Greetings!
 A Christmas tree is a common custom to most of us this time of year and every year. Many historians and scholars point to Germany as being the origin of the Christmas tree, but that lore is only one of a few different accounts.
The earliest story goes back to Germany with Saint Boniface. In 722 he told everyone that this lovely evergreen, with its branches pointing to heaven, was a holy tree.
There are stories from Martin Luther in the 1500's to Prince Albert and Queen Victoria in the 1800's. Martin Luther, who is also said to be responsible for the origin of the Christmas tree, decorated the branches with small candles, which he lighted in honor of Jesus Christ's birth.
A conifer called the Paradise tree is a story of a religious play that goes back to the 11th century. Paradise Play, as it was called, depicted the story of the creation of Adam and Eve, their sin, and their banishment from Paradise. The only prop on the stage was the Paradise tree, a fir tree decorated with apples. The play would end with the promise of the coming Savior and His Incarnation. During that time, the people grew accustomed to the Paradise tree and began putting their own Paradise tree up in their homes on December 24.
Research into customs of various cultures shows that greenery was often brought into homes during the winter. In the 1700's, lights in the form of candles began to adorn these firs and thus why we decorate our trees with lights today.
So, as you pass on the traditions and share the true meaning of Christmas, remember that GEN-TECH is here to help you keep your Christmas lights on. Thank you for taking the time to view our newsletter.
Sincerely,
Michael Bonville
GEN-TECH
800-625-8324
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Modular Power Systems
MPS - Great Idea But It Won't Work!
Ten years ago a conversation with a consulting engineer about Generac's Modular Power System (MPS), a relatively new concept at the time, might have gone something like this:  Engineer: Seems like a good idea, but it won't work.
Gen-Tech: Interesting, why do you believe that?
Engineer: The sales rep from [you fill in the blank] says it won't work. They say the only way you can have a reliable paralleling system is with freestanding switchgear to provide the paralleling brains. The generator needs to have a "dumb" engine, and besides, you have to have the switchgear anyway so you have a place to put the paralleling circuit breaker.
Fast-forward ten years and the dialogue has ...read more!
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Ask GT?
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Question: The previous guy where I work didn't keep any records on the generator batteries. How do I know when or if the batteries are getting old and how often should I change them?
Answer: Batteries, regardless of their expected life span or warranty can and will fail at any given time and usually at the worst possible moment, too. Therefore it is imperative to have a good battery maintenance program. The recommended time for replacement of a generator's lead-acid battery is two years from the original in-service date. But, because the previous guy didn't keep proper maintenance records, this method will prove difficult to know when it is time to replace them. Fortunately for you, there are other ways to determine battery replacement. Common practice is to replace the battery if its capacity is below 80% of the manufacturer's rating during performance load testing. To perform the test, place your digital voltmeter on the battery, set it to min/max and crank the engine. Then read the minimum voltage on the meter. If it reads below 9.6VDC on a 12V system, or 19.2VDC on a 24V system, then it's time for replacement. This of course assumes that your batteries were fully charged before the test. Failure for a battery to hold a charge typically demonstrates low individual cell voltage, and/or low specific gravity. This, along with physical characteristics, such as case condition, leaking electrolyte, or post damage are often determinants for battery replacement. Also, replacing an individual battery in a multiple battery system is not recommended, especially as the battery nears its end of life. Most importantly for Arizonans, effects of high temperatures on lead-acid batteries can shorten the life of a battery significantly. A four year battery can lose as much as 50% of its life expectancy when ambient temperatures average 92°F over a 12 month period. Therefore, life expectancy of a lead-acid battery in the desert heat is less than half of the manufacturers intended life expectancy. Do you have a question for GT? Submit your question to training@gentechus.com and we'll answer every question. With your permission we may publish your question in our next issue.
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About GEN-TECH
GEN-TECH is your source for complete power generation systems.
We service equipment, made by every major manufacturer in the engine driven generator business, at locations throughout the United States and around the world. We take great pride in being your single source of responsibility for your emergency systems before and after the sale. We are your full service, one stop, generator system supplier combining sales, service, parts, rental and training under one roof!
Arizona Generator Technology, Inc.
dba: GEN-TECH
7901 N. 70th Ave.
Glendale, Arizona 85303
800-625-8324
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Store Locations: Glendale, AZ | Tucson, AZ | N. Las Vegas, NV |
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Next Month:
New Generator Resolutions
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EGSA Certification
 EGSA Certification will identify those technicians who not only have a broad
knowledge of electricity, mechanical and electrical components and the
interaction between them, but are proficient in the installation, service,
maintenance, and repair of On-Site Power generation systems.
Our
EGSA-certified work force at GEN-TECH shows our customers that our personnel
are highly qualified and that our organization is committed to excellence.
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Power Design PRO Software
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The most powerful electrical and mechanical design and sizing tool on the market, Generac Industrial Power's Power Design Pro has been improved with more added features. This software is a one stop solution center for the consulting engineer. In addition to state of the art generator sizing and analysis, it includes... read more
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For More Information on Generac Product, visit;
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Quoting Electricity
 "The greatest Electrical Pioneer of them all was Thomas Edison... Edison's first major invention, in 1877, was the phonograph, which could soon be found in thousands of American homes, where it basically sat until 1923, when the record was invented." --Dave Barry
"Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple" --Willy Wonka
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