CHAPTER 3 GENERATORS INTRODUCTION As a Construction Electrician, you may have the responsibility  for  the  installation,  maintenance,  and repair of electrical power generation equipment. In time of war or national emergency, Advanced Base Functional Components (ABFC) will normally be used at temporary overseas bases. Even in peacetime, generation equipment is used at remote bases or as emergency and backup power on most naval bases. A power distribution system includes all parts of an electrical system between the power source and the load. This chapter gives the correct procedures for the operation and maintenance of power plants and distribution  systems  and  presents  technical  informa- tion  for  the  selection  and  installation  of  power- generating plants. POWER  GENERATION The  characteristics  built  into  naval  electrical installations are simplicity, ruggedness, reliability, and flexibility to permit continued service. It is the function of those who operate these plants to make full use of the installation’s inherent capabilities and to maintain,  as  far  as  possible,  uninterrupted  availability of electrical power where it is needed. To be able to do this, operating personnel should possess the following: A thorough knowledge of how to operate and maintain the components of an electrical plant A complete familiarity with the electrical plants distribution  capabilities An  understanding  of  the  electrical  system operation of the base The ability to apply electrical and electronic principles to specific installations The   sizing   and   installation   of   secondary conductors EMERGENCY/STANDBY  POWER When you set up an emergency/standby power system, numerous factors must be considered. The following  text  will  cover  a  few  of  the  possible situations you may encounter. This chapter does not include the automatic transfer aspect of switching to backup power, since this task is performed by some- one with a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) code, CE-5601  Uninterruptible  Power  Supply  (UPS).  For our discussion in this section, we will be using the term emergency-the   concepts   involved   are   equally applicable to “standby” systems. Remember that the National Electrical Code^® requires emergency and standby systems to be kept entirely separate from all other  wiring  and  equipment.  For  more  detailed information, see article 700 of the National Electrical Code^®. SYSTEM DESIGN Whether you are designing and installing an emer- gency backup system or operating and maintaining an existing system, you must be completely familiar with the  installation  requirements  and  the  physical  charac- teristics of the equipment. The design, material, and installation   must   comply   with   electrical   safety standards and codes. In general, when emergency power is discussed, it is assumed to be replacing “normal” power. The choice of arrangement and the size and the type of equipment depend in large measure on the loads to be fed from the emergency system. The system includes all devices, wiring, raceways, transfer switch, energy source, and other electrical equipment required to supply power to selected loads. These selected loads will be determined by the available power from your emergency power source. Figures 3-1 and 3-2 show two possible arrangements for emergency/standby power hookups. GENERATOR  SELECTION When an overseas base is first established and electrical power is required in a hurry, you will not have time to set up a centrally located generating station; instead, you will spot a portable plant at each important location requiring power. Table 3-1 lists some  of  the  standard  alternating  current  (ac) generators  available.  These  standard  generators  are capable   of   meeting   the   power   requirements   of advanced  bases  and  also  those  for  permanent  or portable  emergency  power. 3-1