Generator Installation

Installing a standby diesel generator is the only way to provide long running power protection to your business or residential premises.

Installing a standby diesel generator gives you the benefit of long term running but does give you a loss of power for a few seconds while the generator starts and becomes ready for the load. This is where installing an uninterruptible power supply becomes essential – a UPS will cover the power gap that will affect critical loads such as IT systems, servers and telecoms equipment. The Hampshire Generator and UPS Co designs, builds and installs full automatic generator / UPS systems in the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Generator Installation – Step 1) Customer Site Survey – Generator engineers will visit your site to establish your exact requirements – your total building load, type of load and how long you need the system to run the in the event of a power outage. It may be that you only need a few minutes to provide an orderly shutdown of your IT systems – then a UPS only installation would be probably be the best choice, Any longer than a few minutes and a diesel generator installation service would be best.

Generator Installation – Step 2) System Design – your generator installation requires careful design to ensure the systems work together (UPS and generators should be ‘matched’). We can then assist with drawings and schematics which may be required by the local planning authority.

Open Diesel Generator Installation – for installation within a plant room or dedicated generator building. If the space and budget allows, this is the best way of having a generator installed. The room may need soundproofing and apertures will be required to provide a cooling air intake and discharge – louvres and sound-reducing attenuation equipment may be required to keep the ambient noise levels outside the room within acceptable levels. The combustion exhaust will also need to be routed to the outside through a suitable flue.

Acoustic Canopy Diesel Generator Installation – this is the most common option and provides a complete ‘packaged’ solution. The engine, alternator, control system and fuel tank are all built within a canopy that also reduces the noise. It is also possible to install canopy generators within a building though it is essential to consider air flows for cooling and exhaust flues. This type of generator installation normally has a noise level of 85dB(A) at 1m.

Special Build – Low Noise Level – In noise sensitive areas it may be essential to design a generator installation that requires a lower noise level than can be provided by a standard acoustic canopy – for example residential areas or hospital generator installations. In these instances HGUPS can design a generator installation that meets all the needs of the specific project.

Control System Requirements – A standard generator installation requires either manual or automatic start control module. For an automatic system an ATS (automatic transfer switch) is normally required. The ATS monitors the mains power and if it fails (or a single phase fails) it sends a start signal to the generator and transfers the load to the generator. When the mains power is restored the process happens again in reverse.

Generator Installation – Step 3) Generator Delivery and Installation – Generators and associated equipment should be installed by qualified and experienced generator engineers. Installations should always be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

Generator Location – as mentioned above – inside in a plant room is the perfect but no often possible. Outside the building is the most likely location and this should be away from public areas, fire escape routes, designated smoking areas and vehicle movement. Consideration should be given to access for maintenance and refuelling, security to prevent vandalism and the vicinity of water drains to prevent contamination.

Generator Delivery – generators can be large and heavy pieces of equipment so it is essential that the route to the proposed generator installation position is clear, big enough for a large vehicle and is stable enough to accept the weight. Be aware of any gravel or soft soil that a vehicle may encounter.

Generator Offloading – Unless the installation site has its own lifting equipment it will be necessary to arrange lifting equipment to offload and position the generator. A truck mounted crane (HIAB) is often used but it may be necessary to arrange a full contract lift.

Generator Mounting – A generator should be installed on a flat level surface. A concrete plinth is ideal but not essential. It should be secured to the surface with suitable anchors. Gravel should be avoided as the vibration of the generator will soon destabilise the surface.

Generator Ventilation and Cooling – generator engines produce fumes that are hazardous to health. It is important to make sure that there is enough ventilation to cool the generator and to remove excess fumes and heat produced through engine combustion.

Generator Fuel System – Most generator installations have a base frame mounted diesel fuel tank for approximately 8 hours. If you require a longer run time than this then we can assist with an external fuel tank connected to the generator that automatically tops up the built-in fuel tank.