Objective: Restore power after a total blackout using the emergency generator.
STEP 1 – Check if Emergency Shutdown (ESD) was activated
- [ ] Press the red Reset button on the emergency shutdown panel.
- [ ] Try starting the emergency generator.
- If it does not start automatically, start it manually using the control panel.
STEP 2 – Make sure there is compressed air available
- [ ] Open the air supply valves to the air receiver tank.
- [ ] If there’s no pressure, start the air compressor by pulling the manual rope.
- [ ] Wait until the pressure reaches at least 120 psi.
STEP 3 – Make sure control power is present (24VDC)
- [ ] Check if the generator control panel has 24V power.
- [ ] If not, go to the electrical panel and switch the 24V breaker ON.
STEP 4 – Send emergency power to the system
- [ ] On the generator panel, check if the main breaker is closed.
- [ ] If it’s open, close it manually.
→ This sends temporary power to the rest of the system.
STEP 5 – Start the main engine
- [ ] Make sure the engine controls are in the correct position.
- [ ] Check that the air intake flaps are open.
- [ ] Confirm that the engine control panel also has 24V power.
- [ ] Start the main engine using the panel.
- [ ] Allow the engine to run for a few moments.
- [ ] Close the engine breaker to connect it to the system.
STEP 6 – If the main engine fails to start
- [ ] Check again that there is enough compressed air for starting.
- [ ] WARNING: When closing any breaker, stand to the side to avoid injury in case of arc flash or fault.
STEP 7 – Restore general power to the facility
- [ ] Make sure the breaker for the air compressor is closed.
- [ ] Confirm that the main transformers are connected (breakers closed).
- [ ] On the synchronization panel, turn the selector switch to ONLINE mode.
- [ ] Close the breakers that send power to ventilation and cooling systems.
- [ ] If you have a second generator, start it now.
- [ ] Once power is stable, close all main distribution breakers.
- [ ] You can now turn off the emergency generator.
STEP 8 – Shut down the emergency generator
- [ ] Let the emergency generator engine shut down normally.
- [ ] Switch the control panel to OFF and wait 20 seconds.
- [ ] Switch it back to AUTO mode, ready for next use.
STEP 9 – Turn on ventilation in the engine room
- [ ] Start the ventilation fans to keep the engine room cool.
STEP 10 – Start support systems
The mechanic should restart the following:
- [ ] Drill and cutting systems
- [ ] Wastewater and sewage systems
- [ ] Fresh water pumps
- [ ] Water pressure booster system
- [ ] Hot water heaters
- [ ] Air conditioning or fans in crew/work areas
STEP 11 – Final check
- [ ] Restart any other essential systems that need to be running.
- [ ] Check that all circuit breakers in secondary panels are in the correct position.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 