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The safety and protection of lives is critical. With increased power grid disruptions, the loss of utility power is inevitable and expected. The Life Safety Code C282 in Canada is a widely used standard to plan for, protect and minimize risks to occupants in buildings and facilities. Generators are key in providing emergency power via life safety equipment such as fire pumps, fire alarms, elevators, and emergency lighting. In compliance with C282 generators must be maintained and inspected regularly. As such, we are resolved and committed to helping our clients stay compliant and risk-free by providing industry-leading power generation sales and services. See below for our offering:
Regular Generator inspections are required by the Canada Standards Authority (CSA) Standard C282 “Emergency Electrical Power Supply for Buildings”. This work will be carried out by our qualified and certified technicians in partnership with experts in the field such as engineers, contractors, master electricians and property managers.
This work is performed by our qualified technician as required by the Canada Standards Authority (CSA) Standard C282 “Emergency Electrical Power Supply for Buildings”.
This work is performed by our qualified technician as required by the Canada Standards Authority (CSA) Standard C282 “Emergency Electrical Power Supply for Buildings”. As per CSA Standards during a monthly inspection a simulation of a failure of the normal electrical supply and operation of the system under at least 30% of the rated load for 60 minutes must be performed. Also required is the operation of all automatic transfer switches under load (if more than one), inspection for sparking and for bearing seal leakage. In addition, draining of the exhaust system condensation trap is required.
During semi-annual maintenance, the system or equipment is inspected, cleaned, and serviced to ensure that it is operating at optimal performance. This includes tasks such as checking for leaks, testing transfer switch, lubricating parts, recommendation for worn components, and testing for proper function. The goal of semi-annual maintenance is to extend the lifespan of the equipment, prevent unexpected failures, and reduce downtime.
During annual maintenance and load bank testing, the backup power system is operated at full load for a specified period of time while various parameters such as voltage, frequency, and current are monitored and adjusted if necessary. This process helps to identify any potential issues with the system and ensure that it is operating correctly.
The load bank test is an essential part of the annual maintenance schedule for backup power systems. It helps to ensure that the system is capable of delivering the required amount of power during an emergency, and it also helps to identify any potential issues before they become critical problems. By performing load bank testing annually, you can help to prolong the lifespan of your backup power system and ensure that it is ready to go when you need it most.
The emergency generator is subjected annually to a 2-hour full-load test (as per CSA C282). In parallel generator set installations, each generator may be load tested individually if synchronization and load sharing is evident. During this generator ‘stress test’, issues such as overheating, leaks and faulty electrical connections are revealed and can be addressed preventatively. Exhaust deposits and build-up are burned off. Accumulated condensation is evaporated from the generator windings.
A certificate for presentation to fire department officials is issued for your records, as well as repair recommendations (if applicable). A simulation of a failure of the normal electrical supply and operation of the system under at least 30% of the rated load for 60 min is performed. Also required is the operation of all automatic transfer switches under load (if more than one, inspection of brush operation for sparking and for bearing seal leakage. In addition, draining of the exhaust system condensation trap is required.
The person performing the monthly inspection should also inspect for correct operation of all auxiliary equipment that includes radiator shutter control, coolant pumps, fuel transfer pumps, oil coolers, and engine room ventilation system(s). The transfer switch will be inspected and cleaned including electrical connections. If by special request, the building requests only one inspection per year, we will also ensure the engine has all lubrication oil and filters changed. The strength of coolant and chemical protection level of coolant inhibitors is tested. Fuel filters are changed. The strainers are cleaned and the fuel supply valve is open.
All inspections, tests and corrective actions will be documented.
A Five Year Maintenance or Quinquennial inspection (CSA C282Table 6) shall be completed every five years. During this maintenance service, our qualified technician will inspect and measure the insulation of the generator windings.
If resistance is low, they will dry out the insulation using the auxiliary heat process, crain and flush the cooling system and refill the system with new coolant, clean radiator tubes and cooling fins, replace thermostats and inspect valve clearances and adjust as appropriate.
A Five Year Maintenance includes:
With the generator set operating at full load (see CSA C282 Clause 11.3 – table 5), conduct an infrared survey of all electrical connections to identify any high-resistance connections. This is typically done once per year at the same time as the Load Bank test.
Fuel Fill
Northern Generator can assist you with coordinating Dyed Diesel Fuel delivery to your site. We help you keep your generator running in the event of a power outage by ensuring that your generators are fully fueled and ready for any situation. Please contact us if you have a low fuel level and need to top up soon. We can also arrange Supervised Dyed Diesel Fuel delivery to your site if you do not have a current Comprehensive Fuel Distribution Inspection Report.
Fuel Cleaning
One of the main causes of why generators fail to start or operate properly during a power outage is contaminated diesel fuel. Water, sand, rust and sludge clog fuel filters and ruin injectors causing engines to stall, smoke and not produce power. You can easily prevent this with diesel fuel maintenance. Our TSSA-certified technicians will test and, if required, clean your diesel fuel. Samples from the bottoms of the storage and day tanks will be taken as part of the regular annual maintenance (CSA C282). The fuel will be placed in a transparent bottle and examined to determine whether it is clear and bright.
The FuelMate™ Series of Advanced Fuel Filtration Systems are designed to automatically assist in maintaining the integrity of diesel fuel being stored for mission critical applications and facilities. Each system is equipped to routinely purify and filter stored diesel fuel and thereby assist with trouble-free generator starts and with the reduction of annual maintenance costs.
Restoring fuel to its “clean and clear and bright” condition reduces the risk of generator failure due to dirty fuel, and eliminates the costs associated with contaminated fuel disposal and storage tank cleaning. FuelMate™ Advanced Fuel Filtration Systems are able to greatly improve emergency preparedness through enhanced fuel quality management. FuelMATE™ and FuelCAT™ are registered trademarks owned by Critical Fuel Care Incorporated. All information contained herein is the intellectual property of Critical Fuel Care Incorporated.
For units beyond repair, a temporary rental can be provided until your unit is replaced:
Your generator system is vital to your operations and the safety of your occupants. For minimal downtown repair assistance, our qualified and certified technicians can be quickly dispatched 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
We are your 24/7 Emergency Power Specialist! For over 40 years, Northern Generator has specialized in the supply and maintenance of emergency power systems. We are your trusted supplier of choice for ALL your emergency power needs.
TSSA Fuels Safety Contractor Reg. #76641783