The time between start and shutdown is a key clue. A stop within seconds points toward permissives, speed sensing or oil-pressure build-up; a later stop may involve fuel supply, cooling, load or a delayed protection.
Engineering decisions covered
Operators and facility teams collecting evidence after an unexpected automatic shutdown.
Record exactly when the stop occurs and which alarm appeared first; later alarms may only be consequences.
A time-based fault record that helps the engineer test the most likely branch first.
Record exactly when the stop occurs and which alarm appeared first; later alarms may only be consequences.
Decision 01
What does a shutdown within a few seconds suggest?
The controller may not see speed, charging, oil-pressure rise or another run confirmation. An emergency-stop circuit or shutdown input may also reopen after the start command.
Record the first ten seconds of controller values and indicator changes.
- Capture rpm and frequency build-up
- Record oil-pressure rise time
- Note run-relay and charging indication
- Identify the first shutdown input
Decision 02
What changes when the set runs for several minutes first?
Fuel restriction, day-tank level, overheating, charger loss or a delayed sensor threshold need time to develop. The trend before the stop is more useful than the final zero readings.
Photograph or export values at regular intervals until the event.
- Trend fuel level or transfer-pump state
- Track coolant temperature
- Record oil pressure and battery charging
- Note room temperature and ventilation state
Decision 03
Does the stop occur only when load is applied?
Overload, severe imbalance, short circuit, motor starting, frequency collapse or protection coordination can stop an otherwise stable no-load generator.
Document the exact load block and ATS sequence that immediately precede shutdown.
- List loads added at each step
- Record phase currents if available
- Capture voltage and frequency dip
- Preserve breaker and ATS events
Decision 04
When should the generator not be restarted?
A shutdown protecting oil pressure, coolant temperature, overspeed or electrical fault may prevent major damage. Repeated resets erase evidence and can turn a diagnosable fault into equipment damage.
Define a stop-and-escalate rule for alarms, leakage, abnormal noise and repeated shutdown.
- Preserve the first alarm history
- Inspect externally for leaks or loose parts
- Do not bypass active shutdowns
- Obtain engineer authorization before restart
Do not defeat shutdown protection or repeatedly restart an engine with low oil pressure, high temperature, abnormal noise or visible leakage. Qualified personnel must confirm safe restart.
Decision record
Separate Site Evidence from Engineering Confirmation
Use traceable site data and a named engineering check to support each decision; specialist calculations remain with the qualified design or service team.
| Decision Point | Prepare on Site | Confirm in Design or Service |
|---|---|---|
| What does a shutdown within a few seconds suggest? | Capture rpm and frequency build-upRecord oil-pressure rise time | Note run-relay and charging indicationIdentify the first shutdown input |
| What changes when the set runs for several minutes first? | Trend fuel level or transfer-pump stateTrack coolant temperature | Record oil pressure and battery chargingNote room temperature and ventilation state |
| Does the stop occur only when load is applied? | List loads added at each stepRecord phase currents if available | Capture voltage and frequency dipPreserve breaker and ATS events |
| When should the generator not be restarted? | Preserve the first alarm historyInspect externally for leaks or loose parts | Do not bypass active shutdownsObtain engineer authorization before restart |
Project record
The Review Should Leave a Usable Project Record
Record the verified condition, engineering conclusion, responsible party and retest or acceptance result for each topic.
What does a shutdown within a few seconds suggest?
Record the first ten seconds of controller values and indicator changes.
What changes when the set runs for several minutes first?
Photograph or export values at regular intervals until the event.
Does the stop occur only when load is applied?
Document the exact load block and ATS sequence that immediately precede shutdown.
When should the generator not be restarted?
Define a stop-and-escalate rule for alarms, leakage, abnormal noise and repeated shutdown.