Generator Installation Guidelines

Installing a generator correctly is very important. Due to the nature of electricity an improper installation endangers the lives of people and has the potential to cause serious damage to property

Follow this check-list to make sure that all the correct procedures and necessary connections are made. This is not a definitive guide to installing a generator so please always use a registered and qualified electrician.

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

1. Install surge protection
2. Bond generator and ATS to main incoming earth from mains supplier
3. Check voltage between neutral and earth. (Should be no residual voltage)
4. If the communications cable is extended the AC and DC should be separated to avoid harmonics
5. Check all nuts are tight on mains and generator connectors in ATS or Manual change over.
6. Certificate of compliance (COC) to be issued by the installing electrician.

CIVIL WORKS

1. Generator placed on level concrete surface
2. 150mm thick plinth with wire mesh reinforcing
3. Exhaust and hot air to be directed outside if installed in a room
4. If installed outside it is recommended that the generator is placed under a roof.

GENERAL

1. One meter (1m) space around the generator for service access
   • The above check-list is provided in order to standardize the installation of your generator set. If the above check-list and following explanations are adhered to this will reduce the possibility of any issues arising in the future.
   • Always use qualified personnel for the installation of your generator. Qualified electricians are required by law to do the installation of your generator. Please insist on an ECBSA certified electrician. Verify their ECBSA contractors number here.
   • Surge protection should be installed on the mains incoming feed to avoid over voltage which could harm your electrical equipment.
   • In addition to protecting your equipment the generator is set-up to sense voltage fluctuations within a specific range and turn on and off accordingly (If in automatic mode with an ATS). As per the electrical regulation of South Africa. (Bonded neutral earth).
   • Any residual voltage found between the neutral and earth will increase the voltage supplied which will eventually have adverse effects on electrical items.
   • The communications cable supplied is shielded and crimped roughly 5m long. Extension of the cable is possible, but the cables should be carefully matched as AC and DC current are present in this cable. To ensure that harmonics on the cable are not present after the extension of the cable, shielded cable should be used as well as running the AC and DC signals separately.
   • The connections inside the ATS or manual change over switch should all be double checked and tightened by the electrician prior to signing off. Transportation of the ATS and generator can often cause these nuts and bolts to become loose.
   • A Certificate of Compliance (COC) is required by law to be issued by the installing electrician. This certificate will be needed for your insurance as well as by Bundu Power (for example) should there be an issue with the installation of the generator at a later date
   • The generator operates optimally when on a level surface. The fuel tank and oil are designed to be used on a level surface.
   • The concrete slab is required to ensure a solid and level surface for the generator. In some instances placing the generator on solid paving will also suffice. The reason for the concrete plinth is to avoid any subsidence in the future.
   • Should the generator be installed in a room or garage it is imperative that the exhaust gases and hot air are vented out of the room. The generator produces toxic gases which must be expelled from the area. In addition the room should be well ventilated so that the generator has cool air to cool it down when in operation.
   • Installing the generator under a roof is optional but is recommended to avoid any adverse weather damaging the generator. Due to the generator being outside and often in direct sunlight for parts of the day the paint is prone to fade over time.
   • In addition to this the possibility of water damage from cloud bursts or hail damage is greatly reduced by installing the roof over the generator.
   • We recommended at least 1m clearance above the generator for the roof.
   • One meter (1m) space around the generator is required for maintenance. The technician will require access to both sides of the generator when servicing and inspecting the generator. A service should be performed every 12 months or at the required intervals as per the user manual.