The generator set control panel is located on top of the generator, and is equipped with the following controls and gauges.
1. Panel lights
2. Panel lights ON/OFF switch
3. Alternating current ammeter
4. Frequency meter
5. Alternating current voltmeter
6. Voltmeter/Ammeter phase selector
7. Engine control selector
8. Voltage level rheostat
9. Oil pressure gauge
10. Water temperature gauge
11. Shutdown indicators
12. Heat switch (if equipped)
13. Governor motor control switch (if engine is equipped with PSG governor)
CONTROL PANEL
Panel lights (1) are controlled by an ON/OFF switch (2).
An ammeter (3), frequency meter (4) and a voltmeter (5) show output of the generator. The voltmeter/ammeter phase selector switch (6) selects which phase (T1, T2, or T3) of generator output will be monitored on the ammeter (3) or the voltmeter (5).
The engine control switch (7) allows manual or automatic operation of the engine and generator set.
The engine control switch has four positions; MANUAL, AUTOMATIC, STOP and OFF. Placing the control in MANUAL will start the engine and allow the operator to manually connect the generator to the load.
In Automatic position, the Generator Set can be started from a remote point.
Both the Off and Stop positions stop the engine immediately, regardless of the cooldown timer. The cooldown timer is optional and functions only when the engine is controlled remotely, using the Automatic position of the engine control switch.
The voltage level rheostat (8) replaces the rheostat in the generator regulator assembly.
Gauge (9) indicates engine oil pressure and gauge (10) indicates engine water temperature.
If the engine has a malfunction, the engine off/reset switch (7) will activate a shutdown relay to stop the engine. The shutdown indicators (11) indicate if the fault was either oil pressure, water temperature, overspeed or an overcrank condition.
If the engine is equipped with glow plugs, they are controlled by an ON/OFF switch (12).
If engine is equipped with a PSG governor, governor motor switch (13) allows the operator to control the engine RPM from a panel.
Manual Operation of Generator Set Control Panel
Starting the Engine
- 1. Perform all before starting inspections. See Before Starting in Engine Operation and Maintenance Guide.
- 2. Turn Engine Automatic Control Selector switch to Manual position.
- 3. After the engine starts and its systems have stabilized, apply the load.
- 4. Regulate the frequency of the generator with the Governor Motor Raise-Lower switch or Manual Governor Control Lever.
Stopping the Engine
- 1. Remove the load from the engine.
- 2. Reduce engine speed to low idle. Push down and hold Governor Motor Raise-Lower switch in the Lower position or move governor control lever to low idle position.
- 3. Release switch when low idle is reached.
- 4. While the engine is at low idle, measure the engine oil level. Oil level must be maintained between the ADD and FULL mark on the ENGINE RUNNING side of the dipstick.
- 5. After engine cools, turn Engine Auto. Control Selector switch to STOP. Move the selector to OFF after the engine stops.
Refer to Engine Operation and Maintenance Guide for other methods to stop the engine.
Move the shutoff lever forward. Hold lever in this position until engine stops.
Automatic Start-Stop Operation of Generator Set Control Panel
An automatic start-stop system is used when an engine must start with no one in attendance.
To start the engine when unattended, the ambient (engine room) temperature must be at least 70°F (20°C) or, the engine jacket water temperature must be at least 90°F (32°C).
One or two 3kw jacket water heaters can maintain this temperature.
In the AUTO. position, the engine will automatically start and take up the load when remote starting contacts are closed. When used together with an automatic transfer switch, the engine can be signaled to start and the load automatically transferred when commercial power fails.
The automatic transfer switch will also remove the load, cool and stop the engine.
If the unit is used for standby application with a remote transfer switch, place the Engine Auto. Control Selector switch in the AUTO. position, and the Governor Motor at full load position for proper operation of the generator with load after starting.
When in the AUTO. position, the engine will automatically stop if commercial power has been restored or if the engine has a fault.
Placing the Engine Auto. Control Selector in the OFF position will stop the engine.
Overcranking
A timer allows the engine to crank either once for 30 seconds, or through 5 ten-second cranking cycles (depending upon the device used) while unattended.
If the engine does not start before the time has elapsed, the cranking motor will shut off, the overcrank indicator will be extended and the engine failure and reset light will come on.
Shutting Down
A timer in the transfer switch allows transfer of the load to another source and the engine to continue running for up to 2 minutes for cooling purposes, before stopping.
Starting the Engine After a Shutdown Caused by Engine Failure
- 1. Turn engine control switch to either STOP or OFF position.
- 2. Find cause of shutdown and correct it.
- 3. Push the shutdown indicator light.
- 4. Push engine failure and reset button.
- 5. Operate the engine with the engine control switch in MANUAL. Make tests as necessary to make sure the condition that caused the shudown has been corrected.