Standby Generators Flashcards
What are three common fuels used by engine-driven generators?
- Gasoline
- Diesel
- Gaseous fuels (such as butane, methane, propane, and natural gas)
How long does it typically take to bring a standby generator online?
8 to 15 seconds
The voltage regulator in an engine-driven alternator controls the terminal voltage of the alternator by controlling the current in the _______ of the alternator
Field windings
Where is the control panel of the engine-driven generator located?
Alternator end of the engine-generator set
What are three instruments/controls you are likely to find on a control panel?
- Stop-start swtich
- Battery charge-rate ammeter
- Field circuit breaker
- Ammeters
- Voltmeters
- Running time meter
- Line circuit breaker
- Oil-pressure gauge
- Voltage-adjust rheostat
When two or more alternators are used for backup power, what additional controls must they have compared to a single generator?
Synchronizing controls
Where an engine-driven generator may be stationary for extended periods in low temperatures (making starting difficult), what devices may be included for optimal starting?
Temperature-controlled oil heaters
What is the sequence of events at the ATS when there is a power failure and when the power is restored?
- CB to normal supply first opens
- CB to emergency supply closes
- When power is restored, there is a delay for a short period to ensure voltage is definitely restored
- CB to the emergency supply opens
- CB to the normal supply closes
The selector switch on the ATS has Test, Auto, Engine Start and Stop Positions. What are each of these for?
Test - Test position simulates a power outage, starts up the emergency generator and transfers the load. The stop the engine and retransfer the load to the normal supply, turn the selector switch to the Auto position
Auto- Normal switch position
Engine Start - Generator starts and runs but does not take on the load
Stop - Generator set will stop and does not start automatically. Used when servicing generators
To ensure that the emergency generator cannot accidentally start, what is the safest precaution to take?
Disconnect the batteries
On a weekly test for an emergency generator, the unit should run for at least ______
30 Minutes
What is the function of a bypass switch used with an ATS?
To maintain supply to the emergency load while the ATS is out of service
Where will you obtain the directions for installing, testing and troubleshooting the ATS?
Manufacturers instruction manual
The transfer switch retransfers the load to the normal supply when power has been restored, but the engine of the generator continues to run for several minutes. Is this a malfunction?
No. This is normal and is to allow the engine time to cool down
What are three reasons why plant exercising should be done regularly?
- To recharge the battery by giving it a booster charge
- To replace evaporated fuel in the carburetor
- To keep all the engine parts lubricated
- To bring the engine up to operating temperature
- To purge all condensation from the crankcase
- To ensure that when the generator is needed it can be depended upon to start and operate properly