Kidding aside many of you may have noticed a hulking green machine sitting on the property within the pool enclosure, its our new generator! It was put into place on April 13th by a very large crane!
(Click on any photo to enlarge)

This new generator will replace the original one located in the basement of the Tower which served us for over 30 years. If any of you a wondering why the new one is located outside it was simply a matter of size when the building was being built it was installed and the room finished, now that we are ready to change it we soon discovered the darn thing needs to be dismantled to fit through the door, obviously making installation of the new one a rather messy affair! We spoke with our engineer who suggested various possible solutions and we settled on the current location as the lower parking garage inner wall ends not far from the chosen location giving us the shortest distance needed to run the cables underground that will supply the generated power to the building.

A couple of good things will change because of the new generator, generator technology has vastly improved hence the new generator is close to 5X more powerful than the one it replaces. We will be able to power ALL common areas of the Tower this will mean we will now have all mechanical systems including the three elevators in full operation during any electrical shortages, this means running water to all floors and heat! The Recreation Centre will also have full power in an effort to provide some refuge for the Garden homes in the case of an extended power shortage.

Here are a few photos of the Generator along with some basic Information:
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Cummins provides standard features that have no equal. Heavy­duty Cummins engines are known for their fuel efficiency, responsive transient performance, and rugged reliability. Each generator includes a cooling system that is designed to provide guaranteed performance in high ambient temperatures, so you get all the power you pay for. High performance Cummins­manufactured alternators offer optimum performance in demanding applications.

Only Cummins generator sets are available with the industry­leading PowerCommand Control.
A dazzling array of standard features includes not only integrated digital governing and voltage regulation but also analog and digital metering, digital engine monitoring. The Smart­starting system actually regulates the fuel system based on engine temperature to improve stability, starting time and limit smoke, battery monitoring system that tests batteries and 'AmpSentry' true alternator protection.

Quiet Site housings silence and protect the complete generator set, optimizing both generator performance and sound treatment to achieve low noise performance 61 to 72 dB(a) with full load at 7 meters Compact footprint, low profile design and easy access to all major generator components for servicing.