Get the right generator

Nov 01, 2007

THE Ugandan market is flooded with substandard power generators (Bichupuli) from Asian countries. They work for a few days and collapse. <br>A lady in Nakasero who used to import generators, says that was the reason she closed the business.

By John Kasozi and Halima Shaban

THE Ugandan market is flooded with substandard power generators (Bichupuli) from Asian countries. They work for a few days and collapse.
A lady in Nakasero who used to import generators, says that was the reason she closed the business.

“Fake generators are destroying our market. Clients have lost trust in us and the prices are low. We cannot compete,” she says.

Bernard Agaba, of Honda Uganda Limited, says the power deficit demand has seen an influx of fake generators.
“Ugandans have a habit of shunning genuine and authorised distributors fearing that prices are high. Our prices are favourable.”

“And you should buy genuine parts for maintenance and repair. Parts of the lower quality will damage the engine,” he says.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has started impounding fake generators. The head of market surveillance, Jackson Mubangizi, says when buying generators, people should be careful.

Shiba Katusime, a sales administrator at Africa Motors and Machinery, a division of Mantrac Uganda Limited, says a generator should be connected to the building’s electrical circuit by a qualified electrical engineer.

If the generator is used as an alternative to hydro — electric power, an isolation switch must be installed to disconnect the utility lines from the building when the generator is connected.

“The generator should be kept at least one metre (3 feet) away from the buildings and other equipment during operation,” says Agaba.

“It should not be operated in the house or in a wet place and it should be kept away from flammable materials,” he adds.

When refueling the engine, it should be turned off, don’t spillthe fuel and do not smoke when refuelling.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area because exhaust fumes contain poisonous carbon monoxide, which can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death if breathed in.

Agaba says if the generator runs in an area that is confined or partially enclosed, it could pollute the air.
“To keep exhaust gas from building up, provide adequate ventilation,” Agaba says.

To prevent electrical shock from faulty appliances, the generator should be grounded. Connect a heavy lengthy wire between the generator’s ground terminal and an external ground source. Be sure that appliances do not exceed the generators rated load capacity.

Agaba says periodic servicing and adjustment are necessary to keep the engine in good operating condition.
Generators like the Honda EU20i are recommended because they are always in top mechanical and electrical condition.

“This model has the oil alert system and is designed to prevent engine damage caused by insufficient amount of oil in the crankcase,” Agaba explains.

“If the oil alert system shuts down the engine, the oil alert indicator will come on when you operate the starter and the engine will not run. If this occurs, add engine oil.”

Engine oil is the major factor that affects engine performance and service life for generators. Ensure that you use the recommended fuel.

Some generators such as the Honda EXT15D are equipped with an automatic air bleeding system. Air bleeding is done when restarting the engine after the fuel has run out.

Before starting the engine, disconnect any load from the Alternate Current receptacle.

Warming up stabilises engine rotation and it eliminates voltage fluctuation. The engine should be kept running until the engine speed stabilises after air bleeding. Warming up the engine oil also lubricates relevant parts, reduces abrasion and prevents seizure.

If you operate the generator in very dusty areas, check and replace the air cleaner more often than specified in the maintenance schedule.

Operating the engine without the air cleaner will cause rapid engine wear. An initial break-in 50 hours period will result in longer engine life.”

Katusime says prices of generators start at sh500,000 up wards.Customers should note that used oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact with the skin for especially when you handle oil on a daily basis.

It is advisable to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling used oil.

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