GENERATOR TYPES & FEATURES
Generator sets produce either single or three phase power. Choose a single phase generator if you do not have any motors above five horsepower. Three-phase power is better for motor starting and running. Homeowners usually require single phase whereas industrial or commercial applications frequently require three phase power.

Three phase generators are set up to produce 120/208 or 277/480 volts. Single-phase sets are 120 or 120/240. Large heaters, stoves and dryers frequently use 240V volt power. 120V is the voltage available at your normal electric outlets.

GAS OR DIESEL?
Diesel generators while initially more expensive are frequently the best alternative due to their longevity and lower operating costs. Modern diesels are quiet and normally require much less maintenance than comparably sized gasoline, natural gas or propane units. Fuel costs per kW produced with diesels is normally thirty to fifty percent less than gas units.

• 1800 rpm water cooled diesel units operate on average 12-30,000 hours before major maintenance is required. 1800 rpm water cooled gas units normally operate 6-10,000 hours because they are built on a lighter duty gasoline engine block.
• 3600 rpm air-cooled gas units are normally replaced  not overhauled at 500 to 1500 hours depending on manufacturer. No matter which manufacturer you use, you will get somewhat shorter longevity with the gas than the diesel units because the gas units burn hotter (higher BTU of the fuel).

OPERATING SPEED
Electric equipment in North America is designed to use power with a fixed frequency: 60 Hertz (Hz); and 50 Hertz in Europe, Africa and Australia. The frequency output of a generator depends on a fixed engine speed.

Frequency (Hz) is measured in Hertz (cycles per second) and basically it is the number of times that an AC supply oscillates in one second. The standard frequency in Canada and the US is 60Hz
To produce 60 Hz electricity, most engines operate at 1800 or 3600 RPM. Each has its advantages and drawbacks:

• 1800 RPM, four pole sets are the most common and least expensive. They offer the best balance of noise, efficiency, cost and engine life but are heavy and are only considered portable when mounted on trailers.
• 3600 RPM, two pole sets are smaller and lightweight, best suited for portable, light-duty applications.
  In simple terms its like operating your car at 90 mph, versus 45mph  at 45mph your car will last longer, is quieter, less maintenance and longer life. Most 3600 rpm units are twin or single cylinder gasoline powered air cooled lawnmower engines, while the water cooled 1800 rpm units are comparable to those found in forklift and tractor engines&the 1800 rpm water cooled units will last longer, offer less maintenance problems and be more fuel efficient.

FEATURES & BENEFITS TO LOOK FOR

ENGINE
Engine block: Select four cycle, liquid cooled, industrial duty diesel engines for long life and quiet operation.

Air or liquid cooling: Air-cooled engines require a tremendous amount of air and may require ducting. They're noisier too. Liquid cooling offers quieter operation and more even temperature control but these units weigh and cost more.

• DC electrical system. Standard 12 volt system should include:
• Starter motor and battery charging alternator with a solid state voltage regulator
• Diesel units may come with a pre-heat switch and start/stop switch
• Safety shutdown system to protect the engine in case of oil pressure loss, generator overspeed or overcrank and high water temperature
• DC system circuit breaker.
  

GENERATOR UNIT
AC generator should have a 4-pole revolving field. Automatic voltage regulator provides clean power. Normal utility power is +/- 5% voltage regulation; our 1800-rpm models are even better +/- 2%! All of our models offer AVR  Automatic Voltage Regulation

ENGINE ACCESSORIES AND CONTROLS
After determining the generator size you will need, make a list of optional and installation equipment you require. For noise abatement, we recommend purchasing a sound attenuated generator. A good primary fuel filter/water separator is a must to protect your engine's fuel system.

AC SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLS
Switchgear can be as simple or complex as you want or can afford. As complexity increases, so does cost. Balance and a good electrical advisor are the keys here.
All generator systems require a circuit breaker and a distribution panel.

• The circuit breaker protects the generator set from short circuit and unbalanced electrical loads.
• The distribution panel divides and routes the connected loads and includes circuit breakers to protect these loads.
• Stand-by systems also require a main circuit breaker between the utility source and the transfer panel. The transfer panel switches power from the utility to the generator unit and back so that both aren't on at the same time.

Auto-start, auto-transfer systems are available but are costly. Your contractor can help you determine what you will need.

INSTALLATION
We strongly recommend that you have the installation performed by a licensed electrical or mechanical contractor. They have the tools, the know-how and an understanding of governing regulations and local codes. Their expertise will save you money in the long run and help keep you safe.
If you chose to perform the installation yourself, please do your homework before tackling the job and obtain the proper permits required by your local jurisdiction.
All gem-sets have some basic requirements. Each brand and model has unique installation requirements. Also, it is extremely important to have all relative codebooks for reference and to adhere to them strictly. Most important of all, your system must be inspected before getting it up and running.

LOCATION
Ensure the following elements are present:

• Air inlet for combustion and engine cooling.
• Outlets for exhaust and hot air cooling.
• Fuel, battery and AC electrical connections.
• Remember to monitor for carbon monoxide!
• Rigid, level mounting platforms (many sets are already mounted on a steel skid base).
• Open accessibility for easy service.
• Isolation from living space. Keep noise and exhaust away from occupied areas.
• Space and equipment to extinguish a fire. Minimize the possibility of fire danger.
• Remember, generator units move on their vibration mounts. Allow clearance to compensate and use flex-joints on all lines and connections.
  

EXHAUST SYSTEMS
The exhaust system may need to be covered with insulated material to prevent fire resulting from contact with combustible materials. We recommend a heat blanket over exhaust outlets to reduce the heat radiated from the exhaust and to ensure personal safety.
Some insulation materials are best left to professionals with the proper equipment. Keep the piping away from combustible materials including walls. A seamless, stainless steel flexible joint must be used between the generator set and the exhaust system to prevent metal fatigue. Do not use the exhaust manifold to support the exhaust system - the weight can cause manifold failure. Exhaust pipe hangers are readily available.

FUEL SYSTEM
Extreme care should be taken in designing and installing the fuel system to prevent fire danger. Fuel lines should have as few connections as possible and be routed to prevent damage. Keep lines away from hot engine or exhaust components. The lines should be no smaller than the inlet and outlet on the engine. Support fuel lines with clamps as needed to help prevent metal fatigue from vibration. The fuel tank should be level with or below the set to prevent siphoning in the event of a line failure. Remember to check the lift capacity of the engine fuel pump and stay within its limits. If the set is higher than the tank, an auxiliary fuel pump may be required.

To prevent water ingestion, fuel should be drawn out of the top of the tank with the pick-up extending to no more than two inches from the bottom. Fuel storage tanks must have leakage protection. Above ground tanks are recommended. Check your local codes before installing a tank to make sure it meets local code. The safest tanks are double walled with alarms. These alarms are simple and well worth the investment to avoid a possible fuel spill and significant clean-up costs. If the tank is mounted above the generator set, use a fuel shut-off valve. This will allow you to work on the fuel system without the fuel-siphoning out. It will also allow you to cut-off fuel flow in the event of line breakage.
A high quality, fuel/water separator filter should be mounted as close to the generator set as possible. Because of its explosive nature, gasoline fuel systems have special requirements; see your tank supplier for complete information.

COMBUSTION AND COOLING AIR
The generator set requires air for combustion and cooling. A radiator and a pusher engine fan cool the generator engine temperature. An internal fan cools the generator.

INDOOR MOUNTING
The room, or space, in which the generator operates, should not exceed 100F. We recommend keeping it under 85F if possible. Generator installations require an intake for cool, clean air and an outlet vent for hot air. Since the size of the space affects the room temperature (the smaller the space the generator runs in, the higher the room temperature is likely to be), smaller spaces may require ducting. Other factors, which will affect the room temperature include generator size and the outside air temperature or climate. In an indoor installation, increasing these vent sizes may cool the room down to acceptable levels. If this doesn't provide sufficient cooling, ducting may be required to ensure positive airflow. Simply stated, positive airflow is cool, clean air in  hot air out, as opposed to circulating hot air inside the room. Generator cooling fans move moisture as well as air. Moist air is corrosive to a generator unit's copper windings. Make sure air inlets are positioned to minimize moisture intake.

OUTDOOR MOUNTING
The room, or space, in which the generator operates, should not exceed 38C (100F). We recommend keeping it under 30C (85F) if possible. Generator installations require an intake for cool, clean air and an outlet vent for hot air.

Since the size of the space affects the room temperature (the smaller the space the generator runs in, the higher the room temperature is likely to be), smaller spaces may require ducting. Other factors, which will affect the room temperature, include generator size and the outside air temperature or climate. In an indoor installation, increasing these vent sizes may cool the room down to acceptable levels. If this doesn't provide sufficient cooling, ducting may be required to ensure positive airflow. Stated simply, positive airflow is cool, clean air in  hot air out, as opposed to circulating hot air inside the room. Generator cooling fans move moisture as well as air. Moist air is corrosive to a generator's copper windings. Make sure air inlets are positioned to minimize moisture intake.