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Electro-Motion's 3rd Newsletter!
This is our 3rd Newsletter and the response has been terrific! A number of you have asked us to place other people (or even your entire team) on the list to receive this newsletter. We are happy to do so. Just give us their names and their email addresses and leave it to us! You can convey this information to us by fax or email...or any other way you choose. |
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What's Happening at Electro-Motion?
Our new logo is in place.
Our uniforms have been changed and now sport this new logo. Check out the new "look" when you next see one of our technicians.
Our office remodel is done. Boy, what a lot of work! But it was worth it...we now have a more efficient layout.
We have also upgrading our IT capability (software & hardware) to enhance our ability to serve our clients. This is background stuff -- so it won't be very visible to you. But it will give us a better ability to perform our site activities for you.
We are also improving our Contact Information database to ensure we have all relevant information about our customers. You will be receiving emails, over the next few months, asking for your help with this important project. Without this information we cannot support you quickly & effectively.
Finally, we are pleased to announce 2 promotions that have been in the works for several months:
Lyle Hughes has been promoted to the new position of Special Projects Manager. We have long recognized that the "tailored" approach we offer to our customers requires special attention to their unique and unusual needs. This requires careful attention and, to a degree, non-standard approaches. Lyle will now be able to support these needs in a direct and powerful way. He has also taken on selected General Management responsibilities.
Glenn Gumin has been promoted to Customer Service Manager. He brings a strong background to this new set of duties. He and Lyle will be working closely together to ensure the strong support for our customers continues. |
The 10 Biggest Maintenance Mistakes:
No. 3: Not Inspecting Your Generator Set Every Week
Why is this important? "I don't know how to do this...what to look for. Isn't this inspection work something Electro-Motion is supposed to do?"
Here's the problem. Your generator or transfer switch can become a problem at any moment. Yet the maintenance company technician only comes every 1-3 months. You must be the "eyes and ears" between visits. Otherwise, any problem may be caught too late to help you during the next power outage. Think of it this way--generator system maintenance requires a team approach. We will do our part and you must do yours. Alternately, you can employ us on a weekly basis to do this important work for you.
Here are the things you should be checking:
1. Check all fluid levels. This includes the radiator coolant level. A low level will cause the engine to overheat. Check the lube oil level. A low level can cause the engine to shut down on low oil pressure (LOP). Check the battery fluid level to ensure the battery will perform when called upon. Most importantly, check the fuel level. No fuel...no go!
2. Check the jacket water heater for proper operation.
Diesels do not like to start cold. They will shake, rattle & vibrate something fierce! This can harm the engine and delicate electrical controls....and even put your equipment out of commission. You can make this check easily by "feeling" the hoses. Ask our technician how to do this.
3. Check for unusual noises, excessive vibrations or signs of deterioration.
4. Clean the room/enclosure area of debris and clutter. This is important. Debris can be sucked into the radiator, cutting off air flow. Clutter can cause an accident.
5. Check for a fault light that may be lit. These may indicate a problem that should be addressed quickly.
6. Record the hour meter reading. It is important to note this information in case there is a problem. If there is, a log could be invaluable.
7. Check that the unit ran during its last weekly automatic test run (exercise period). You do this by checking the hour meter reading and comparing it with the previous reading. This run test is very important. Please review the "Quick Tip" from our first newsletter.
Mistake No. 4 in Next Issue |
NFPA 110 is the shorthand way of referring to National Fire Protection Association Standard 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2010 edition. It outlines what is required for equipment manufacturing, equipment installation and equipment maintenance.
This publication, in conjunction with the manufacturers' recommendations, provides the maintenance standards for our industry. In short, you want your emergency system (generator set & automatic transfer switch) maintained to this NFPA standard.
A couple of items in this standard are particularly important.
First, it calls for annual maintenance of the Automatic Transfer Switch that is coupled to your generator set. See Maintenance Mistake #1 in our January 2010 issue. It covers, in detail, why this is important.
Second, it spells out that the required work extends beyond just an annual oil change. The requirement is for several inspections each year, a Load Bank Test, transfer tests, automatic transfer switch maintenance, periodic battery changes, cooling system service, etc. There are many steps to a comprehensive program.
You can purchase a copy of this standard at NFPA. Or call us for a photocopy. It's a good pamphlet to have in your library. |
| Featured Client: City of Redwood City
In many ways, the City of Redwood City is an ideal client. They certainly are one of our favorites.
What makes them ideal? First of all, they are quite knowledgeable about the technical side of our business. This makes it easy to resolve any issues that may surface during the year. Second, they are committed to a quality program. Their emergency power equipment is important to them and, therefore, they are committed to having a quality program. Finally, they have made the required budget available to support this comprehensive, quality program.
With units at several Fire Departments, the Police Station, the Municipal Services Building and at the Corporation Yard, they have serious needs. Serious needs...a serious program.
Daniel, Tom and the entire team work hard at what they do. We are pleased to support them and their outstanding program. | |
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Quick Links
phone: 650-321-6169
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Quick Tip #3
Keep Some Lubricating Oil & Coolant on Hand
When you check your unit each week, you may have to add a little lubricating oil or coolant to "top off" the sump or the radiator.
This action can be very important because there are "shutdowns" in the control circuitry for over temperature & low oil pressure. Don't take a chance on your unit not being ready (for a power outage) for lack of these important fluids.
You can ask our technicians for a small supply to keep near the unit. You must use the same products we use to avoid adverse chemical reactions or meaningless oil analysis reports.
Be careful not to overfill! |
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"Very good attention to detail & problem solving."
Jeanne Emmett
~ Life's Garden |
Contact Information About Your Company
We are in the process of updating our contact information for your company. This is important to us both. Why?
To effectively serve you, we must be able to contact the correct individual...to schedule work, to send proposals, to send invoices, etc.
We intend to make this process as painless as possible by sending you a PDF file with as much of your current information filled in as possible. You will be able to enter or correct information directly on this PDF file and send it directly back to us.
Please help us complete this project quickly. The information you provide will allow us to serve you better!
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Why Building Transfer Tests?
Your emergency power system consists of 2 pieces of equipment, a generator set & an automatic transfer switch. Does it make sense to test the one and not test the other? Both must be tested to verify you have a functioning system.
We will give you additional information about Building Transfer Tests, and their importance, next month. In the meantime, call us to schedule your transfer test. |
Next Issue
Maintenance Mistake #4
Featured Client
Quick Tip #4
Next Issue Contents
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Electro-Motion has been maintaining emergency power (generator set) equipment since 1967. We are now one of the largest generator maintenance/service companies in the Bay Area. We are also the oldest generator service/maintenance company in the Bay Area...enjoying our 43rd anniversary in 2010!
We are particularly known for 3 things:
First, we are the only generator company that also provides maintenance of the Automatic Transfer Switch, which is crucial for a comprehensive program. This means all the equipment in your emergency systems will be taken care of...reducing the anxiety of having only a partial job done. Second, we are committed to being close & responsive to our customers. This means we will, if called upon, respond quickly when you call. And arrive quickly in an emergency. This is difficult for other companies located in San Leandro, Stockton, etc. who, perhaps, have a lesser commitment to serving. Third, we tailor our maintenance programs to the specific needs of our clients. We do not try to "sell" them a "cookie-cutter" program that may, or may not, be suitable for their unique needs. This means you get exactly what you want and need...no more and no less. |
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