Control Console Components

Section 3 - Operation

Guardian Liquid-cooled 10 kW, 15 kW, 20 kW and 25 kW Generators

The components of a water-cooled generator control console (Figure 8) are as follows:

Figure 8 - Water-Cooled Generator Panel

HOURMETER:

Indicates time the engine-generator has operated, in hours and tenths of hours. Use the hourmeter along with the periodic maintenance schedule for your gener- ator set.

AC VOLTMETER:

The voltmeter displays generator AC output voltage dur- ing operation. Voltage is regulated by a solid state volt- age regulator and is proportional to AC frequency. Refer to your unit’s DATA PLATE for rated AC voltage.

AUTO/OFF/MANUAL SWITCH:

Use this 3-position switch as follows:

•Set the switch to “Auto” for fully automatic operation. See “Automatic Operation”.

•Set switch to “Manual” position to crank and start the generator engine.

•Set switch to “Off” position to shut down an operat- ing engine. With “Off” selected, operation will not be possible.

DANGER! With switch set to "auto", engine can crank and start suddenly without warning. Such automatic start up normally occurs when utility source voltage drops below a pre-set level. To prevent possible injury that might be caused by such sudden starts, set AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch to "off" before working on or around the unit. Then, place a "do not operate" tag on con- trol console.

AC AMMETER:

Indicated current draw of connected electrical loads during operation. DO NOT EXCEED YOUR UNIT’S RATED MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS CURRENT. Refer to the unit DATA PLATE.

AC FREQUENCY METER:

Indicates generator AC output frequency in “Hertz” (cycles per second). Frequency is proportional to engine speed. Units with a 4-pole rotor supplies 60 Hertz at 1800 rpm. Units with a 2-pole rotor supplies 60 Hz at 3600 rpm. Frequency reading with no electrical loads connected (no-load condition) should be between 59-61 Hertz.

DC VOLTMETER:

The generator is equipped with a belt-driven DC alternator, which maintains battery state of charge when the engine operates. The Control Module Assembly also incorporates a trickle charge circuit which maintains battery state of charge during non-operating periods. Battery voltage should read about 12.5 to 14.5 volts DC. A low battery voltage indicates the battery is discharging.

FAULT INDICATOR LAMP:

Lamp goes ON when one or more of the following engine faults occurs and when engine shuts down.

• Low oil pressure	•	Overcrank
• High coolant temperature	•	Overspeed
• Low coolant level

30 AMP FUSE:

Fuse protects the control console’s DC control circuit against electrical overload. If the fuse has melted open because of an overload, engine cranking and startup cannot occur. Should you need to replace the fuse, use only an identical 30-amp replacement fuse. (Type AGC)

METER READING SELECTOR SWITCH:

Switch permits you to select either line-to-line or line-to-neutral voltage and amperage readings on the console AC voltmeter and AC ammeter.

SET EXERCISE TIME SWITCH:

Switch allows you to program the generator to start and exercise automatically. “See Weekly Exercise Cycle.”

MANUAL TRANSFER AND START UP

To transfer electrical loads to the “Standby” (generator) power source side and start the engine manually, refer to the Owner’s Manual of your particular transfer switch.

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