controlled by simply closing a portion of the discharge opening. Additional doors or windows should be provided in the shelter if the plants are installed in localities where the summer temperatures exceed 80F at any time.

2. Working space is another consideration. Be sure to provide sufficient space around each unit for repairs or disassembly and for easy access to the generator control panels.

3. The carbon monoxide gas present in the exhaust of the engine is extremely poisonous. Under no circumstances should it be allowed to collect in a closed room. Therefore, means have to be provided to discharge the exhaust of the engine to the outdoors. This is done by extending the exhaust pipe through the wall or roof of the building. Support the exhaust pipe and make certain that there is no obstruction and that there are not too many right-angle bends. Also, whenever possible, arrange the exhaust system so that the piping slopes away from the engine. In this way, condensation will not drain back into the cylinders. If the exhaust pipe should have to be installed so that loops or traps are necessary, a drain cock should be placed at the lowest point of the system. All joints have to be perfectly tight, and where the exhaust pipe passes through the wall, you have to take care to prevent the discharged gas from returning along the outside of the pipe back into the building. Exhaust piping inside the building has to be covered with insulation capable of withstanding a temperature of 1500F.

After the generating units have been set in place and bolted down, Builders can proceed to erect the building, using the necessary information they have been given.