Northern Lights IM1000 Installation Manual - page 16
IM1000 02/13
Noise Control
In a boat, noise is transmitted two ways, through the
air or through the hull. Proper installation can control
noise from both sources. Northern Lights generators
have rubber isolation mounts which connect the unit to
a rigid base frame. The frame contains an integral drip
pan.
By using a solid piece of plywood under the whole
base frame, the drum effect of vibration on the drip
pan can be eliminated. The thicker and more rigid the
mounting base, the lower the transmission of noise.
Mount the generator on as rigid a base as possible.
Avoid using light stringers or bulkheads that can vibrate
and amplify noise. Be sure the generator does not touch
bulkheads, the hull or other structures. Be sure that all
fuel lines connected to the generator are secured and
contain fl exible connections to the generator.
Some of the units larger than 20 kW can be fi tted
with isolation mounts, which increase the isolation of
the unit and cut down the transmission of vibration.
Noise transmission through the air can be caused by
intake air noise, exhaust noise and noise radiated from
the generator and engine.
Intake noise is controlled in Northern Lights
generators by using special air intake housings. Many
competitive generators use only intake screens which
offer no silencing. Be sure to service the air fi lter
properly and replace it with the correct type.
Exhaust noise can be limited by use of water lift
type muffl ers and fl exible exhaust hose. Be sure that any
sections of hard exhaust tubing are not rigidly mounted
to bulkheads or the hull. Use a fl exible connection to the
transom.
Many Northern Lights sets can be mounted in an
optional sound shield to reduce noise. It provides easy
access for service and can be quickly disassembled
for repairs. A separate installation booklet is supplied
with the sound shield. The engine room itself can be
lined with insulating material which reduces noise
transmission to other parts of the vessel.
Northern Lights generators 20 kW and below are
provided with a Series 1-B control panel as standard
equipment. The panel consists of an hour meter, a
double pole double throw start/stop switch and a single
pole momentary contact preheat/bypass switch. The
preheat/bypass switch operates any preheaters and
bypasses the safety shutdown system for starting.
There is a light in the start/stop switch which indicates
that the generator is operating. The panel is designed
for remote mounting and is connected to the generator
by a plug-type connector. The unit comes standard
with a 20 ft. (6 m) harness. 10, 20, and 40 foot
(3, 6, and 12 m) harness extensions are optional.
Units larger than 20 kW come standard with the
Series 3 panel. The panel is provided with a plug-in or,
on some models, a terminal strip that must be hardwired
by the installer to the terminal strip on the generator.
This panel includes the stop/start switch, preheat/bypass
switch, hour meter, DC volt meter, oil pressure gauge
and water temperature gauge.
Optional Series 4 panels include all items listed for
the Series 3 as well as an AC volt meter, AC ammeter,
amp meter selector switch and a frequency meter. The
DC control and meter connections are the same as the
Series 3 panel. A terminal strip is provided in the Series
4 control panel and in the junction box of the generator
for the installer to hardwire the AC connections.
Current transformers must also be installed on the gen-
erator output leads.
Series 1, Series 3 and Series 4 panels can be used
together in multi-panel systems. Some combinations
can be made without modifi cation by using “Y”
connectors. Others require dual senders or other
modifi cations. See your dealer for information on
the panel combination you want to use.
The DC electrical drawings in the operator's manual
show the required wire sizes. Panels can be installed up
to 40' (12 m) from the generator. For runs longer than
40', contact your dealer or factory offi ce for information.
DC Electrical System
14