Basic Power Generator and Emergency Power Systems: 5-Day Professional Training Course

Course Overview

This comprehensive Power Generator Training program delivers essential knowledge for professionals responsible for standby power systems, emergency generators, and backup power solutions. This intensive 5-day course covers generator fundamentals, installation requirements, maintenance procedures, automatic transfer systems, and regulatory compliance for emergency power systems in commercial, industrial, and critical facilities.

Who Should Attend This Generator Training?

• Facility Managers responsible for backup power systems

• Maintenance Technicians working with emergency generators

• Electrical Contractors installing generator systems

• Building Engineers managing critical power infrastructure

• Safety Officers overseeing emergency preparedness

• Hospital and Healthcare Facility Staff managing life-safety systems

• Data Center Operators ensuring power continuity

• Industrial Plant Personnel responsible for standby power

• Fire and Life Safety Professionals

Course Objectives

Participants will gain expertise in:

• Diesel and gas generator operating principles and components

• Emergency power system design and sizing calculations

• Installation standards and code compliance

• Automatic transfer switch (ATS) operation and testing

• Preventive maintenance programs and troubleshooting

• Load management and fuel system operation

• Safety protocols and regulatory requirements

• Testing procedures and documentation requirements

Day 1: Power Generator Fundamentals and Components

Morning Session: Introduction to Emergency Power Systems

Topics Covered:

• Overview of emergency power generation applications

• Types of backup power: standby, emergency, and legally required

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements: NFPA 70, 110, 111

• NEC Article 700, 701, and 702 classifications

• Power outage causes and reliability statistics

• Generator set selection criteria: prime vs. standby ratings

• Continuous, standby, and peak power ratings explained

Key Learning Points:
Understanding when emergency power is legally required versus optional backup applications.

Afternoon Session: Generator Components and Operating Principles

Topics Covered:

• Diesel engine fundamentals: four-stroke cycle operation

• Engine components: cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft

• Fuel injection systems: mechanical vs. electronic control

• Turbochargers and intercoolers for power enhancement

• Alternator principles: electromagnetic induction and AC generation

• Generator types: brushless, PMG (Permanent Magnet Generator)

• Voltage regulation: AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) systems

• Governor systems for frequency control

Hands-On Component:
Generator nameplate data interpretation and performance specifications.

Day 2: Generator Sizing, Selection, and Installation

Morning Session: Load Analysis and Generator Sizing

Topics Covered:

• Generator sizing calculations and load assessment

• Connected load vs. demand load analysis

• Starting current requirements: locked rotor amperage (LRA)

• Motor starting considerations and inrush currents

• Step loading and load sequencing strategies

• Voltage dip calculations during motor starting

• Derating factors: altitude, temperature, fuel type

• kW, kVA, and power factor relationships

Practical Workshop:
Hands-on generator sizing exercises for different facility types.

Afternoon Session: Installation Standards and Requirements

Topics Covered:

• Generator installation location requirements and clearances

• Indoor vs. outdoor installations: enclosures and weather protection

• Ventilation and cooling system requirements

• Exhaust system design: sizing, materials, and termination

• Fuel system installation: day tanks and bulk storage

• Battery systems and charging equipment

• Foundation requirements and vibration isolation

• Noise control and acoustic enclosures

Code Review:
NFPA 110 and NEC compliance requirements for various occupancies.

Day 3: Automatic Transfer Switches and Control Systems

Morning Session: Automatic Transfer Switch Technology

Topics Covered:

• Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) operating principles

• Service entrance vs. mid-building transfer switches

• Contact types: open transition, closed transition, soft loading

• Transfer switch ratings and withstand capabilities

• Time delay settings: engine start, transfer, and retransfer

• Bypass isolation switches for maintenance

• Transfer switch testing and exercising requirements

• Emergency lighting transfer switches (ELTS)

Technical Focus:
Understanding ATS control logic and sequence of operations.

Afternoon Session: Generator Control Systems

Topics Covered:

• Generator control panels: digital vs. analog controllers

• Engine monitoring parameters: oil pressure, temperature, RPM

• Protective shutdowns and alarm systems

• Remote monitoring and SCADA integration

• Load management and load shedding strategies

• Paralleling switchgear for multiple generators

• Synchronization controls and load sharing

• Building Management System (BMS) integration

Interactive Session:
Control panel navigation and alarm troubleshooting scenarios.

Day 4: Fuel Systems, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting

Morning Session: Fuel Systems and Management

Topics Covered:

• Diesel fuel systems: supply, return, and priming

• Fuel storage tank requirements and regulations

• Fuel quality management and contamination prevention

• Fuel polishing and filtration systems

• Natural gas generator fuel supply considerations

• Dual-fuel and bi-fuel generator systems

• Fuel consumption calculations and runtime estimates

• EPA underground storage tank (UST) regulations

• Fuel testing procedures: water, microbial growth, stability

Case Study:
Fuel system failures and contamination prevention strategies.

Afternoon Session: Preventive Maintenance Programs

Topics Covered:

• Generator maintenance schedules: weekly, monthly, annual

• Oil and filter change intervals and specifications

• Coolant system maintenance and testing

• Battery maintenance and load testing procedures

• Air filter inspection and replacement

• Fuel filter servicing and water separator draining

• Belt tension and alternator bearing inspection

• Exercise testing requirements: loaded vs. unloaded

• Maintenance record keeping and documentation

Hands-On Workshop:
Practical maintenance procedures demonstration and practice.

Day 5: Testing, Commissioning, and Regulatory Compliance

Morning Session: Testing and Commissioning Procedures

Topics Covered:

• Generator commissioning and acceptance testing

• NFPA 110 testing requirements by level and class

• Load bank testing procedures and equipment

• Monthly exercise testing protocols

• Annual full-load testing requirements

• Transfer switch operational testing

• Battery system load testing procedures

• Documentation and test report requirements

• Deficiency correction and follow-up testing

Practical Component:
Load bank testing calculations and procedure development.

Afternoon Session: Troubleshooting and Regulatory Requirements

Topics Covered:

• Common generator problems and diagnostic procedures

• Engine starting failures: battery, fuel, and control issues

• Overheating causes and cooling system diagnostics

• Voltage and frequency regulation problems

• Transfer switch malfunction troubleshooting

• Low oil pressure and high temperature alarms

• Fuel system air entrainment and priming

• Vibration analysis and mechanical issues

• Generator failure modes and emergency procedures

Regulatory Compliance Topics:

• NFPA 110 compliance requirements by occupancy

• Joint Commission (TJC) standards for healthcare facilities

• NFPA 99 requirements for healthcare electrical systems

• EPA emissions regulations for emergency generators

• Local air quality management district (AQMD) permits

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements

• Testing frequency requirements by authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)

Final Session: Advanced Topics and Course Assessment

Topics Covered:

• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) integration with generators

• Microgrids and combined heat and power (CHP) applications

• Renewable energy integration with backup generators

• Energy storage systems and battery backup

• Critical power system redundancy: N, N+1, 2N configurations

• Generator replacement and upgrade considerations

• Life-cycle cost analysis for emergency power systems

• Future trends: hydrogen generators and cleaner technologies

Assessment Activities:

• Practical troubleshooting scenarios and group problem-solving

• Generator sizing and specification project presentations

• Written assessment covering course materials

• Interactive Q&A session with industry experts

• Professional certification examination

• Course evaluation and networking session

Course Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Specify and size emergency generators for various applications

• Understand installation requirements and code compliance

• Implement effective preventive maintenance programs

• Troubleshoot common generator operational problems

• Conduct proper testing and documentation procedures

• Ensure regulatory compliance for critical facilities

• Optimize fuel system performance and reliability

• Manage automatic transfer switch operations

• Enhance emergency preparedness and power reliability

Training Methodology

This generator training course includes:

• Expert-led instruction from field-experienced professionals

• Hands-on equipment demonstrations and practice

• Real-world troubleshooting case studies

• Practical sizing and calculation exercises

• Video presentations of actual installations

• Interactive group discussions and problem-solving

• Field-tested maintenance procedures

• Industry best practices and lessons learned

Course Materials Provided

Participants receive:

• Comprehensive technical training manual

• Generator sizing calculation tools and templates

• Maintenance checklist templates and forms

• Code reference guides and compliance checklists

• Troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic guides

• Certificate of Professional Development

Facility Requirements Covered

This course addresses emergency power for:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Data centers and telecommunications

• High-rise buildings and commercial properties

• Manufacturing and industrial plants

• Water and wastewater treatment facilities

• Emergency operations centers

• Educational institutions

• Government and military installations

Keywords: power generator training, emergency power systems, diesel generator, backup power, automatic transfer switch, generator maintenance, standby generator, emergency generator installation, generator sizing, NFPA 110, critical power, generator troubleshooting, fuel systems, load bank testing