Generator performance – Gillette Generators SP-1500 User Manual
Page 23

PAGE 23
LPV fuel pressure must be 6 ounce pressure
(11-12 inches water column) delivered to the
generator.
Often new LPV tanks or existing LPV tanks
already located at the installation site, have a pre-
installed, primary regulator set for 250 PSI and
intended for home heating and cooking. This is
wrong for generator LPV fuel.
The LPV fuel tank must have a dedicated primary
LPV fuel regulator mounted at the tank fuel outlet
point, and set for 6 ounce pressure (11-12 inches
water column). A direct, dedicated fuel line
connected to the 6 ounce fuel tank primary regulator,
must be connected directly to the generator
mounted, secondary regulator, also, set at 6 ounce
pressure.
A stainless steel flexible LPV fuel line is required
for installation between the LPV fuel line & generator
fuel input.
CAUTION: Make sure this stainless steel flexible
fuel line is installed in a horizontal position,
without bends. A bend of any kind, in this flexible
line could lead to an eventual crack in the bend,
causing a possible fuel leak. See Figure 11 for
recommended installation.
Make sure fuel line installation includes an on/off
manual gas valve at both the LPV tank and at
connection point of generator.
All new installations, plus any future repair or
troubleshooting procedures must include an LPV
manometer test. This test should be conducted after
all other LPV appliances are turned on. After all
appliances are working, start the generator. If
manometer stays within 11 to 12 inches water
column with full load applied to generator, it’s a
good installation. (See Figure 11) If manometer
reading falls below 10 inches water column while
generator is cranking or running, it may indicate the
primary regulator on LPV tank is wrong or the LPV
tank is too low to produce the vapors required to
operate generator.
If manometer reading stays within 11 to 12 inches
water column, but generator will not run properly, it
may indicate fuel line length is too long or fuel line
diameter is too small to deliver proper volume of
fuel. Check fuel line diameters on page 20.
NOTE: After completion of all gas tests, remove
manometer and replace blank plug, using fresh pipe
sealant.
Climates that have snow and ice build-up, along
with sub-zero temperatures should have LPV fuel
pipe protection against freezing. The generator end
of the hard piping installation should include a
sediment trap to drain any condensation and a line
filter. (See Figure 11)
Best installations happen when electric utility
meter and LPV tank are reasonably close (20 Ft. to 50
Ft.), as it results in short runs for both electric wires
and LPV fuel lines. When these two identities are far
apart, always choose to locate generator as close to
the LPV tank as possible, because installation costs
are lower when increased electrical wire size must
be used for longer runs rather than increased fuel
pipe diameters.
GENERATOR PERFORMANCE
When matching a generator to a specific application,
whether gross intermittent or gross continuous
power is used, it is important to derate this power
output for the following adverse conditions:
Engine power rating after “break-in” is usually
within 3% of engine published rating.
Temperature and altitude directly derate
generator power. Derate 3½% for each 1,000 feet
above 326 feet, over sea level. Derate 1% for every
10º F (5.6º C) over 77º F (25º C).
Generator location is important. If it is located
too far from fuel source, fuel line may not deliver
adequate fuel. If it is located too far from electric
distribution box, the electric power lines may not
deliver adequate electric power. Both examples will
directly affect generator power. Read section “The
Gaseous Fuel System Installation” on page 21
thru 23 for full details.
Manometer Port: Remove
Blank Plug And Insert
Manometer Plug
Dedicated LPV Fuel
Line from LP Tank
Line Filter
Manometer
Reading
Must Be
11” Water
Column
On/Off Valve
Sediment Trap
Flexible Stainless
Steel Gas Pipe
(without bends
or angles)
Gas Fuel To
Generator
Figure 11
LP GAS LINE