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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Photo 1: Once positioned, the side stabilizers
shall be extended and lowered and the front and
back stabilizers shall be lowered into position.
Photo 2: Open the side engine compartment
cover to access engine and light controls.
The grounding rod is stored in this area.
Photo 3: Secure the grounding rod into the
earth and attach the green wire to the
grounding lug nut.
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Photo 4: With the side door open, access to
all controls is possible. To start the engine,
place the AUTO/MAN Switch to
MANUAL and the Power Switch to ON.
The motor will start automatically. The
light switches and photo eye and timer are
also in this area. Turn Power Switch to OFF
for shutting down.
Photo 5: With the tower in the horizontal
position, release the locking device while
raising the mast from its bedded position
Photo 6: When the mast is in the vertical
position, turn the locking knob (bottom)
counterclockwise to secure the mast to the
unit. In order to rotate the mast 360°,
release the (top) locking knob and when in
the required place, tighten the knob. Note:
Reverse action for lowering mast assembly.
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Photo 7: When lowering mast assembly
release locking mechanism and be sure to
tighten rotation knob with lamp fixtures
facing forward.
Photo 8: When the light tower assembly is
fully extended a height of approximately 30
feet is reached. The position and direction
of each lamp must be attained prior to
elevating the mast.
Photo 9: A 200 foot power cord and
electrical distribution box is mounted on the
front drawbar of the unit; circuit breakers
are in the rear access panel.
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Photo 10: When lowering the lighting mast,
be sure the mast lock is secured into
position.
Photo 11: When lowering the lighting mast,
be sure the mast is locked and stored in the
horizontal position with lamp fixtures
facing upward.
Photo 12: Combination ball and pintle hitch
assembly with electrical harness. Note:
Front stabilizing jack can be seen on the
foreground.
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