Section 2 Generator Set Operation
2.1 Prestart Checklist
To ensure continued satisfactory operation, perform the following checks or inspections before or at each startup, as designated, and at the intervals specified in the service schedule. In addition, some checks require verification after the unit starts.
Air Cleaner. Check for a clean and installed air cleaner element to prevent unfiltered air from entering the engine.
Air Inlets. Check for clean and unobstructed air inlets.
Battery. Check for tight battery connections. Consult the battery manufacturer’s instructions regarding battery care and maintenance.
Exhaust System. Check for exhaust leaks and blockages. Check the muffler condition.
DInspect the exhaust system components for cracks, leaks, and corrosion. Check for tight exhaust system connections.
DCheck for corroded or broken metal parts and replace them as needed.
DCheck that the exhaust outlet is unobstructed.
Oil Level. Check the oil level before starting the generator set and at the intervals given in Section 5, Scheduled Maintenance. Maintain the oil level at or near, not over, the full mark on the dipstick.
Operating Area. Check for obstructions that could block the flow of cooling air. Keep the air intake area clean. Do not leave rags, tools, or debris on or near the generator set.
2.2 Exercising the Generator Set
Operate the generator set without load once each week for 20 minutes. See Section 2.4 for information about loaded and unloaded exercise modes. For instructions to set the exerciser, see:
DSection 3.6 for the RDC2 controller
DSection 4.5 for the DC2 controller
2.3 Generator Set Operation
2.3.1Local Starting and Stopping
Start: Press the RUN button to immediately start the generator set.
Stop: Press the OFF button. The engine stops.
Run the generator set with no load for at least 2 minutes to ensure adequate engine cooldown.
2.3.2Automatic Starting and Stopping
An automatic transfer switch monitors the utility power and signals the generator set to start when utility power is lost. The ATS then transfers the load to the generator set.
When utility power is restored, the transfer switch transfers the load back to utility, runs the generator set with no load to cool down the engine, and then stops the generator set.
2.3.3Remote Starting and Stopping
A remote switch connected to terminals 3 and 4 can be used to start and stop the generator set. Close the switch to start and run the generator set. Open the switch to stop the generator set.
Run the generator set with no load for at least 2 minutes to ensure adequate engine cooldown.
2.3.4Engine Start Crank Cycle
The controller attempts to start the generator set three times (three crank cycles, 15 seconds crank and 15 seconds off). If the generator set does not start in three attempts, the system shuts down on an overcrank fault. See Section 2.5.
Cranking 1, 2, and 3 are displayed during the crank cycle. Pressing the OFF button during the crank cycle stops the cranking. No other buttons are acknowledged during the crank cycle.
2.3.5Engine Cooldown
The engine cooldown time delay allows the engine to run after the loads have been removed.
The engine cooldown time delay is set to 5 minutes. The engine stops before the cooldown time delay expires if the temperature drops below the
Section 2 Generator Set Operation 21 |
