Generator Installation Safety Tips 2022

In the present era, the need for better technical gadgets and more efficient systems for goods production has caused an upsurge in the demand for power. To meet this upsurge several options have been tried and tested.

However, the occurrence of power stoppages has made it mandatory to use power backups that could provide a non-ceasing power supply. In the last few years, the use of diesel-based generators has been the preferred tool for generating power.

For this, diesel fuel is required. Generators are of various types such as fuel-based, standby generators, etc. Major companies such as Krugerpower manufacture all these kinds.

The reason why these backup systems have been the preferred choice is due to their easy use and reliability. However, one notable aspect to keep in mind is their installation procedure.

If the standard procedures are not followed thoroughly, it may cause accidents and harm the equipment as well.

Always ensure you use the best practices for the installation of a generator. An expert or electric personnel should be preferred for the purpose. Before we move on to the installation part, let us first see the safety tips that need to be taken care of.
Backup power systems
Backup systems are systems such as fuel-powered gensets that switch ON as soon as the main power supply fails. The system provides a normal, continuous form of supply.

At present, diesel-powered gensets are used as backup power systems for major companies. These gensets are known for their affordable characteristic and reliability. Also, they have instant loss transfer characteristics which makes them superior to the alternatives.
Tips To Keep-In-Mind

* Always ensure that the installation, repair, and maintenance work is done as per the manufacturer’s manual and recommendations.
* Make sure that the fume systems are far away from inhabited zones and installed with technical expertise. Exhaust fumes may harm the human body adversely.
* Keep the zone surrounding the generator free and clean from any combustible or choking substance.
* Regular preventive maintenance should be scheduled. Also, repair and replace parts wherever necessary to avoid future issues.
* Be attentive during the operation of the equipment. Major accidents occur due to ignorance.
* Never open a running genset. Shut off the pump and disconnect all battery cables, thereby eliminating all possibilities of an accidental start-up.

Power-related Incidents’ Tips

* Turn off power supply lines.
* Prevent shocks by keeping cables and terminals well insulated.
* Make sure your equipment has earthing power connectivity.
* Use recommended power capacity cables and cord sets.

Fire-based Fire

* Do not smoke near the equipment.
* Combustible materials such as oil or fuel may cause fire incidents.
* Keep fire extinguishers readily available. Do not use the CCl4 extinguishers as they may damage the wiring.

How to Install Procedure?
The installation procedure of any equipment has to be done only by an expert, under supervision based on the instruction manual given. Always follow measures provided as instructions.

The NFPA 110 is known to provide all the safety measures and know-how for operating electrical equipment. The following steps need to be performed during the installation part of any generator set.

* Check the package. As soon as you unpack, ensure that no parts have been missed or broken or refurbished and that the package is intact.
* Since you know your capacity of power required, ensure whether the written wattage on the equipment will be sufficient for your requirement. In case of too many critical loads, use a dedicated distribution board to check the capacity.
* Place the genset in a non-conductive and insulated place, above ground level if possible. Ensure there are no combustible or flammable substances lying around.
* Also, ensure that sufficient ventilation and a cooling atmosphere is available. Provide an enclosure if necessary.
* Make sure you install the genset close to the fuel supply and a T switch.
* To ground the frame of the generator, a lug can be used. However, the land should be even and local regulations for grounding also need to be taken care of during grounding work.
* Charge all the batteries before use.
* Ensure that the installation of the T switch is done in a proper way. No point of the switch should be kept unevenly levelled as it may cause malfunction of the switch.
* The use of a T-switch is of utmost essential to ensure isolation between the generator’s electric system and the utility distribution system.
* In case there is no such means, connect the essential appliances directly to the generator.

Preventive Maintenance of Gensets
The regular maintenance of a system is of utmost essential as it could help address the issue of occasional breakdown. Maintenance for avoiding any stoppages need not be done daily. It could be once a month, once a fortnight, once in 6 months maintenance etc.

These maintenance schedules help to prevent any major damage so they can be easily operated. The components are all connected in such a way that once it trips.
Conclusion
In this era, it is important to realize that power-operated gadgets have become the new tomorrow.

As we look ahead, even if there is some alternate option in terms of a renewable resource, the diesel genset is bound to stay the backup generator. Regular maintenance of any equipment is necessary to see how many times a genset requires parts replacement. This helps in judging the maintenance cycle of the genset.

Also, it is important to remember that one single component could also cause stoppage. It is because the generator functions based on the collective efforts of all the parts combined.

As we look for alternatives, it is still suggested that the demand for generators will go higher. Reliability, Quick load transfer and affordability are some of the reasons for the same. Power outages are usually abrupt. It may occur due to overload or some internal issue at the main power grids.

The rise in population and demand has caused this an issue. Prepare well by installing a good standby option and secure your future better from avoidable troubles. After all, it is something that you can rely upon in times of emergency.