Hi,

We have a 350KVA generator connected directly to our factory. The generator operates automatically when the Eskom power is lost.

The generator has been in situ for a number of years and during a recent routine service, I was informed by the technicians that the generator has been installed illegally. We are also having major issues where the contactors are falling out dropping power to the factory even though there is still Eskom power.

The electrical contractor is being very evasive and not very helpful. Is there a Electrical Board that I can contact to assist me as if the below is true, then I have a serious issue to deal with.

Findings from the generator people:
Die Contactors is nie meganies geinterlock nie wat n probleem is sou die mains relay op die gen brand en die gen start en sy relay die ander contactor intrek dan maak die mains en gen contactor saam toe wat katastrofies sal wees.
Die mains contactor word ingehaou deur n 24 V / 220V AC 14 pin relay wat in die generator sit . Hy word deur die batterye en charger ge energize en oor die afstand (dit is 220v wat geen vlotdrop het nie) van gen na contactor en onstabiele voltage van die Munisipaliteit val die contactor in en uit . Die generator panel is nie ge design vir dit nie en dit verkort ook die leeftyd van die batterye. Ons gebruik daarom n 4 pole ATS wat in een posisie bly of Mains of Gen soos wat daar in was . Nuwe wet vereis ook dat ons die neutral breek . In die geval is al die Neutrals gebunch


Reply from electrical contractor that installed the generator:
Die contactors is elektries ge-interlock en daar is nie ‘n manier wat hulle saam kan inkom nie. Selfs al stuur jou generator albei signals sal dit net een van die twee contactors laat inkom. So daar is geen gevaar hier nie.

Regards
Ian Franken