Engine Protective Devices

Standby Generator Sets Engine Protective Devices

OIL PRESSURE SENSING

The standby generator may be required to operate for long periods of time without an operator on hand to monitor such engine conditions as coolant tempera- ture, oil pressure or rpm. For that reason, the engine has several devices designed to protect it against potentially damaging conditions by automatically shutting down the unit when the oil pressure is too low, the coolant temperature is too high, the coolant level is too low, or the engine is running too fast.

NOTE:

Engine protective switches and sensors are men- tioned here for the reader's convenience. Also refer to the applicable control panel manual for addi- tional automatic engine shutdown information.

COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSING

An analog Water Temperature Sender (WTS) is locat- ed in the engine's cooling system. This sender is con- nected to the panel and allows the panel to monitor and display the temperature of the coolant system.

The WTS is a resistive device whose resistance chang- es based on coolant temperature. The resistance of the sender results in a voltage being developed across the sender. As the Coolant temperature increases, the resistance will decrease, causing the voltage to decrease. This changing voltage is converted to 4- 20mA signal by a signal conditioner module. The corresponding 4-20mA signal is read by the control panel and displayed as the coolant temperature.

The control panel will monitor and display the cool- ant temperature anytime the DC input to the control panel is present.

If the temperature exceeds approximately 140° C (284° F), the engine shutdown will be initiated. The generator will automatically restart and the display will reset once the temperature has returned to an operating level.

LOW COOLANT LEVEL

A Low Coolant Level (LCL) sensor is placed in the generators coolant system. This sensor allows the panel to detect a Low Coolant Level condition.

The LCL is a resistive device whose resistance changes rapidly based on the presence or absence of coolant.

The resistance of the LCL results in a voltage being developed across the LCL. This voltage changes as the resistance changes. This changing voltage is con- verted to 4-20mA signal by a signal conditioner mod- ule. The corresponding 4-20mA signal is read by the control panel and displayed as the low coolant level.

If the level of the engine coolant drops below the level of the low coolant level sensor, the engine shutdown will be initiated.

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An analog Oil Pressure Sender (OPS) is used for monitoring the engine oil pressure. This sender allows the control panel to measure and display the Engine oil pressure.

The OPS is a resistive device, whose resistance changes based on engine oil pressure. The resistance of the sender results in a voltage being developed across the sender. As the oil pressure increases, the resistance will decrease, causing the voltage to decrease. This changing voltage is converted to 4- 20mA signal by a signal conditioner module. The corresponding 4-20mA signal is read by the control panel and displayed as the oil pressure.

The control panel will monitor and display oil pres- sure anytime the DC input to the control panel is present.

Should the oil pressure drop below the 8 psi range, the engine shutdown is initiated. The unit should not be restarted until oil is added. Turn the AUTO/OFF/ MANUAL switch to the OFF position, then back to AUTO to restart.

OVERCRANK SHUTDOWN

When the control panel receives a start signal, it ini- tiates the programmed starting sequence. The start sequence consists of the number of crank attempts, the length of each crank attempt, and the rest time between each crank attempt. If the engine has not started by the end of the final crank attempt, an Overcrank alarm is generated, the control panel will sound the alarm and display the message "Failed to start".

OVERSPEED SHUTDOWN

A speed circuit controls engine cranking, start-up, operation and shutdown. Engine speed signals are delivered to the circuit board whenever the unit is running. Should the engine over speed above a safe, preset value, the circuit board initiates an automatic engine shutdown. Contact the nearest Authorized Dealer if this failure occurs.

RPM SENSOR LOSS SHUTDOWN

If the speed signal to the control panel is lost, engine shutdown will occur.

DC FUSE

This fuse is located inside of the control panel. It protects the panel wiring and components from damaging overload. Always remove this fuse before commencing work on the generator. The unit will not start or crank if the fuse is blown. Replace the fuse with one of the same size, type, and rating. (See the exploded views and parts lists at the end of this manual for replacement part number.)

10/05 B .Rev EngProt002