Common Maintenance Mistakes: Not Performing a Load Bank Test Every Year

March 4, 2015

What is a Load Bank test?
A Load Bank test is run to determine the ability of the engine to perform properly and to remove unburned fuel deposits from the combustion chambers and the exhaust system.

How is it performed?
Because providing sufficient load from the building may not be practical, an electrical load (usually portable) is connected to the generator set so the engine can be run at its rated capacity (100% load).

Why are Load bank tests important?
Engines -- particularly diesel engines -- run "dirty," leaving behind unburned carbon deposits that can damage the engine and degrade performance. This is known as "Wet Stacking." More importantly, wet stacking can create a significant fire hazard. Therefore, these deposits must be removed periodically. In addition, the Load Bank test also verifies the engine and its components can still produce 100% of its rated load and can take a full power transfer without pause or delay.

Why does this test have to be done every year?
Deposits can build up rapidly when engines are run under light to no-load conditions. Also, degradation of performance capability can happen very quickly under certain conditions. An annual Load Bank test confirms your equipment is in peak condition, ready to support you during the next power outage.

Electro-Motion Now Performs LIVE Power Analysis and Load Monitoring for Your Buildings

January 26, 2015

Energy monitoring is important. Whether you're thinking about adding loads or reducing energy consumption, identifying electrical issues or assessing a building's power usage; if you want to manage your building's electrical capabilities, you need to measure it first.

Electro-Motion now offers LIVE power analysis and load monitoring, providing you with a detailed report showing volts, amps, hertz and power factor per phase so you have a clear understanding of how your electrical power is being utilized. We can test everything ranging from an individual panel to an entire building. This electrical analysis service is available in 7-Day or 30-Day tests for any building or property from 100 amps to 1200 amps and is performed to NFPA 70E standards by a C-10 licensed electrician.

Are You Getting TRUE Automatic Transfer Switch Maintenance?

December 17, 2014

Automatic Transfer Switch Maintenance may just be another line item on your service contract, but are you getting what you think you're getting? Some service companies just press the "test" button or visually inspect the switch and clean the exterior cabinet. But are they:

• Isolating the switch from all live power sources so that the switch itself can be thoroughly inspected for carbon tracking, cracks, and corrosion?
• Disassembling the switch all the way down to the contact level for cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting?
• Checking all power and control connections for deterioration?
• Re-torquing the switch according to manufacturer's specifications?

If they're not, what they're selling you isn't really maintenance, and not something you should be satisfied with when it comes to an important piece of equipment like your transfer switch - especially if you want to adhere to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 110) standards. This is the standard Electro-Motion uses when it comes to transfer switch maintenance, the end result of which is a transfer switch that is as good as new and can be relied upon to do its job in the event of a power disruption.

Elevator Pre-Signal Relays

August 21, 2014

Are you in the planning/design phase of retrofitting your elevator systems to be in compliance with current ASME codes and standards? If so, these new elevator systems require the installation of pre-signal relays. Why is this?

With old elevator controllers, it didn't matter if the Automatic Transfer Switch transferred when the elevator cars were moving. But now, when elevator controls are upgraded from relay logic to solid state controls, the cars can no longer be in motion when the Automatic Transfer Switch transfers between hot power sources. The solid state logic in the new elevator controllers cannot handle this and it can result in damage to the controller. To circumvent this problem, a pre-signal (a delay to transfer) is sent to the elevator controller prior to transfer, allowing cars to reach the nearest floor and open their doors. The system resets after the Automatic Transfer Switch transfers and the cars are then ready to move again.

Electro-Motion is experienced at installing pre-signal relays in the San Francisco Bay Area to address this issue. If you need to have pre-signal relays installed, call us today at 650-321-6169.

Diesel Particulate Filters

June 30, 2014

A diesel generator's exhaust releases a significant amount of unwanted particulate matter (ranging from carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon to volatile organic compounds and hazardous pollution) into the air. This is unwanted in any circumstance but is particularly undesirable when situated near a school, daycare, or nursing home or the generator is positioned in a way that the exhaust can be sucked back into your building's ventilation system.

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) traps particulate matter - also known as soot - from the engine's exhaust; maximizing the reduction of particulate matter emitted by your generator (up to 90% or more) as well as minimizing diesel smoke and odor. Additionally, when the engine exhaust reaches a certain temperature, the particulate matter captured in the filter is oxidized and burned off; effectively cleaning itself (this is called 'passive regeneration') and extending its usefulness. Some DPFs are also designed to reduce the noise level of the engine, eliminating the need for a separate silencer or muffler.

A number of different regulatory, environmental, noise, and smell factors are increasingly creating challenges. A combination of the right engineering and new offerings from DPF manufacturers can provide a custom solution for most situations. Look into a CARB Level 3+ verified DPF system, designed for diesel engines of all operating conditions. This could be a great solution for your Emergency Standby Power System.