TOWN OF NORTH BRANFORD, CONNECTICUT
STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE
FOR USE OF THE
20KW EMERGENCY POWER LIGHT TOWER
OVERVIEW
The Town of North Branford has placed into service an Allmand EPL-20W “Night Fighter” combination emergency power/light tower which can be utilized to provide supplemental scene lighting during night time operations as well as to provide electrical power (60Hz, 120/240 volt single phase); the unit is capable of producing a continuous power output of 20 KW. Presently, the light tower is stored at the Public Works garage and can be transported by any vehicle with a pintle type trailer hitch assembly. This asset is part of the Town’s Homeland Security Grant Program equipment cache; contiguous jurisdictions have placed into service identical units.
DESCRIPTION
Lights and Ballasts:
The light assembly consists of four (4) super high output lamps that have tempered glass lens, an aluminum reflector and a lamp tie support device to prevent damage from shock and vibration. Each fixture contains one (1) parallel mounted 1250 watt BT-37 Metal Halide lamp rated for a minimum of 110,000 lumens. Lamp ballast can be switched individually and are protected by circuit breakers. The lighting unit consists of: four (4) 1250 watt Metal Halide SHO lights, Light Sequence Commander LSC 1000 (light tower control system) and, a powered cord reel and 120/240VAC power distribution box including 200 feet of cord. Lamp fixtures are fitted with Saf-T-Visors enabling the direction of light.
Mast Assembly:
All functions of the mast erection are accomplished utilizing an electrically operated single winch system for raising and lowering the tower. When fully extended, the vertical mast/light assembly can be positioned approximately thirty feet above ground level. When in the lowered position the unit is positioned approximately 6 feet from a horizontal plane. The light assembly can be rotated 360° from ground level without lowering the mast. The mast is equipped with a bi-directional automatic cable reel to distribute and retract the electrical cable as the tower is raised or lowered. The mast is secured in the towing position (lowered) by a captive locking pin and in the operating position (vertical) by a sliding lock on the mast that engages a corresponding slot on the trailer frame. The mast assembly includes a three-section chrome plated tower complete with fixture yokes, tower rotating section and rear tower support.
Engine and Generator:
The liquid-cooled diesel engine is a four-cylinder Isuzu 4LE and operates at 1800 RPM; generator output is 60Hz, 120/240 volt single phase capable of producing a power output of 20 KW. A separate lockable compartment on the rear panel of the trailer consists of one 125VAC-15A GFCI duplex, one 125VAC-20A GFCI duplex, one 250 VAC-15A twist lock, one 250VAC-20A twist lock and one 250VAC-50A receptacle. All receptacles have circuit breaker protection. A non-corrosive spark resistant 50 gallon diesel fuel tank is affixed to the trailer and is provided with all connections to ensure efficient and continuous operation of the generator and lighting system.
Towing Information
A towing hitch is of the adjustable height type, reversible combination, 2 inch ball coupler / 3 inch pintle eye. The trailer is equipped with a fully wired running light system and pigtail connection to be used during towing operations. The trailer utilizes a four point design for stabilization of the unit; two retractable chrome outriggers with leveling jacks are stored on each side. An additional leveling jack is located on the trailer drawbar and on the rear of the trailer. When properly set up, the fully extended mast/floodlight assembly shall remain operational in wind gusts of up to 65 miles per hour.
GENERATOR/LIGHT TOWER OPERATIONS
Stabilization
The unit shall be securely attached to the pull vehicle using the combination ball coupler/pintle hitch and safety chains. The wiring harness for break and signal lights shall be connected to the pull vehicle. Upon arriving at a scene, the trailer should be positioned on a level grade and the unit disengaged from the pull vehicle. The two side outriggers shall be fully extended, locked into position and the leveling jacks engaged to stabilize the unit. The front and rear leveling jacks shall also be lowered into position.
Power Up Procedures
Open the lift up engine compartment door to access the control panel; for normal operations follow the printed instructions listed on the inside of the door. In summary, place the earth grounding rod into position and attached the green wire to the grounding lug. Next, place the Start Switch into MANUAL and the Power Switch to ON; the engine will automatically start. During daytime operations the photo eye detector shall be OFF. However, during night time or extended use, the automatic timer can be set to for use with the photo eye sensor. Once the engine is operating, activate the quartz light on the tower and follow the instructions for releasing and elevating the light mast. Be sure to lock the mast into the vertical position the turning the knob counterclockwise. Once positioned, the mast can be rotated 360° by releasing the turn knob on the mast assembly. Each light has an individual control switch on the electrical panel; positioning of the lamp fixture is done manually and must be completed before elevating the mast. Lights must always be turned off before shutting down the engine and the lamp fixtures shall always face up when in storage. The remote electrical box can be activated by the appropriate switch in the rear access panel; main circuit breakers are also located in this area. (Refer to photos below)
Placement
The light tower/generator should be placed in a location which is free from recognized hazards. Most importantly, when setting up the light tower, never place the elevated mast in the area of overhead electrical wires. A good practice to follow is to employ a “spotter” during positioning. The use of traffic safety cones and or fire line tape to establish a perimeter around the unit is highly recommended.
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