Weekly Inspection

During the weekly inspection of the EPSS, the component should be checked for signs of oxidization, dirt accumulation, and overheating. If these signs are not present, and the component is in the correct operating position, it should pass inspection.

Monthly Testing

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires Level 1 and Level 2 generators to undergo a monthly test. As would occur during an outage, the switch signals the EPSS to start, monitors it during startup, and changes over the building’s load after startup is complete. If the EPSS fails to start, kicks off soon after starting, or fails to carry the load, a recalcitrant power transfer switch might be the problem.

Prime Power performs monthly EPSS testing as part of its generator services in Carolina.

Annual Maintenance

The NFPA requires annual maintenance to be performed on the components to prevent overheated connections, worn contacts, loose cable terminations, and other internal problems. Before investigating the component, the technician disconnects it from the primary source and secondary source, cleans the cabinet that houses it, and then cleans the component.

Next, the component is inspected for signs of deterioration. After their covers are removed, the contacts are inspected. After the covers are replaced, the wires that connect to the device are inspected for cracking, and the control connections are inspected for deterioration. The connections are then re-torqued.

Annual Testing

During the monthly test, manipulating circuits in the component simulates an outage, but simulating a real outage is recommended for the annual test. “Opening up” a building’s EPSS and testing it under real conditions puts the ability of the component to start the EPSS and access its feed to the ultimate test.

Infrared testing should also be performed on an annual basis. By scanning EPSS equipment with an infrared scanner, technicians can uncover “hot spots” in components that indicate early problems. Often, these problems can be fixed before they create larger problems. Infrared testing is fast and affordable. An entire facility can often be scanned in a day.

Prime Power can help

A power transfer switch is an integral part of an EPSS. If it malfunctions, a building cannot access secondary power during an outage. Prime Power can ensure that the transfer switch in your EPSS is ready to perform by inspecting, maintaining, and testing it according to the processes above.

The processes above are a basic overview of how transfer switches should be maintained and tested on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis. For specific questions about EPSS maintenance and infrared testing, call Prime Power, the premier provider of generator services in Carolina, today.

Monthly Guidelines

Each month, a genset should be tested under available load for thirty minutes. During the procedure, the unit must do one of the following—perform at a minimum of thirty percent of its nameplate kilowatt rating, or achieve a minimum exhaust gas temperature as stated by the manufacturer. Most gensets pass the monthly test. Those that do not are subjected to an annual test as described below.

Annual Guidelines

Annual generator testing is recommended for gensets that fail the monthly test. Unlike the monthly procedure, the annual procedure is typically conducted using a supplied load from a load bank. In addition, the annual test lasts for a total of two hours. During this time, the genset must perform as follows:

• 25 percent of the kilowatt rating for 30 minutes
• 50 percent of the kilowatt rating for 60 minutes
• 75 percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating for 60 minutes

The procedure above can help restore the efficiency of an old genset, preparing it to perform as expected during an outage. In some cases, the reason for inefficient performance is wet stacking—a condition where unburned fuel accumulates in the exhaust mechanism of the genset. If left unresolved, wet stacking could cause equipment damage, along with a drop in efficiency.

Infrared Scanning

Infrared scanning is not a part of monthly or annual genset testing, but it should be performed annually to test for problems with EPSS components. Using an infrared scanner, a technician can scan EPSS components to identify potential problem areas. Often, these areas give off abnormal heat readings that are picked up by the scanner. In many cases, infrared scanning identifies problems in the early stages, before they show the usual signs.

Choosing a Provider

For facilities that contain Level 1 and Level 2 gensets, generator testing is an important aspect of protecting human life and business interests. Therefore, these facilities should have their EPSS maintained and tested by an experienced generator service in Georgia, such as Prime Power. When the procedures above are performed properly, a facility’s genset is prepared for a power outage.

For over twenty-five years, Prime Power has been the generator service in Georgia with the most expertise and broadest range of services. In addition to EPSS testing, we also supply industrial and commercial power users with the following services, among others:

• Scheduled maintenance
• Breaker testing
• Healthcare utility management
• Arc flash analysis and training
• Modernization and retrofits

To have the genset in your facility tested according to NFPA guidelines, or to learn more about the services above, call Prime Power today for a free consultation.

Arc Flash Statistics

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 2,000 electrical workers are admitted to burn units each year with serious arc flash injuries. As for what defines a serious arc flash injury financially, CapSchell, a Chicago based research and consulting firm, notes the total cost of a serious electrical injury can approach $10 million. A company’s insurance carrier can shoulder most of that cost, but the ensuing rise in insurance premiums could be painful.

Considering the injuries that arc flashes could cause workers and the financial difficulty those injuries can cause employers, facility managers should take every opportunity to prevent arc flashes. When they do, they hire a power service to perform the following measures on a set schedule:

• Check the switchgear for loose terminations
• Check for debris and dust build up on internal switchgear components
• Test the switchgear for stored energy
• Check for proper system design and modifications
• Examine the design of switchgear housing

In addition to receiving the critical power services above, the switchgear in an Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) should be tested annually according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code 70E. This test is often performed in conjunction with NFPA 110 monthly generator testing.

Additional Safety Measures

In addition to setting testing guidelines for switchgear that isolates an EPSS, NFPA 70E also establishes guidelines for the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) electrical workers should wear when they service the equipment. NFPA 70E bases PPE guidelines on the incident energy level of switchgear, which is expressed as calories per centimeters squared. There are four hazard levels requiring different types of PPE:

• Level 1  – Fire Resistant (FR) shirt and pants
• Level 2  – Cotton underwear and FR shirt and pants
• Level 3  – Cotton underwear, FR shirt and pants, and FR coveralls
• Level 4  – Cotton underwear, FR shirt and pants, and multilayer flash suit

Facilities should also protect workers by posting warning labels on switchgear that indicate its hazard level and the type(s) of PPE they must wear when accessing it.

Does Your Facility Need Arc Flash Analysis?

Arc flashes happen in an instant, but the damage it could cause could take years for the injured victim and his or her company to recover. Prime Power can help keep your company and its workers from being in this position by performing arc flash analysis on its switchgear.

For over twenty-five years, Prime Power has performed arc flash analysis, NFPA 110 generator testing, infrared scanning, scheduled maintenance, and other critical power services that are essential to the efficiency, reliability, and safety of a facility’s electrical system. Call us today for a free consultation on arc flash analysis.

Select a Service that Offers Scheduled Maintenance

Improper maintenance is a major reason for generator failure. Although generators are operated infrequently, they have filters, switches, and other components that must be checked on daily, weekly, monthly, semiannual, and annual schedules. A service that offers scheduled maintenance can help you perform these checks at the proper times, keeping your generator ready for the next outage.

Select a Service that Conducts Generator Testing

Generator testing assesses the efficiency of a generator. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code 110, a Level 1 or Level 2 generator should be tested monthly for thirty minutes. If a generator performs below thirty percent of its nameplate kilowatt rating during the test, it should be subjected to an annual two-hour test. If your generator is not tested according to NFPA 110 guidelines, it may not operate as efficiently as it should.

Select a Service that Conducts Breaker Testing

The switchgear that isolates an EPSS electrically protects it from being damaged by fault currents. Ensuring that the switchgear is properly inspected, maintained, and tested is vital to protecting a significant investment.

Select a Service that Performs Retrofitting and Modernization

Older generators can benefit from being retrofitted or modernized, measures that can improve the efficiency of a generator and extend its lifespan. If a power generation service does not offer these services, it may recommend replacing a generator that could instead be retrofitted or modernized. Retrofitting or modernizing a generator can save lots of money compared to replacing it, so be sure to choose a service the performs both services.

Select a Service that Performs Infrared Testing

Infrared testing can detect problems in EPSS components before they become obvious. By registering abnormal heating patterns that often radiate from the problem area, infrared scanners help companies address faulty EPSS components before they malfunction, cause other equipment damage, or worse. Infrared testing should be performed annually, and can often be completed in a day.

Select a Service that Conducts Loadbank Testing

In loadbank testing, a loadbank is used to “exercise” a generator, which is usually done for one of two reasons: to perform the annual generator test described in NFPA 110; or to resolve wet stacking, which occurs when unburned fuel leaks onto the exhaust side of a generator, causing parts corrosion and a drop in efficiency. Prime Power has portable load banks that are easy to transport to and from your facility.

Is Your EPSS in Need of Service?

If you need a power generation service to maintain your EPSS, Prime Power can help. In addition to performing NFPA 110 generator testing and the other services above, we also offer:

• Arc flash analysis and training
• Healthcare utility management
• Generator rentals
• Maintenance of all EPSS components

To learn what services are right for your EPSS, call us today for a free consultation.

Generator Maintenance

Generator maintenance is performed on a daily, weekly, monthly, semiannual, and annual basis. A diesel generator should have the following services performed daily:

• General inspection
• Coolant heater check
• Oil check
• Fuel check
• Charge-air piping check

The generator should have the following measures performed weekly:

• Air cleaner check
• Battery charger check
• Fuel filter drain
• Fuel tank drain

The generator should have the measures below performed monthly:

• Coolant concentration check
• Drive belt tension check
• Exhaust condensate drain
• Starting battery check

The generator should have the following measures performed semiannually:

• Oil and filter change
• Coolant filter change
• Crankcase breather cleaning
• Air cleaner element change
• Radiator hose check
• Fuel filter change

The generator should have its cooling system cleaned annually.

The services above should be supplied by a power service in Georgia that performs scheduled maintenance as one of its power generation services.

Generator Testing

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes testing guidelines for Level 1 and Level 2 generators. These guidelines require generators to be tested monthly for thirty minutes under available load. If a generator fails to perform at a minimum of thirty percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating during the test, it must be tested annually for two continuous hours under supplied load (i.e. loadbank testing). Guidelines for NFPA generator testing are contained in NFPA 110.

In addition to being tested by NFPA guidelines, hospital generators must be tested according to Joint Commission standard EC 7.40.

Infrared Testing

Performed annually, infrared testing uses an infrared scanner to detect abnormal heat patterns that indicate problems in electrical components. Often, these problems are just developing, and can be resolved while they are inexpensive to repair. In addition to being affordable, infrared testing is also expedient; an Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) can usually be scanned in a day.

Arc Flash Analysis

Arc flash analysis is performed when significant electrical changes are made to a facility. It is also performed to assess the safety of switchgear. A facility whose EPSS is isolated by medium voltage switchgear can benefit from having the switchgear inspected annually for arc flash potential.

Does Your Facility Need the Services Above?

If so, Prime Power, the premier power service in Georgia, is ready to help. For over twenty-five years, Prime Power has supplied commercial and industrial facilities with the services their electrical systems need to perform efficiently, reliably, and safely.

At Prime Power, we know an EPSS is an important investment that protects the business of a company. To help protect that investment, call us today to schedule generator maintenance, generator testing, infrared testing, arc flash analysis, or other power generation services.

Emergency Power Services in Georgia: Maintenance Slows Down Natural Deterioration

You can rely on emergency power services in Georgia to assist with the slowed degradation of an installed backup generator. Reliability starts declining immediately upon completed setup, unless a set maintenance schedule is followed. A system will eventually break if servicing is not applied, resulting in expensive repair costs and financial losses caused by the downtime. These problems will continue to resurface if a unit operation is continued without any applied maintenance. You may have an issue repaired, gain increased reliability, and then be subjected to the entire process again as system deterioration continues. Proper care will limit or prevent these cycles to supply increased reliability and preserve the life of this extensive investment.

Normal deterioration is not the only concern being catered to by preventive maintenance. Many other factors can affect the speed of deterioration and increase the risk of malfunction. Load changes, additions, circuit alterations, voltage changes, improper settings, and environmental conditions play a part in the deterioration of a system. A set maintenance schedule may be supplied by emergency power services in Georgia to ensure these items do not negatively affect your system. Adjustments may be made during servicing to accommodate these types of changes. Many items are accounted for when your generator is being designed and selected for installation to determine how uptime will affect required maintenance. A design meant for tougher conditions will be necessary when a high amount of reliability is required.

Commissioning includes a set of activities geared toward ascertaining system adequacy and the deliverability of a desired level of performance. A specific checklist must be developed and followed to deliver the appropriate amount of care. The selected provider should have outlined processes that align with manufacturer recommendations for commissioning critical power systems. Prime Power professionals are versed in various generator designs and have the knowledge to cover every aspect of a system. Our technicians follow a specific set of standards when installing and commissioning electrical generators. We offer customization, installation, testing, and maintenance services geared toward improving the dependability of a system. Call today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for improved care.

Emergency Power Equipment in the Carolinas: What Preventive Measures Are Commonly Recommended?

Emergency power equipment in the Carolinas is essential to any business with critical operations. What type of servicing tasks can you expect to be included as part of the developed checklist? Generators contain many mechanical components that do not always operate regularly. This factor makes the verification of sufficient fluids important throughout the commissioning process. Professionals may use testing processes in combination with a visual inspection to ensure all components and fluids are present. Oil and coolant levels should be checked every time the system is commissioned to reduce part wear and the occurrence of mechanical malfunctions.  A technician will need to apply lubrication to protect moving components, in addition to checking all cabling for solid connections.

The system should be checked for moisture buildup and tested under a specific load to prevent the accumulation of unburned fuel. Load testing helps in avoiding wet stacking, which could lead to fire or explosions during use. Moisture accumulation in certain areas of the system heightens the chances of wiring corrosion or metal rusting. Exhaust systems must be checked for proper release to prevent motor damage. Your unit will be run to find existing leaks and to verify overall operation. Batteries must be fully charged and functional to obtain dependable startup. Electrical components require thorough insulation along with well-maintained contacts for appropriate circuit protection. Carolina emergency power equipment professionals will include these components, along with many other items to the supplied preventive care checklist.

While it may seem optional, cleaning is important to the heath of your backup generator. Debris accumulates on moving parts as well as the exhaust system, consequently causing issues such as overheating. A technician will use compressed air to blow out various portions of your system. Filters must be checked, cleaned, and replaced as needed. Circuit breakers, transfer switches, and several other components must be consistently evaluated. Prime Power technicians can create an effective generator maintenance checklist for increased reliability after the completion of an inspection. Our technicians are versed in numerous generator brands and understand the importance of a dependable system. One appointment can transform the performance of your current backup source.  Call today to begin working toward increased efficiency and a secondary power system ready for an outage.

Emergency Power in the Carolinas: Professionals Assistance Offers Better Solutions

It is best to have the same company install, test, and maintain secondary electrical units; however, this might not always be possible. Be certain to select a provider who has thorough experience with the brand and model you are using. A professional company should have good business standing and a reputation for quality work. Manufacturing environments require emergency power in the Carolinas to supply secondary machinery support. Backup sources ensure assembly lines and equipment remain operational throughout an outage. The hospitality industry falls into the category of emergency systems since power outages put lives in danger by making necessary stabilization items unavailable. Backup generators are a good idea, regardless of your business type, because they keep essential processes running and provide extra protection in the event of a long-term outage.

Diesel generators offer increased dependability and are the most cost efficient to run for many businesses. Average costs for backup systems can range from five thousand to over one-hundred thousand dollars, depending on the size needed and criticality. You prevent the loss of money by having these systems in place, but only gain true benefits when they are capable of reliable performance. Maintenance is essential when wanting to protect this type of large company investment. Emergency power in the Carolinas is important due to area conditions such as weather. A bad storm brought in from the Atlantic could cause power grid outages lasting for an hour, a day, or more.

An engineer can help you select the right generator as well as provide sound installation and acceptance testing. Take the time to set up a maintenance schedule based on manufacturer care recommendations and supplied technician suggestions. A preventive servicing plan will help you avoid most common generator repairs and ensure the system is available at your time of need. Prime Power professionals take a system rather than component approach, meaning the unit is viewed as one cohesive item. Our technicians are capable of troubleshooting your entire system when repairs are necessary, or they can create a maintenance program designed to prevent outage problems. Additional services include design customization, installation, retrofitting, and full servicing. Schedule an appointment today to have one of our expert technicians complete a new system evaluation, or to determine the commissioning needs for your current unit.

Power Services in Georgia: What Happens During Switchgear Maintenance?

Power services in Georgia help you determine the type of switch at the time of system design or purchasing. Closed versions are common with data processing environments, electronic loads, and in other situations where even the smallest outage can cause damage. Open transition switches can be used whenever the entire building or devices suffer a short outage before standby power is initiated. It is the driving force of your backup or emergency electrical source. This component monitors incoming electrical feeds and determines when an outage has actually occurred. Current supply is shifted from the main source to your secondary system once an outage has been verified. These sources may supply power to designated circuits or to every building circuit. Advanced models allow circuits to be prioritized to enable optional circuits and load shedding capabilities.

Specific maintenance must be applied to these components to make certain your system is capable of starting appropriately. Switches without an isolation bypass feature are de-energized prior to removing the arc chutes or pole covers. Once these items have been removed, a technician will visually inspect your switching component to verify contact condition. Trip and time delay functions in the gear are tested and then recalibrated. This process helps a professional acquire current settings to make the necessary adjustments aimed at meeting your specific electrical requirements.

Dust is also vacuumed from both the switchgear and the accessory panels. Power services in Georgia inspect the component for moisture, clean grime off with an approved solvent, and evaluate all insulated parts. Cracks and discoloration are signs of overheating that often affect individual switchgear components. An initial infrared scan may be recommended by a service provider to achieve easier problem area identification. Technicians verify contact condition, operation, and wiring connections prior to re-energizing the power transfer switch.

Prime Power offers these comprehensive services, along with many additional services geared toward guaranteeing the reliable operation of your generator. Call today to have this critical component serviced or to receive additional care for your secondary electrical unit.

Neglected maintenance, foregone testing, installation errors, or various other items can be the cause of a failed emergency generator. Bad cabling, loose connections, battery issues, breaker contact damage, and inoperable automatic transfer switches are all common reasons for failed start-up or unsafe operation. You can eliminate most of these issues by keeping your backup units maintained according to manufacturer specifications and following NFPA guidelines. This practice also allows arising problems to be repaired long before the system is needed.

Emergency Power Equipment Carolina: What Basic Requirements Can Be Expected?

Emergency power equipment in Carolina falls under basic NFPA 110 standards, local jurisdiction requirements, and recommended manufacturer maintenance practices. The manufacturer typically supplies manuals explaining how each major component is to be commissioned. Manuals provide part lists, illustrations, detailed care instructions, wiring schematics, and general data about the generator. This information is important when hiring someone to service your power unit because it provides him or her with system specific data. Your emergency system is required to pass acceptance testing upon a completed installation. Once the generator has passed these series of tests, you will need to create a routine servicing plan set up by an experienced professional.

You are required to have a written servicing schedule and system care records. Inspections, testing, and routine maintenance should be accurately recorded for a detailed system history. Permanent servicing records must show the date, technician, repairs, part replacement information, and any performed testing. All switchgear must be free of dirt buildup, have good wiring connections, and in some instances may require contact replacement. Batteries are to be checked on a weekly or monthly basis to ensure proper charge and individual cell condition. You are also required to complete an annual fuel quality test under ASTM standards.

Generators need to be run at a certain capacity every so often to agitate the fuel source so proper operation may be verified. If you do not run your system at a specific capacity, additional problems will arise, such as unburned fuel buildup. Professionals can perform load bank tests or other evaluations to prevent these types of operational risks.

Several tests should be part of the maintenance plan you receive from emergency power equipment experts, especially in the Carolina area. With so many requirements being spread over varying periods, you need someone with experience to ensure every aspect of your generator is covered. Prime Power professionals will help you create an effective servicing plan based on manufacturer care specifications and NFPA 110 power generator guidelines. Call today to have one of our professionals set up an initial visit for a complete system inspection, commissioning, and maintenance planning.