Diesel Generators Range

Generator Safety & SANS 10142-1 Compliance

The safe use of generator equipment

Safe work practices

• Maintain and operate the generator in accordance with the manufacturer's operating manual.
• Never connect a portable generator or any other alternative supply (hydro or wind generators, photovoltaic systems etc.) directly to an existing electrical system unless the alternative supply has its own automatic or manual changeover switch.
• Connecting any unauthorised power source directly into any point of electrical wiring without a changeover switch is illegal and dangerous because of so-called "back feeding" (supplying power back into the grid when the grid is down). This must be avoided as the voltage fed back into the lines poses an electrocution hazard for utility workers and others who may not know the line is charged. Connection of any alternative power supply must comply with SANS 10142-1 Annexure S (Emergency power installation configuration).
• Never use a plug-to-plug cable to connect the generator to a socket outlet. Their use is strictly forbidden as it provides no earth leakage protection. If utility power is restored while the main circuit breaker is not switched off, the generator may be damaged or the entire system burnt, causing a fire hazard.
• Always use the portable generator in a well-ventilated area due to the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the engine exhaust. Never run in garages, under carports or near open windows. A typical 5.5 kW home generator can produce as much CO as six idling cars.
• Always refuel the generator when it is not running and never store fuel near the generator.
• Use a registered person (installation electrician IE or master installation electrician MIE, registered as a contractor with the Department of Labour) for the electrical installation. The registered person must issue a Certificate of Compliance upon completion.
• Always ensure the generator is started first and the power is switched on while the generator is running.

General requirements — SANS 10142-1:2012

7.12.2 Requirements for alternative sources of supply

• 7.12.2.1 Where any form of alternative supply (emergency supply, UPS etc.) is connected to an electrical installation, a notice to this effect shall be displayed at the main switch of the installation, and where such supply:
  • a) supplies power only to certain circuits in a distribution board, a power-on indicator (visible or audible) shall be provided on each such distribution board, as well as a notice indicating that the standby power main switch shall also be switched off in an emergency;
  • b) only supplies a part of the electrical installation, the notice shall also be displayed on each distribution board in that part of the installation (see 6.6.1.1(d)).
• 7.12.2.2 The means of excitation and commutation shall be appropriate for the intended use of the generating set, and the safety and proper functioning of other sources of supply shall not be impaired by the generating plant.
• 7.12.2.3 The prospective short-circuit current and prospective earth fault current shall be assessed for each source of supply or combination of sources which can operate independently. The short-circuit rating of protective devices within the installation shall not be exceeded for any intended method of operation.
• 7.12.2.4 Where the alternative supply provides a supply to an installation not connected to the main supply, or as a switched alternative, the capacity and operating characteristics shall be such that danger or damage to equipment does not arise after connection or disconnection of any intended load as a result of deviation of voltage or frequency from the standard range. Means shall be provided to automatically disconnect parts of the installation if the capacity of the alternative supply is exceeded.
• 7.12.2.5 Where an alternative supply is provided as a switched alternative to the main supply, the change-over switching device shall disconnect the main supply before the alternative supply is switched in. The device shall be interlocked so the main and alternative supplies cannot be connected at the same time.
• 7.12.2.6 Except where otherwise permitted, where a socket-outlet is installed in a circuit on standby power, such circuit shall be protected by an earth leakage protection device with a rated earth leakage tripping current (I∆n) not exceeding 30 mA.
• 7.12.2.7 A 230 V generator with a V-O-V earth connection (centre tap on winding which is earthed) shall not be connected to a fixed electrical installation. Note: Such a generator may be used as a free-standing unit to provide power to specific appliances.