| NOTICE |
|---|
|
Do not operate the generator if the windings are wet. If the generator is operated when the windings are wet, damage can occur due to insulation breakdown. |
 |
|
Personal injury or death can result from improper troubleshooting and repair procedures. The following troubleshooting and repair procedures should only be performed by qualified personnel familiar with this equipment. |
Refer to Safety Section, "Generator Isolating for Maintenance" for information regarding the procedure to isolate the generator safely.
When moisture is present or when moisture is suspected in a generator, the generator must be dried before being energized.
If the drying procedure does not restore the insulation resistance to an acceptable value, the winding should be reconditioned.
The following methods can be used for drying a generator:
- Self-circulating air method
- Oven method
- Controlled current method
- Energize the optional space heaters.
| NOTICE |
|---|
|
Do not allow the winding temperature to exceed |
Run the engine and disconnect the generator load. Disconnecting the generator load will help circulate air. Operate the generator space heaters.
Place the entire generator inside a forced air drying oven for 4 hours at
| NOTICE |
|---|
|
Use a forced air type oven rather than a radiant type oven. Radiant type ovens can cause localized overheating. |
| |
| Illustration 1 | g00614674 |
|
External Power Source Circuit (1) Battery (12 VDC) (2) Rheostat (15 ohm 25 W) (3) Exciter Field (Stator "L1") | |
| TOOLS NEEDED | ||
| Quantity | Part Number | Description |
| 1 | 225-8266 | Clamp-on ammeter (1200 A) |
| 1 | External power source circuit | |
Heat can be used in order to dry the generator windings. This heat can be created by allowing a controlled current to flow through the generator. No high voltages are generated during the following procedure. Therefore, insulation breakdown will not occur.
- Make an external power source. Refer to Illustration 1.
- Disconnect F1+ from the voltage regulator. Disconnect F2- from the voltage regulator. Disconnect the generator load. Connect the generator output leads T0, T1, T2, and T3 together. Install the clamp-on ammeter to generator output lead T1.
Note: When the line current is measured on multiple lead units, measure the current in each conductor per phase. The currents can then be added.
- Refer to Illustration 1. Adjust the rheostat to the maximum resistance value. Connect the external power source to wires F1+ and F2-.
- Start the generator set. Run the generator set at idle speed.
Show/hide table
NOTICE Do not exceed the rated phase current that is listed on the generator nameplate. Exceeding the rated phase current will easily damage the generator windings.
- Monitor the phase current. In order to maintain use of the circuits for the protection of safety, use the "EMCP 4" to increase the engine rpm gradually. Increase the engine rpm until one of the following conditions are met:
- The rated phase current is obtained.
- The full generator set speed is obtained.
- If more phase current is necessary, slowly turn the rheostat. Turn the rheostat until the rated phase current is reached.
- On an hourly basis, stop the drying procedure. Check the insulation resistance. Repeat the above steps until the insulation resistance is acceptable.
- Energize the space heaters when the generator is not operating.
- Maintain the winding temperature at least
5 °C (9 °F) over the ambient temperature. In order to maintain the desired temperature in some conditions, a supplemental heat source or temporary covers may be required. - Check the insulation resistance until the resistance is acceptable.
Note: For more information on drying methods, refer to Special Instruction, SEHS9124, "Cleaning and Drying of Electric Set Generators".