Baldor GLC50, GLC35, GLC80, GLC125 manual Battery Starting System, Battery Location

6.Conduit, wire, circuit protective device sizes, insulation etc. must conform to applicable local and national codes and regulations.

7.Be certain to seal around conduits that penetrate the walls of the genset room to reduce the amount of noise that is transmitted to the surrounding areas of the building and maintain site fire code rating.

Battery Starting System

This section describes the battery starting system (nominal 12 volt rating of the battery supply) for the engine, battery charger, and precautions to take if the ambient temperature is expected to be below 70 °F (20°C).

WARNING: If batteries are not mounted in the battery rack supplied with the genset, protect batteries from vibration and do not locate them near a source of flame or spark. A battery presents a risk of fire and explosion because they generate hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is extremely explosive. Never jump start a battery, smoke in the area around the battery or cause any spark to occur in the area around the battery.

Battery Location

Locate batteries as close as possible to the genset to minimize starting circuit resistance, see Figure 2-18. High starting circuit resistance substantially reduces starting cranking ability. The genset data sheet lists the maximum allowable cranking system resistance. Mount batteries on a level rack away from dirt and liquids. Allow space for servicing (checking water level and level of charge). Baldor gensets can be ordered with battery racks already installed. Cold ambient temperature at the battery location substantially reduces the battery output.

Figure 2-18 Battery Starting System

Battery Size

The ability to start the engine depends upon battery capacity, ambient temperature and coolant and oil temperatures. The Engine/Generator Set Data Sheet lists minimum recommended battery capacity at various ambient temperatures. The recommended battery capacities are listed in the Electric Systems section of the Engine Data Sheet, cold cranking amps (CCA) at 0 °F (–18 °C).

Battery capacities decrease as ambient temperatures decrease so it is important to specify batteries with the appropriate CCA rating at a temperature no higher than the minimum ambient temperature for the application. Baldor requires thermostatically controlled coolant heaters on all after cooled standby gensets. After cooling is called out on the Engine Data Sheet under General Engine Data section as “aspiration“.

Oil pan immersion heaters are recommended for standby gensets housed outside where ambient temperatures may drop below 0 °F (–18 °C). Coolant heaters and oil pan immersion heaters are available from Baldor as factory installed options.

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