Power outage generator test at high school, real power outage simulation, startup load/transfer

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  • @nics-systems-electric
    @nics-systems-electric  Před 3 měsíci +2

    If you are interested this is a updated video with more questions answered and another generator test > czcams.com/video/9jkmp7-HMd4/video.htmlsi=xXySY1eyuubViBwX

  • @OliversElevators
    @OliversElevators Před 5 měsíci +49

    Damn, that’s one hell of a nice high school

    • @literallycanadian
      @literallycanadian Před 4 měsíci +9

      Some high schools get designated as emergency shelters because generally they are reasonably suited for it.

  • @robertlane6675
    @robertlane6675 Před 5 měsíci +128

    Where I work we are required to shut the main breaker off at least once a year and run the generator under load once a month. They would rather know about problems in a controlled environment. Great video.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +14

      Yeah that is effectively the same test as this whether you turn the main breaker off or not it just affects the Non-Emergency loads if you turned the main breaker off but it has no difference to the generator and transfer switches

    • @petermichaelgreen
      @petermichaelgreen Před 5 měsíci +6

      ​@@nics-systems-electric I think a lot depends on your environment. I could see there being some environments where it was useful to test not only that the emergency equipment itself worked, but that the correct loads had been connected to the emergency supply such that organisation could cope with the emergency.

    • @stefankaufmann8257
      @stefankaufmann8257 Před 5 měsíci +2

      ​@@petermichaelgreenyou mean, it depends on the personel not connecting any bs to the generator.
      I did a lot of generator controlsystems for banks, hospitals, telecom and public buildings. There are two waysx to prevent the user from connecting unnecessary stuff to the generator:
      Don't allow the user to make any connection to the emergency panels without permission.
      Install a big enough generator, to run everything like normal. That's what we did at a bank. 350kW generator, 700 liters of diesel in the generator frame plus an additional 5000 liters in an external fuel tank. Enough fuel to run 70hrs on full load and nobody knows why - probably because they just had enough money 😅 So there was no need to exclude anything from the emergency power, although they did.

    • @TheATVboy17
      @TheATVboy17 Před 5 měsíci +1

      I have heard that you are suppose to exercise your breakers especially the main.

    • @stefankaufmann8257
      @stefankaufmann8257 Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@TheATVboy17 no need for that. And load cb's wear out, when disconnected under load. Depending on the brand, you will have to send them to reman after a few houndreds up to 5000 cycles. That's why they are available as plug types for easy replacement.
      GFCI should be tested regularly. You are not supposed to switch them off, but to use tge test button instead.

  • @garbo8962
    @garbo8962 Před 5 měsíci +23

    In USA hospitals believe the NEC only requires 10 seconds before an emergency generator starts and transfers power. All beds in ICU, NICO & other critical loads had UPS'S to prevent lost of power. Hospital that I retired from had 4 natural gas generators for halve the building. Even after they spent a million dollars to rebuild the 4 generators and new controls they were PIGS. Could not run them at 90% power using load banks ( purely resistive load ) especially in warm weather. They had to install 3 starters along with 3 sets of 1,500 CCA batteries to get these at least one of these pigs started & on line before 10 seconds. Never had that problem with the 12 Diesel gen sets thru out 6 buildings.

  • @deepsleep7822
    @deepsleep7822 Před 5 měsíci +39

    A company, I used to work for, built a new 6 story building complete with generator, etc. , a huge CAT diesel. The first full test of the system was about 6 months after everybody had moved in. Everything was going according to plan and suddenly the generator quits. In all the prep work someone failed to fill the fuel tank(s) for the generator, seriously. The second test, a few weeks later happened without incident.

    • @TheManLab7
      @TheManLab7 Před 4 měsíci +4

      I know exactly what you mean.
      You do absolutely everything by the book, double & triple check everything but sods law, something that's so basic always gets over looked. I always ask questions but no one ever listens to me and when they realise I'm right, I've never gotten a "well done for pointing it out" etc, etc n the boss always gets the credit unless I'm around so they make sure that doesn't happen.
      I don't like having the ₽!$5 taken out of me, just because I like and enjoy my job. Even though it's something I'll never be able to do again because of a life changing bike accident which took my leg of up to the groin. I'll also never be able to wear a normal "cup type" prosthetic leg because my pelvis was smashed to bit's. I need a very specific operation if I'll ever have a chance of walking again because as it stands (no pun intended), I use my crutches to get about for everything n use my mobility scooter if I wanna go shopping or a walk for example.
      I miss being a sparky Soooo ducking much but all I wanna do is to find another job that I like doing, contribute to society, bench work job (because that's all I'll ever be able to do for the rest of my life unless they grow me another leg) and that pays well enough so I'm better off than being on benefits for the rest of my life which I ducking HATE with a passion. There's a stigma being on benefits as they look at me, judge me n think to themselves "Of COURSE you can work you lazy €ÛñT! Get off your crippled @₹$€ n stop scrounging off the benefits as I'm working my bum off all day for you to do duck all all-day you lazy piece of $h💩!t! 😡" which is something that I REALLY dislike as you can probably image.
      I was so happy before my accident as I had the best boss n job going and I could see how the rest of my life was going to end up and it was going to be amazing. I'd have a gf who's got a decent job, an right car, who's only had long terms relationship, with a low body count, who's happy, doesn't want kid's, doesn't want marriage and who's doesn't want drama and enjoys looking after our home.
      Buuuuut I ducked that up by hitting a lamppost and no bleeding out at the scene. My life's gone to $h💩!t because of my accident and that's only going to change once I get my life back by getting another job I enjoy that pays just as well or even better.
      I just can't stand how much sparky's are earning these days as it's such a kick in the nu🥜ts! 😪😔😞

  • @noahater5785
    @noahater5785 Před 5 měsíci +18

    That is one surprisingly fast transition from utility power to the generator springing to life in just 12 seconds! 😮

    • @TheManLab7
      @TheManLab7 Před 4 měsíci +1

      I've worked in places where they replaced all the 11KV switch gear and 3 new genny's with a big old slab of steel that's connected to the genny's so there constantly spinny and as soon as the powers lost they start instantly. As soon as the engine's are stable they switch over which takes less than 5sec n there's 3 of them. I'm pretty sure their 5MW each at 415/240V which goes into a 11KV transformer that goes into all the 11KV switch gear.
      That place was just a random bog standard building in London but it's actually a BT center where all the phone lines go in. I took some pics on my 3 phone and the battery bank was ducking HUGE n it was on 5 floors. The batteries must of been around 1.2m height by 1m wide and 0.8m thick n the plastic was clear so you can see inside them n they were all lead acid. I did count but can't remember but there must of been well over 250 of them n they were for the UPS's. I've never seen buss bars so big in my life!
      The 11KV cables came from the sub basement and went to all 5 floor and they went into a dry 11KV - 415/240V transformer with 3 400x4mm SWA's (Steel Wire Armoured) coming out into a panel with a 4000A main switch.
      That's when I found out JUST how much money there is in scrap copper as I accidentally threw some of it in the skip. It was the boss that told me to never touch someone else's scrap copper and I'm pretty sure they go it out the skip as I must of thrown away at least a couple hundred quids worth in the bin without even realising it. I was green so I never even knew and I through I was just helping them get rid of their rubbish 🤦🏻‍♂️

    • @glitter_fart
      @glitter_fart Před 4 měsíci +1

      12 seconds is 11.9 seconds too long sadly

    • @deepsleep7822
      @deepsleep7822 Před 4 měsíci

      @@glitter_fart : agreed: for computer equipment, that’s an eternity.

    • @rickyreynolds17
      @rickyreynolds17 Před 4 měsíci

      @@TheManLab7telehouse?

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@deepsleep7822 that's why generators are never used directly to power computers no generator will start fast enough for electronic equipment to not experience a delay that is why just like in this video there is always a UPS to cover the generator starting

  • @fredwupkensoppel8949
    @fredwupkensoppel8949 Před 5 měsíci +15

    Ha, just tested our emergency generator today lol.
    It's a 6 KW unit: if the power gets cut for some reason, we lug it on the balcony to power our servers and, if need be, our satellite uplink. We're a small-ish IT company, but we got our emergency procedures locked down. We'll keep our uptime contracts, even if the rest of the city goes to hell. There just ain't no rest for the wicked.

  • @AW-Services
    @AW-Services Před 5 měsíci +27

    Great informative video and systems test. With the upmost respect and a piece of humour, you dont even look old enough to leave school however your knowledge, qualifications and presentation skills are highly commendable

  • @Greg8872
    @Greg8872 Před 5 měsíci +8

    In the early 90's one summer I worked in the maintence department at one of the major Drug Store chains (who later got bought bout by CVS). I got to go the one week with them to "test the generators" (there were 3 total between the two buildings). I was first amazed as the size of the engines on them. Then I asked how they run the test. He goes over to a big rocker switch, says "see this? Is the main cut off for the building." Then he simply shut it off. I thought they would do some "simulated" test of getting it to startup.

  • @garbo8962
    @garbo8962 Před 5 měsíci +9

    We were taught to take in a deep breath & ho!d it while operating circuit breakers or safety switches. Reason being if an arc fault occurs you would not breath in air as hot ad 10,000 degrees & burning your lungs. Also taught to stand on one side of a breaker or safety switch while operating. Our chief electrician wanted us to wear our tinted face shield and rubber gloves on while switching anything over 100 amps. In the US we loose an electrician every day thru electrocution, arc fault or an arc blast incident. You stated that you only use two minutes for cool down. All of the 16 generators that we had in 6 buildings had a 5 minute cool down. We had to test run generators every week for 10 minutes and once a month on load banks to prevent wet stacking on diesel gen sets.

  • @andrewmunro671
    @andrewmunro671 Před 5 měsíci +3

    Thats for sharing my dude. It's awesome to see videos from places most don't get to see.

  • @v12alpine
    @v12alpine Před 5 měsíci +29

    At a datacenter I work at there's twelve 2MW generators and a UPS bank large enough to support full load for 15 minutes. When cutting over the lights and AC units go partially/mostly out for around 10 seconds just like in this video. it's kinda scary when it happens unexpectedly while working on the DC floor as lights and DB levels drop by 50%. But the critical load (75% of the load I guess) cannot go out, ever. They do a full cutover at least 4 times per year.

    • @MrPartyWaffle
      @MrPartyWaffle Před 5 měsíci +5

      I can only imagine the 15 minutes of that backup UPS is just for hand off for the back up generators. lights go out systems stay online yea?

    • @leexgx
      @leexgx Před 5 měsíci +1

      I’m surprised they don’t have emergency lighting that should switch on when the power is gone, each fitting has its own battery (usually recommend a two of them close to each other, just in case one of them fails, and don’t place them too far away from each other)

    • @WTFIsThisGuyDoing233
      @WTFIsThisGuyDoing233 Před 5 měsíci +3

      Those cutovers are high pucker factors every time. I never will get used to them.

    • @SuperSpecies
      @SuperSpecies Před 5 měsíci

      ​@@MrPartyWafflebigger DCs use rotary UPSes which only last for 18 seconds :)

    • @deepsleep7822
      @deepsleep7822 Před 5 měsíci +6

      @@SuperSpecies : the battery system we had was rated for 15 minutes. It was to give the generator time to spin up and come online. We had a critical clock that if the generator failed, we had time to start shutdown procedures for the equipment. Some equipment doesn’t like to abruptly loose power.

  • @stephengreene3134
    @stephengreene3134 Před 5 měsíci +13

    “Usually your fuel doesn’t go up from running it” implies that occasionally it has haha😂😂😂
    Thanks for filming and posting these types of videos.

    • @noahater5785
      @noahater5785 Před 4 měsíci

      Yeah, it doesn't just refuel itself out of thin air, you would violate almost every known law of physics lol

  • @user-md9yx9yr3l
    @user-md9yx9yr3l Před 4 měsíci +3

    Nice clean installation. Instills confidence in client. After looking at the one line diagram, I will make the following suggestion. Add SPDs (Surge Protective Devices) on the load (output) of the transfer switches.
    The diagram does show a 200kA TVSS (Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor). The industry changed the nomenclature of TVSSs to SPDs about 20-years ago. A 200kA SPD is fairly beefy and a good choice. 200kA means the the SPD is capable of taking one 200,000 transient amp. “Spike” without failing.
    My recommendation is based on 40-years of industry experience. Once the transfer switches transfer to the generator, there is no protection for the critical loads.
    The loads are then exposed to whatever transients (spikes) or high-frequency noise the generator may produce. One of our clients generator’s voltage regulator failed and produced an overvoltage which damaged equipment in their data center.
    One SPD on PNL ED1 and one on PNL EB. We want to protect the front end UPS electronics from being damaged from switching transients from the transfer switch. We also want to capture any reactive spikes that may be generated during an outage when the transfer from generator to utility. Think of a coil (same as a transformer) in a car with the points opening on the primary side and the high voltage spike on the secondary which fires the spark plug.
    We have seen damage to UPSs and other facility electronics. Quality UPSs have internal bypass switches that wrap-around the guts of the UPS if the UPS senses an internal failure and the utility source is available. We have seen front end spikes “confuse” the UPS Bypass logic and put the UPS into bypass even though the utility is not available or it flickers right after power is restored.
    Finally, glad to see that there is a delay once the transfer from generator to utility starts. We have seen a push towards high-speed transfer switches. There have been instances where there is stored energy in the electrical distribution, but it is decaying in voltage and frequency. When the utility closes, the two sources are out of sync. This can trip breakers and cause physical damage.
    Additional SPDs may be warranted on critical equipment. Such as the fryers in the kitchen. We know that the students will get grumpy if they can’t get their fries.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 4 měsíci +2

      Thanks for the comment I appreciate your insight you have highlighted a lot of important details that are often overlooked.

  • @billyfowler9423
    @billyfowler9423 Před 5 měsíci +10

    Thanks for posting. I wish I would have done a video of the generator system at the hospital I used to work at. I got to watch them do a manual transfer once, but didn't record it. I have two videos of them running on this channel, but it's them running from the outside. Those generator actually give the hospital 100% generator power during an outage which isn't typical. The hospital I work at now they have two generators, but it's just the red plugs and certain lights which is more common.

    • @garbo8962
      @garbo8962 Před 5 měsíci

      I retired from a large hospital that had 4 2,000KW & 3 760 KW generators and could handle the 22 elevators but less then valve of normal.power loads.

  • @topher8634
    @topher8634 Před 5 měsíci +5

    I wished we had 600 volt here in the US. Higher voltage is always better. Motors start so much more efficiently, current is lower so you can use a smaller wire.

    • @literallycanadian
      @literallycanadian Před 4 měsíci

      Honestly the nicest part about 600V is for motors generally your HP is your A. Makes really convenient sanity checks

  • @tarassu
    @tarassu Před 5 měsíci

    You definitely pass my examination, great job and understanding of things .

  • @ggroo
    @ggroo Před 5 měsíci +4

    Nice video. Really like that you took the time to identify some of the code requirements around emergency power and system separation. Well done, thank you!!

  • @leafmk
    @leafmk Před 5 měsíci +5

    Wow this is a great simulation of the generator test, Nice content here Nic!

  • @DJ-Legend
    @DJ-Legend Před 4 měsíci

    Nice demo. Here in the US the total time limit for power backup from the genny is 10 seconds.

  • @davidg5369
    @davidg5369 Před 4 měsíci

    Nice system setup! Awesome test!

  • @Lighting_Desk
    @Lighting_Desk Před 5 měsíci

    That was pretty cool. I saw inside an old cinema inlet once from the 1930s and it was fascinating.

  • @TheFirePanel
    @TheFirePanel Před 5 měsíci

    I've never once seen one of these tests performed, that was very cool!

  • @clownhands
    @clownhands Před 5 měsíci +2

    I didn’t hear the generator sound change at all when the load switched on. Pretty cool.

    • @farmguy2400
      @farmguy2400 Před 5 měsíci +1

      I heard it for both events. When the generator went online, then offline.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Yeah you can hear it slightly but it's only loaded around 30% so it's not a significant change

  • @System6VideoProductions
    @System6VideoProductions Před 5 měsíci +3

    Nice video, I like it, the generator looks nice. I like the work you do it’s very informative 👍🏻.

  • @UKsystems
    @UKsystems Před 5 měsíci

    Love the video I always find the generator videos so interesting

  • @TheBrettYT
    @TheBrettYT Před 5 měsíci

    This was awesome to watch Nic

  • @w9awx1
    @w9awx1 Před 5 měsíci

    I used to work in a computer backup protection center. Very similar setup.

  • @musicnerd72
    @musicnerd72 Před 4 měsíci

    Very interesting video! 👍

  • @EvergreenLP
    @EvergreenLP Před 5 měsíci

    cool demo! 💪

  • @matthew98594
    @matthew98594 Před 5 měsíci +3

    Thanks to your boss (I'm assuming) for allowing you to take time out if the day to make these videos, you're awesome man! Are you an apprentice or finished already? You're going to be next level when you start your own business or take over.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +6

      Thanks I appreciate it. I am currently an apprentice, I am grateful to have a journeyman who allows me to show some of the work such as the testing like this that are supposed to be done monthly on CZcams. Thanks for your comment

    • @Trump2PrisonOn34Counts
      @Trump2PrisonOn34Counts Před 5 měsíci

      ​@@nics-systems-electric I'm left wondering why code requires two transfer switches when you are also driving a UPS with the generator. Also, the transfer switch should juggle phase so when it goes off of generator and reconnected the mains to the UPS there isn't any phase jitter from MAINS/GEN/MAINS again to the UPS.
      I had some electrical work done and the guy crossed the phases, eg: 1,3,2 instead of 1,2,3, and wouldn't change it back saying his work was correct and the prior was not.
      We had to do an emergency shut down since our UPS was only good for about 30 minutes, and the phase change required a power off for the load side.
      Fortunately, I wrote programs to do just that on the servers except the E-911 which had to be shut down manually. (It was E-rate, they didn't let us do anything to E-rate stuff much.)

  • @manitoba-op4jx
    @manitoba-op4jx Před 5 měsíci +1

    i noticed filaments of the fluorescent lamps glow for a moment when the power switched back on. neat.

  • @kennythedragon47
    @kennythedragon47 Před 5 měsíci +2

    running it like this while the grid is up from my own experience is also useful when the utility company asks for some loads to be shed or turned off. also means if the grid does go off during a time when they do call for such that those critical loads are already on generator or even solar for those who can use it

    • @markarca6360
      @markarca6360 Před 5 měsíci +1

      This was actually implemented here in the Philippines (Interruptible Load Program). Those businesses that have sizable generators can enroll into the program and be reimbursed for the fuel used. They will be called upon by the power company during peak hours to disconnect from the grid and use their own generators.

    • @eDoc2020
      @eDoc2020 Před 5 měsíci

      @@markarca6360 It's not exactly the same but in Massachusetts if you have a supported grid-interactive battery backup system (like Tesla PowerWall) you will get paid handsomely for discharging into the grid at times of peak load. It's all automatic on the customer's side.

  • @c31979839
    @c31979839 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Cool to see a Douglas Lighting Control system in that school. Super clean install. Have you had any issues with the system? Ive found them to be quite a good system.
    It's too bad their parent company shut them down last year. So many great installs all over Canada and even into the US.

  • @chrisstott2775
    @chrisstott2775 Před 5 měsíci +1

    A bank I worked at scheduled a offline load test for its generators. They were in part of an underground car park 😮 and they wheeled in the load bank and started the test. Forgot about the sprinkler system... Fire brigade got a nice practice callout to turn off the water...

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +2

      Yes you definitely have to be mindful every time we do a load bank test we have to be conscious of sprinkler heads and heat detectors

  • @ghost307
    @ghost307 Před 4 měsíci

    Definitely a good idea. Every full system generator system test that I did we found something wrong. Generally, things that were connected to generator power that weren't supposed to be, and vice versa.
    In one case we found that the actuators that allowed fresh air into the generator room weren't fed from the generator, so it would have been just a matter of time before the generator overheated and shut down.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 4 měsíci

      Yeah absolutely that's definitely much easier to find in a power outage too. Just much more obvious what isn't on generator. But you definitely find things that make you wonder what thought process was to not put things on emergency power.

    • @ghost307
      @ghost307 Před 4 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric Like the job I was on where we found that the entire heating system was backed up by the generator...except for the boiler controls.
      What I couldn't believe was how many times someone fed all the battery packs from the EM panels. It's not only a Code issue, but also dumb.
      When the power goes out so do all the regular lights, but the battery packs never turn on because their 120V never dies.
      Augggh

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 4 měsíci

      @@ghost307 the battery operated emergency lights in this building are on generator circuits but that's fine because they will still operate during the switchover time of no power it would be different if they were on the UPS panel then they would never come on

    • @ghost307
      @ghost307 Před 4 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric We must be working under different codes. In the jurisdictions that I work in the code (USA NEC 700-12E) requires them to be fed from the same branch circuit as the regular lighting in the same area.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 4 měsíci

      @@ghost307 our emergency lighting is required to be on other a lighting circuit or with exit signs it's fine for it to be on generator power as if the generator is running so will the normal lighting that is also emergency lighting during a power outage. Should the generator fail and you lose your emergency lighting fixtures then the battery back up will come on this building only has it in the electrical room and generator room

  • @sharonbradford4494
    @sharonbradford4494 Před 5 měsíci +6

    I’m actually gonna have my own workshop/party barn and still be running off solar power so that I don’t have to rely on the unreliable power grid

    • @frazzledude
      @frazzledude Před 5 měsíci

      What are you going to do if there is a long period of cloudy, overcast winter weather and your solar panels don't keep your batteries charged?

    • @topher8634
      @topher8634 Před 5 měsíci +1

      Better have a ton of batteries.

    • @ItsYaboiiZac
      @ItsYaboiiZac Před 5 měsíci +3

      We already have this, it’s great and has paid itself off, running most house appliances for 8 years. 118kwh of lead acid batteries previously used in a cell tower UPS system, and when they’re low, can be charged off a generator. We still have the grid connected most of the time. but it can last about 24-36 hours with no solar/grid connected at all. With solar connected it’s self sufficient and never needs grid most days. As we had super bad unreliable power.

    • @markarca6360
      @markarca6360 Před 5 měsíci +1

      ​​@@ItsYaboiiZacTelecom batteries, these are tall batteries, primarily used in cell towers. They are sealed lead-acid, particularly AGM (absorbable glass mat) type. You should maintain at least 50% to 55% of reserved charge capacity with this type of battery, because it will degrade over time with excessive discharge. Lithium-based batteries minimize these reserve capacity degradation.

  • @IanGSully
    @IanGSully Před 5 měsíci +3

    This was very cool to see, Nic! I really like to hear this generator start up! Just one question, being that this generator runs on diesel, does it have to use Diesel Exhaust Fluid? Commonly referred to as "DEF"?

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +2

      No DEF I think as it's emergency power it doesn't need to comply with the same emission regulations

    • @IanGSully
      @IanGSully Před 5 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric Oh okay, that makes sense.

    • @frazzledude
      @frazzledude Před 5 měsíci +1

      In the video You can see that the exhaust comes out of the turbo and then goes directly into the muffler, which is then piped through the wall to the outside. Most older generators do not have a DEF system because they run very little and therefor produce very little pollution. Unless the generator is being tested, as it is in this video, it just sits around waiting for the power to go out.

    • @dylan8495
      @dylan8495 Před 5 měsíci +4

      ​@@nics-systems-electric in the states it's starting to become required, some of us are starting to gobble up as many ole Detroit's as we can get our hands on.
      In a pinch I don't want to worry about DEF and weather or not the system is plugged or some other random issue.
      2 strokes just do it better.

  • @voiceofjeff
    @voiceofjeff Před 5 měsíci

    8:56 You still look pretty good there. 😊

  • @rayarsenault4774
    @rayarsenault4774 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Wait for normal is called TDEN (time delay emergency to normal), and cooldown time is called TDEC (time delay engine cooldown)

  • @Siren_StrObE
    @Siren_StrObE Před 5 měsíci +2

    I have Generac at my house that has one smaller transfer switch box that is powered by propane that was just used in a 10-hour blackout

  • @robertusa1234
    @robertusa1234 Před 3 měsíci

    We have a 30 second delay on our back up generator. The only ones with no delay are powering elevators

  • @Bobherry
    @Bobherry Před 5 měsíci

    I work at a hospital and we have many generators of all sizes and they are tested monthly.

  • @BlakeFA_TECH
    @BlakeFA_TECH Před 5 měsíci

    Love it nic my school does k-12 and has a 2000v gen

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +1

      2000 V or 2000 KW? 2000 V is not a common system. there is 120/208 and 277/480 347/600

    • @whodatSean
      @whodatSean Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@nics-systems-electric he probably meant either 2000 KW or 2000 KVA

    • @BlakeFA_TECH
      @BlakeFA_TECH Před 5 měsíci +1

      its a 600v my bad@@whodatSean

    • @BlakeFA_TECH
      @BlakeFA_TECH Před 5 měsíci

      they have muitable out put sources on fire the k-2 then the 3-5 the the mideel school the high school the early childhood center and a house

  • @shshshs2
    @shshshs2 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Hey I’m new here and been going through your videos since I subscribed and was wondering you a electrician or fire alarm technician? Are you licensed in fire alarm and if so what books did you study? Or are you just a licensed electrician that works on fire alarm?

  • @Williams_elektronik
    @Williams_elektronik Před 5 měsíci +1

    Nice vidio nic. I love your vidios. When is the vidio abaout the replesing the fire alarm in the school comming out? And damm that generator sounds! Hope you are doing moree vidios on this school.

  • @stefanmuller9134
    @stefanmuller9134 Před 5 měsíci +2

    This was very interesting to watch. Thank you!
    What is that big lever for in the center of the panel where you disconnected the utility power?

  • @mbpro08
    @mbpro08 Před 5 měsíci

    that stuff is actualy really intresting

  • @FreightFox
    @FreightFox Před 4 měsíci

    Sounded like a car engine starting lol. Was expecting air started diesel generators like on ships

  • @newjerseybill3521
    @newjerseybill3521 Před 5 měsíci

    Interesting the random things you editing software decided to dither, the Scotchlite in your jacket, and some of the text on the fire alarm panel. Will there be some sort of protective cage, or thermal blanket for the exhaust manifold, turbo housing and flex pipe?

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci

      Some things are blurred to maintain privacy. No there is not any guard from the hot surfaces

  • @UKsystems
    @UKsystems Před 5 měsíci +1

    I think the fuel sensor records what the last running level was

  • @Huey-Gamer
    @Huey-Gamer Před 5 měsíci +1

    I like the generator videos so much that I watched it 2 time

    • @Huey-Gamer
      @Huey-Gamer Před 5 měsíci

      3rd time watching it lol

    • @deepsleep7822
      @deepsleep7822 Před 5 měsíci +1

      It’s neat to watch when everything works as it should. I’ve been involved in a couple where it didn’t and that usually means I’d loose a few more hours on another weekend.

  • @Jm4steam
    @Jm4steam Před 5 měsíci +1

    Very interesting video!!! I live right off a main power corridor. Rarely lose power. Last week power issues. On and off up to a dozen times in 30 mins. My home UPS performed as expected..but how does a system like in this video react to main grid pulses...from as little as 3 secs to 5 minutes and variant on/off times?

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +3

      There is likely a set voltage parameter of a acceptable level it would all be in the transfer switch as far as how it determines useable utility power

  • @REWYRED
    @REWYRED Před 5 měsíci +3

    I love stuff like this.... I take it you have a company come in annually to service this generator and then give it a 2h Load bank test?

  • @baratono
    @baratono Před 4 měsíci

    Neat!

  • @bentlikeitsmaker
    @bentlikeitsmaker Před 4 měsíci

    My welding shop being older still runs 480 its a 800 amp transformation

  • @Indigo4711
    @Indigo4711 Před 4 měsíci

    Considering that the school is used as a shelter, you should have two generators, breakdown redundancy and during service on number one. Other than that, it's a great setup.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 4 měsíci

      That would be required if it was direct life safety such as a hospital where it could be life and death if you lose power. the schools that are used for shelters do not require a secondary generator same as the fire departments and other similar buildings that is not directly keeping someone alive.

    • @Indigo4711
      @Indigo4711 Před 4 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric You will notice that I wrote "should have" and not "must have".😁

  • @jayhollowayii2
    @jayhollowayii2 Před 5 měsíci

    Hey mate we need more videos it’s been a while 🤩

  • @Richard-zz2cb
    @Richard-zz2cb Před 5 měsíci +2

    Find these interesting. When the fire alarm goes off at this school does it shut down all air handlers and condenser systems? (HVAC). At mine which was built in 2020, we have a chiller and boiler system with air handlers for each room, all of that shuts down when the fire alarm gets activated. Johnson Controls (York) brand. Source: the company I work at does maintenance for the school

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +2

      Only units that provide air to multiple zones which aren't many there's no point of shutting down chillers it would be the same as shutting down gas boilers which is pointless as that doesn't have any effect on the air containing smoke travelling through multiple fire separations

    • @Richard-zz2cb
      @Richard-zz2cb Před 5 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric yeah I guess they did that because I believe it’s code in my state to shut off all sources of heating & cooling. The boilers also use propane (LP) so that would be kinda bad to be running while there’s a fire

  • @dadandkids5028
    @dadandkids5028 Před 5 měsíci

    Looks like the setup for a bunker.

  • @davidcolfelt7734
    @davidcolfelt7734 Před 2 měsíci

    In the US blue/green diesel is on road. Off road (non road-taxed) is dyed red. The hillbillys call it "red dye diesel".

  • @gantmj
    @gantmj Před 4 měsíci

    I used to work in a high school theater that also rented the space for profit, and we once lost a leg of the 3 phase during one of those non school related shows.
    It triggered the generator to run which switched the relays for some of the audience and stage work lights to come on. We had to figure out how to get the relays to switch back off and also move some of the front stage lighting to working circuits on the other legs so it wouldn't disturb the show any further. The show actually never stopped, and the audience wasn't even aware of a partial power outage. They just thought some yahoo messed up lighting cues.
    Whenever I was in the main electrical room, I had to fight the intrusive thought to push the trip button on the huge main breaker.

  • @frosty9595
    @frosty9595 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Modern building systems are wild. Fire alarm integration, automatic lighting integration, all the vent systems. I am curious why it forces lighting on? Or is that because you assume the lighting controller will go down?

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +2

      It's because your emergency lighting needs to turn on to ensure proper egress as other lights will go out that could potentially be what is keeping the space illuminated

    • @frosty9595
      @frosty9595 Před 5 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric It seems so obvious now that you say it. Thank you.

  • @sethblackman8445
    @sethblackman8445 Před 3 měsíci +1

    cool generater test two cool ass

  • @Random_Emergency_Light
    @Random_Emergency_Light Před 5 měsíci

    Nice

  • @GaryBeltz
    @GaryBeltz Před 5 měsíci

    What's the high-pitched whine I hear in the generator room before the generator starts up? You can listen to it as soon as the power goes out and your timer reaches 0

    • @user-md9yx9yr3l
      @user-md9yx9yr3l Před 4 měsíci +1

      More than likely a VFD - Variable Frequency Drive. It is controlling motor load(s). It will convert AC to a pulsed output to regular speed.

  • @VioletDragonsProjects
    @VioletDragonsProjects Před 4 měsíci

    I'm looking at getting a Generator for Power failure to keep my Servers / Data Center online without any downtime, I have battery backups UPS's that can run up to 30mins on battery. Could you tell me what would be needed and another question, What happens to the Power from Generator when the grid power comes back online? I am in the UK our AC voltage is 240v but if the Generator is running and the Grid Power comes back online that is 480volts right there I am a bit worried of pupping 480volts into two UPS's and the rest of the kit. I am guessing that the Transfer Box handles this?
    Thanks

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 4 měsíci +1

      You need generator and transfer switch. When utility power is restored both power sources will be present at the generator transfer switch but it will still be powered off generator for a short period of time until it decides the utility power is stable and then will switch over to utility power and disconnect from generator power

    • @VioletDragonsProjects
      @VioletDragonsProjects Před 4 měsíci

      Thanks for the reply. I will have to do some research. Any of those Generators you work on able to do SMS or Email Notifications? @@nics-systems-electric

  • @TheATVboy17
    @TheATVboy17 Před 5 měsíci

    It seems like the transfer switches take a while to switch from emergency to normal source, almost like the transfer switch is staying in a neutral position for a few seconds. Im talking about the period when the battery backup emergency lights are lit.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci

      It needs to wait a second it can't be instantaneous or it can be damaging to any large motors running off of it if you have a sudden frequency change without a interruption

    • @marktomlinson3448
      @marktomlinson3448 Před 5 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electricYes, this is the correct reason for the no-power delay before re-transfer. This delay can be eliminated on some transfer switches with the added optional "in-phase monitor" which waits until the generator and utility phases (due to slightly different frequencies) are exactly the same and then does an instant "slam over" type transfer, so the lights don't even blink!

  • @SuperDriver379
    @SuperDriver379 Před 5 měsíci

    Doesn’t seem like that generator is under much of a load, was there just not much load to run that day, or does is it deliberately oversized? If it’s not running 70-80% do you have to periodically load bank it to keep it cleaned out?

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +1

      It's running around 30% because it Hass to be able to be able to run the very power demanding smoke control system

    • @SuperDriver379
      @SuperDriver379 Před 5 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric
      That makes sense, it just wasn’t clear, or at least to me during the test if it was running it’s normal load during an outage or if the function test was at a lesser load than normal.

  • @Elder650
    @Elder650 Před 5 měsíci

    Damn you guys need to simulate a power outage here at least 5-6 hours a day we see power outages 😂😂😂😂

  • @CapStar362
    @CapStar362 Před 5 měsíci

    Hey Nic, 11:05 whats the junction box with the GREEN LED behind you.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci

      Access control/door opener power

    • @CapStar362
      @CapStar362 Před 5 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric ahhh, well it had a LED Light on it, so i figured it was something important :)
      good work though, i love your absolutely clean construction.

  • @LONGBOW
    @LONGBOW Před 5 měsíci +1

    What’s the estimated runtime on generator power with a typical load before all power is lost?

  • @thaddeus5944
    @thaddeus5944 Před 4 měsíci

    i wish ohio had more schools this nice

  • @dadygee
    @dadygee Před 5 měsíci

    You look exactly like an ex. student we had in sweden back in 1992, is there maby a Tom or a Dartanjang in your family?

  • @Alex-gt8ut
    @Alex-gt8ut Před 5 měsíci

    he got that unltd fuel mod on that genny

  • @Nathan15038
    @Nathan15038 Před 3 měsíci

    It’s basically a like when you cold start a car engine😂

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Not quite this is a diesel most cars are gasoline and this is equipped with a block heater that is constantly circulating hot water through the cooling system and this has to go straight to 1800 RPM there is no time to idle first

    • @Nathan15038
      @Nathan15038 Před 3 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric true true man thanks for the info.😊👍

  • @Justakid67
    @Justakid67 Před 5 měsíci

    Like a car engine!

  • @eDoc2020
    @eDoc2020 Před 5 měsíci

    I wanna flip the giant breaker... Besides that, is _all_ the emergency lighting run off the generator? When I was in high school we had one outage where the generator failed to start. IIRC a handful of the hallway lights were running on battery.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci

      The big breaker just does the whole service it's not as exciting to flip as you might think lol and generator powers all emergency lighting. But there is still battery back up units in specific areas

    • @gantmj
      @gantmj Před 4 měsíci

      When I worked in a theater of a school, and I had to go into the main electrical room, I wanted to hit the main so bad. It had a big knob on the end of it ,too. It was asking for it.

  • @Luna_Midori5
    @Luna_Midori5 Před 5 měsíci

    I really really really hope those vents did not auto open... I hope someone opened them by flipping the switch AFTER it started and is known to be safe... Thats a big safety thing if they are auto opening, could let outside air in and that will end up killing ppl...

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Of course they are auto opening you can't run an auto generator with manual operated vents

  • @grabasandwich
    @grabasandwich Před 5 měsíci +1

    Are you apprenticing or just helping? It sounds like you know a lot for someone your age! (I think you told me you're 17 in another reply...I miss my youth!)

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +5

      Using my hours at school District for first year electrical

    • @mikeprice2311
      @mikeprice2311 Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@nics-systems-electric Great stuff, reminds me of myself when younger. Could have gone either the electrical route or the IT route. Did the latter and occasionally regret it now, but dare say I'd be saying the same regardless of which way I went. In any case, I always feel like some of us were just made to do jobs like this and just pick things up very quickly, and you definitely seem to be one of those. Cheers man, hope you go far.

    • @deepsleep7822
      @deepsleep7822 Před 5 měsíci

      @@mikeprice2311 : went the same route as well, but was involved in some of the electrical. Working for small companies has its advantages.

  • @elijahwilliams4110
    @elijahwilliams4110 Před 4 měsíci +1

    7:31 Sec Is Fredonia Orange Bowl Generator Starting

  • @Epiccatsandkittens
    @Epiccatsandkittens Před 5 měsíci

    Im thinking, Elevators should be on generator power too. Because if you are in an elevator when the power goes out then you're stuck.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci

      They are in some schools but not this one. elevators are a massive load. you aren't necessarily stuck though as modern elevators have battery back up to provide enough power to platform them and open the doors

  • @Rob-ue7ig
    @Rob-ue7ig Před 5 měsíci

    It seems like the fuel level sensor is wired backwards if it's a 3-wire potentiometer

  • @user-gy3of2zs5d
    @user-gy3of2zs5d Před 5 měsíci

    You must do more of these videos

  • @cokeicee
    @cokeicee Před 5 měsíci

    how fuel do they have on hand to run something like that?

  • @OkenWS
    @OkenWS Před 5 měsíci

    8:50 Potentially a real noob question but, are the damper actuators fail-safe? I.e. if the solenoid/motor/whatever it is fails, the damper opens and fault codes until someone can attend to replace it? I can imagine that the people using the place as an emergency shelter wouldn't be able to identify this simple fault in a pinch, especially if it became dangerous to enter the generator room due to hazardous atmosphere.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +1

      I don't believe it is fail safe as one has failed before and the room did get extremely hot however the generator did not mind or have any extra high temperatures as it still seems to pull air over the radiator just fine however the room temperature was not comfortable at all for humans if it was a air cooled generator it would be much more of a problem I would think

    • @OkenWS
      @OkenWS Před 4 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric sounds good - as long as CO makes it out of the space you're golden.

  • @theelrussiano2584
    @theelrussiano2584 Před 5 měsíci

    Was that a grid heater or block heater for the first 3 seconds of the transfer to the Diesel engine?

    • @Kistei
      @Kistei Před 5 měsíci +2

      Probably the pre-lube pump to create oil pressure prior to cranking

    • @SuperDriver379
      @SuperDriver379 Před 5 měsíci

      Block heaters are generally hooked to utility power keeping the engine close to operating temperature at all times. Grid heaters are generally controlled by whatever device is responsible for startup, but generally a redundant feature seeing as the engine would already be close to operating temperature due to the block heater.

    • @stargazer7644
      @stargazer7644 Před 4 měsíci

      A block heater that turns on 6 seconds before you start it isn't of much use.

  • @HiddenResolve
    @HiddenResolve Před 5 měsíci +1

    Surprised it didn't even bog or drop any RPM. Thing must have like 10% load from just lighting.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +1

      About 31% load around 14,000 KW if you listen carefully you can hear a slight change in the engine

  • @kenwhiteproductions
    @kenwhiteproductions Před 5 měsíci

    I would not recommend touching multiple grounds while throwing switchs. Stay safe out there bro!

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci

      I don't have a choice with these MCCB's you have to flip and hold up the lockout tab. Kind of the same as some manual transfer switches where you have to push the tab while using the handle to switch sources.

    • @kenwhiteproductions
      @kenwhiteproductions Před 5 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric I hear ya, grab some good resistant gloves trust me haha

  • @briancrockett3625
    @briancrockett3625 Před 4 měsíci

    Meanwhile every kid in america has a phone with a flashlight app.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 4 měsíci

      Every phone I've had has a flashlight built in you don't need an app. Not sure how that is relevant to the video though

  • @ardennielsen3761
    @ardennielsen3761 Před 4 měsíci

    some of those generators are built so that they can run for 3 years without shutting off, as long as the oil is changed. can buy 5000 gallon fuel skids

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 4 měsíci

      Absolutely the duty cycles on some of the diesels are pretty impressive

    • @ardennielsen3761
      @ardennielsen3761 Před 4 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric of all things, i got a 7000 watt dewalt generator out of a scrap bin for $50... and i have a short plan to weld and bolt some joints to the crankshaft on the cars 4.6L V8 triton engine thru its old differential to turn it at 75hz not 60hz, with the actual engine hardly braking 1500rpm... it does not have a voltage regulator and does have a self magnetizing core... but its odd what voltages i might get out of it as it is a combined 3 phase 240 volt unit at 60hz with a 240v 24amp main braker... think the wire was 600 volt but if 75hz pushes it to 280 volt with a peak of 408 volt on the wave... for having a welder plugged into it, that should make holding and arc easy because of the line voltage but its a 6kw main braker so it might trip a lot. been about 10 years sense i was in a school, but that's a lite end project that could end up fixing something on a larger end of things if it did go out. would not be the V8 triton dropping off like the 380cc single cylinder but if it's amperage alone that trips a braker the peak on that 280 volt would look like 13KVA momentarily 530 volt with the 1000 volt frequency shift. not concerned with burning it out, it has a braker switch. think some power grids were 75hz so they had to make those generators able to run that, tho the little engine they come with cant keep up. think some people use them portable units to back feed power into there house thru a welder plug and it just trips the small panel braker when the mains come on... if the meters have digitized enough to realize there back feeding the grid or not? the spiny disk spins one way...

  • @Sparky-joystick.1308
    @Sparky-joystick.1308 Před 5 měsíci

    My college has two generators made by Generac generator. generator provide voltage 480v North America standard pretty much everything's power lights servers Heating

  • @brianrhodebeck6465
    @brianrhodebeck6465 Před 5 měsíci

    I think F o r schools it's just too much for just ligbeing. But I guess you guys got that all figured out So that generator has to go to my house 😊

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci

      The school legally has to have a generator as it's an emergency space for the community and the fire protection system must still be operational in a power outage.

  • @stijn2472
    @stijn2472 Před 5 měsíci +1

    How long will this/these generators typically run for (on a single tank of fuel)? And how big is the fuel tank?

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +2

      I believe around 22 hours per full tank

    • @farmguy2400
      @farmguy2400 Před 5 měsíci +1

      It would be in 100 to 125 us gallons or 378 to 473 litres range. And the fuel consumption at this load would be about 10-12L/h wich would give you an autonomy of about 36 to 40ish hours.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci +1

      @@farmguy2400 I don't know about the actual fuel consumption but I would think it's not that much fuel storage as it does not get that many hours

    • @stijn2472
      @stijn2472 Před 5 měsíci +1

      @farmguy2400 and @@nics-systems-electric
      Thanks to the both of you! And that's a fair bit of fuel, but considering how much it powers that seems fair.

    • @marcd6897
      @marcd6897 Před 5 měsíci

      At around 1:47 there is a badge on the generator, max inlet is at 113 Liter (30 gal) per hour at full load. So I hope the fuel tank has a lot more than just 100 Liters because you always have to calculate with 90% of max capacity.

  • @platin2148
    @platin2148 Před 5 měsíci

    Reason why the school has a Emergency Power System? Is it used as a bunker or what? I suspect there would be already no one there too..

  • @jannejohansson3383
    @jannejohansson3383 Před 4 měsíci

    How hard it is to cover exhaust from nature effects like water and stuff that could go to turbine. It's backup device, so things like that should not exist. I know it will send everything out when it starts, but could effect generator too or start fires from burning bee nest flying out there

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 4 měsíci

      The exhaust pipe is cut at an angle to deter water I believe there is a drain in it to catch water

  • @pengujedi4559
    @pengujedi4559 Před 5 měsíci

    None of my schools ever had a generator power outage = go home. Someone ran into a telephone poll to get out of school

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci

      If power is out they will still cancel school. It's just that some buildings need to have a generator because some of the critical life safety systems have to have power to operate

    • @alerighi
      @alerighi Před 5 měsíci

      When I was in school if power went out (happened a couple of times) we would just have stayed there, sure it was when we did use blackboards and paper, maybe now that we have digital blackboards is more of an issue.
      The issue back in the day was that the bell couldn't ring, and thus you did not know when the lesson did finish. Anyway a power outage rarely lasted more than a couple of minutes, at best hours.
      I think that critical systems are powered by UPS anyway (red sockets) and emergency lights/fire alarm are usually battery powered.

    • @stargazer7644
      @stargazer7644 Před 4 měsíci

      The generator isn't there because it's a school, it's there because it's an emergency shelter.

  • @AYDEN_OFROBLOX
    @AYDEN_OFROBLOX Před 5 měsíci +1

    12 seconds not bad

    • @billybassman21
      @billybassman21 Před 5 měsíci

      How it should be, I laugh at these videos where it takes like 30 seconds.

    • @nics-systems-electric
      @nics-systems-electric  Před 5 měsíci

      Depends on its usage 12 seconds is not fast enough for some facilities however others that have UPS's and aren't using it for critical life safety power may want to wait longer to reduce where for unnecessarily starting for shortages

    • @AYDEN_OFROBLOX
      @AYDEN_OFROBLOX Před 5 měsíci

      @@nics-systems-electric oh my bad i did know i am 15 a freshman and still learning :)

  • @ministrygreene2556
    @ministrygreene2556 Před 5 měsíci

    Nic will ù be doing a video of all what happened in 2023

  • @ClayRossi-po5qk
    @ClayRossi-po5qk Před 5 měsíci

    I go to that high school