The main stages of installing a diesel generator

Site selection

The first thing to do is to choose the location of the future power plant. It is recommended to do this even before the diesel generator is purchased, in order to select the option most suitable according to local conditions, if necessary. There are several options for installing a diesel generator - in a special soundproof casing, on an open frame or in a container that has protection against negative environmental factors.

The latter option is the simplest, since the presence of a special container eliminates the need to install a diesel generator in the building - it can be installed on the street in a safe place. When purchasing a generator in a secure container, only the foundation is required. When choosing a mounting location, it is important to consider local conditions. For example, in a country house or in the country, it is better to place the diesel generator indoors, in order to avoid its theft.

In the case of purchasing a model in a soundproof casing or on an open frame, it is necessary to provide for its placement in a room (for example, in a garage or shed), which must meet the following requirements:

• availability of sufficient protection against negative environmental factors;
• organization of effective ventilation;
• ensuring a sufficient level of illumination;
• the possibility of unhindered access to all elements of the diesel generator for work on its maintenance and repair;
• the presence of a doorway of sufficient size in case of the need for installation or dismantling of equipment.

Foundation preparation

When preparing the foundation, it is necessary to take into account, first of all, that vibration occurs during the operation of the generator set. Given this peculiarity, it is necessary to prepare a foundation that, on the one hand, will be sufficiently reliable, and on the other hand, will prevent the displacement of the diesel generator during its operation.

To fulfill these conditions, the foundation must have a weight of one and a half to two times the mass of the generator, the area must be greater than the area of ​​the power plant as a whole, and the depth must be at least 150 mm. The foundation itself should have a perfectly flat surface without a slope in level.

When pouring the foundation, it is necessary to provide for the installation of mounting fixtures, through which the future diesel power station will be fixed.

Vibration Reduction Activities

To reduce the vibration of the power plant during its operation, vibration isolators are structurally provided. But they do not always provide vibration reduction and additional measures need to be taken. Firstly, it is a rigid fastening to the foundation on previously prepared mounting devices. Secondly, the use of additional shock absorbers, which must be installed between the base of the diesel generator and the foundation. Thirdly, the presence of an exhaust silencer, as well as a soundproof casing - these elements can be included in the standard package or purchased separately.

In addition, the flexible connection of the exhaust system will be an effective way to reduce vibration. The same applies to electrical circuits - their connection to a diesel generator should be carried out through the use of flexible conductors.

Cooling

To ensure the correct operation of the diesel power plant and extend its life during installation, it is necessary to ensure good operation of the generator cooling system. First of all, we are talking about ensuring the normal and efficient operation of the integrated cooling system of the diesel generator. The power plant must be installed in such a way that nothing interferes with the functioning of the cooling system.

If the diesel generator is installed in an existing room, for example, in a garage, in the basement or in a boiler room, it is necessary to make sure that the room is properly ventilated. Also, when considering a room for a power plant, it is important to comply with all necessary fire regulations, since a diesel generator is a source of increased fire hazard.

Electric installation work

One of the most important stages of installing a diesel generator is the installation and connection of electrical circuits.

Electrical work includes several stages:

• installation of an electrical switchboard, installation and connection of protective devices, installation of a changeover switch or circuit for automatically switching on backup power;
• laying and marking of power and auxiliary circuits of a power plant;
• connection of laid cable lines;
• installation of an individual grounding circuit, verification of its operability and connection to a diesel power station.

The video instructions clearly demonstrate how to connect a diesel generator to the home network:

We recommend that you read the requirements of the PUE regarding the installation of diesel generator sets in Section 5, Chapter 5.2!

First start-up and setup

The final stage of installing a diesel generator is to refuel it with fuel, lubricant and coolant, as well as connect the battery. Before performing the first start-up, it is necessary to check the integrity of all connections, pipes, locking devices, electrical circuits. After starting, the diesel power station is adjusted to ensure its operation within the specified characteristics.

You can find out how the first start-up of the equipment is done from the video:

Here is the technology that installs a diesel generator with your own hands. We hope that the provided step-by-step instructions with photos and video examples helped you understand how to independently install a diesel power station on the street or indoors!

Surely you do not know:

• How to connect the generator to the house
• How to make backup lighting in the house
• Three-phase socket connection diagram