Installation Manual

Page 68
© 2014 Magnum Energy, Inc.
Using an AGS Module: Setup
SETUP: 04H Gen Exercise Menu
This menu allows the generator to run (or “exercise”) after it has not been operated for a period
of time. The generator is automatically started at a pre-selected time whenever it exceeds a set
number of days without running.
Once the start command is initiated, the generator starts and runs to help it remain operational
and to allow the generator’s starting battery to be charged.
The ME-ARC time clock must be set for proper operation of the Gen Exercise feature
(see SETUP: 01 System Setup/01A Set Clock menu).
• Set Gen Exercise Days – This menu sets the maximum number of days the generator is al-
lowed to sit without running. If the generator has not run in this number of days, the exercise
parameters will start the generator. The Gen Exercise Days setting must be between 1-255
days in order to enable the Gen Exercise feature.
Default setting: OFF
Range: OFF, 1-255 Days
◊ Set Exercise Run Hour – Set the hour the generator will autostart.
◊ Set Exercise Run Minute – Set the minute the generator will autostart.
◊ Set Exercise Run AM-PM – Set AM-PM when the generator starts.
◊ Set Exercise Run Time – Set how long the generator will run for the exercise period.
Default setting: 1.0 Hrs
Range: OFF, 0.1-25.5 Hrs (12:00 AM - 11:45 PM @ 15 min. increments)
Why should I use Gen Exercise? Exercising your generator is one of the most overlooked as-
pects of routine maintenance, yet its the simplest to perform. Regularly exercising your genera-
tor keeps engine seals and components lubricated, prevents oxidation of electrical contacts, uses
up fuel before it deteriorates, heats up the generator windings to eliminate moisture buildup,
helps ensure the generator’s starting battery is maintained at an optimal state of charge, and in
general, helps provide reliable engine starting. If long periods of time elapse without using your
generator (remains connected to external AC power), or if you only use your generator a few days
out of the year, enabling the Gen Exercise feature is recommended.
How often and how long should I exercise my generator? To maximize reliability and mini-
mize repairs, exercise your generator at least once a month. This applies to both gas and diesel
generators. When generators sit unused for as little as 30 days moisture can build up, and may
damage your generator. Also, the fuel in gasoline-powered generators can begin to break down
into gums and varnishes that clog the fuel system. Fuel varnishing results in hard starting and
surging—a surging generator may not settle at a stable operating speed. Always check with your
generator’s manufacturer to determine how to properly exercise your generator. Generally, it is
recommended that you run the generator every month for two hours under at least half the rated
load. For example, with a 5,000 watt generator, turn on a load(s) that is about 2,500 watts, and
let it run continuously for two hours. It is always best to run the generator for longer periods of
time rather than for multiple short periods.
How does this Gen Exercise feature work? The Gen Exercise feature allows the generator to
autostart at a pre-selected time whenever it has not run for a set number of days. Once the Gen
Exercise feature is enabled (by setting how many days to wait before exercising the generator
under Set Gen Exercise Days), the generator will start and begin exercising only after two condi-
tions are met. First, the generator must not have run for a set number of days (i.e., the Since Gen
Run Days timer value must be equal to or greater than the Gen Exercise Days setting). Second,
the generator’s exercise time of day (i.e., Exercise Run Hour/Minute/AM-PM settings) must occur.
Info: The Gen Exercise feature identifi es the number of days since the generator has
last run by using the Since Gen Run Days timer which is shown under the METER: 04E
Since GenRun display.