Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

What should the voltage be on the battery?
The battery should always be at 13.4 volts. Anything below could mean that the battery charger Is faulty or the battery life is expired and the battery will need replacing.
What should the Engine RPM Be on full load?

Engine RPM Should always be on 1500RPM . Anything over and the genset will be overloaded and go into emergency shutdown.

What type of fuel do I use for my generator ?

We supply Only diesel generators. ONLY Diesel must be filled into the tanks. We recommend 50ppm Diesel.

Where do I top up coolant and water?

By opening the panel door facing the controller side, at the back of the engine to the right sits the radiator. On-top of the radiator tank is the radiator cap.

WARNING : DO NOT OPEN THE RADIATOR CAP WHILST THE GENERATOR IS ON OR IF THE GENERATOR HAS BEEN RUNNING.

The engine needs to cool down completely before refilling coolant and water.

How do I physically check the oil in the tank ?

Depending on the engine make the dip stick sits either on the left or bottom right of the engine.

How do I a check an alarm status using the controller?

On the controller screen are 4 Black buttons to the left of the screen. By pressing the black button arrow facing right , click until you see Alarm status. Under the heading it will read the status of the alarm. Depending on the status contact us on our emergency contact line provided for assistance.

To go back to the main screen use the black button arrow facing left . This button is seen as the back’ space button.

How do I check my Fuel status?

On the controller screen are 4 Black buttons on left of the screen. By pressing the black button arrow facing right the first status will show ‘engine ‘ by using the black button arrow facing down scroll to fuel level and check status. To go back to main screen use the black button arrow facing left . This button is seen as the back’ space button.

What status should my generator be on whilst on standby?

The generator status should be “ Engine at rest “ and in Auto’ mode.

How do I manually start the generator?
By looking at the controller screen there are 6 round buttons at the bottom. Starting from the left is the red stop button, then the button showing a hand image ( Which is manual ). Next to manual is the tower button ( known as the test button) Next to the test button is the ‘Auto button and far right is the green start button. To set into Manual mode from auto, press the stop button and then straight after the Manual button. On the controller status it should read ‘Mode state Manual’ from there you can press the green start button. The generator will crank , preheat and start.
What does stop’’ status mean OR generator Logged out ‘’and how to clear.
Stop mode means that one would physically have pressed the stop button on the controller. This is the red button on the bottom far left. To clear the message and set back to auto press the hand button next to the stop button. This will set the generator into Manual mode. Once mode status shows manual , press the button marked Auto’ . This will set the generator back to automatic incase of a power failure.
‘How do I size a generator?’

If you give us the size in AMPS of your main incoming breaker from Eskom, we will calculate what generator size in kVA you will need. Alternatively we can arrange a site visit.

‘Do you offer maintenance contracts for generators?’

Yes, we do offer various options of Service Level Agreements, depending on how often the generator is used. Our sales representatives will gladly discuss your requirements with you.

Is there a minimum on rental days?

No, rental units can be hired from 1 day up to 5 years or more.

My Generator keeps cutting out, what could be the problem?
One of the most common causes of a generator cutting out is air in the fuel or an insufficient fuel supply.
There is black smoke coming out of the generator. Is this ok?

Black smoke when starting a generator is normal, however if the unit runs continuously emitting black smoke you can check the following:
– Some or all injectors are faulty
– Restricted air inlet
– Engine timing incorrect
– Internal engine problems

The generator is running irregularly, what can I check?

If the generator is running irregularly you can check the below to start off with:

– Air in the fuel. You will need to bleed air out of the fuel system
– The idle speed is too low
– Possibly a faulty injection pump
– Some or all of the injectors are faulty
– Fuel quality is poor (check for blocked fuel filters)
– Return is restricted or plugged
– Some or all glow plugs are faulty

Generator refuses to start.

The three most basic things to check would be your Emergency Stop button, ensure this is not pushed in, secondly check fuel levels and lastly check if your batteries are not flat.

 

The generator controller shows 80% fuel but it is full to the neck?
Mechanical fuel level gauges may not always be accurate. Unlike a vehicle that is moving and using a high percentage of its tank’s capacity, a generator tank has no movement, causing fuel to be come stagnant. These fuel alarms/errors can be prevented by maintain the fuel tanks and periodically checking them for water and contaminants.

ADDRESS

20A DAN JACOBS, ALRODE, ALBERTON, SA

CALL US

+27 11 864 2578

EMAIL @

SALES@AFRIWATT365.COM