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The logistics of the Power and Water pod supplying the camp with power have been simplified over the past few years, but there are still many tasks that must be accomplished in order for this to happen smoothly and without failure. The following is an activity timeline of five different points upon which certain Electricity deployment tasks need to be executed.

[edit] Pre-playa: Boston, MA

[edit] Perform maintenance on backup generators

1. Change Oil - Open the oil port and drain all the used, black oil. Recycle used oil. Replace with regular 10w-30 oil. (Synthetic oil seems to confuse some oil sensors, so don't use synthetic.)
   
   
2. Check air filters - Take air filter cover off and check if filter is dirty. If it is supposed to be a "dry filter", toss dirty filter and replace with new one. If it is supposed to be an "oil-soaked filter", clean filter with solvent until it is free of dirt and pollutant. Re-soak in oil and put back in place.
   
   
3. Check gas line and filter - Check the fuel line for dryness/cracks and replace with new fuel line as needed. Take the fuel filter off and check if it is dirty. If so, toss and replace with new fuel filter.
   
   
4. Check spark plug - Remove spark plug and check to see if it is still sparking effectively and does not look dirty/corroded/etc. -- Replace if necessary.
   
   
5. Remove dirt/dust and lubricate bearings - Use a brush and try to get as much dirt and dust off generator. If any parts (like the throttle or choke) are sticking, try using a little lubricant (like Tri-Flow) to make them move smoothly again.
   
   
6. Lubricate engine cyclinder - With the engine switch OFF, pull the starter cord slowly to move the piston up and down a bunch of times. Repeat a bunch of times until piston moves easily. This should lubricate the (currently dry) engine cylinder with fresh oil.
   
   
7. Add fuel and start generator - Pour 1/4 gallon of fuel in the tank. Add a splash (< 0.5oz) of fuel treatment (like STA-BIL™) to help remove water, gum, varnish, etc. when the engine is running. Open fuel valve, set to "choke" (if available), and turn the generator switch ON. Start the engine. It may start immediately or it may take up to 20 pulls to start the engine.
   
   If generator does not start, get a can of "carberator+choke cleaner" and a can of "starter fluid" from an auto parts store. Remove carberator and check if it is dirty. If so, clean with carb cleaner spray per directions on can. If not, use starter fluid per instructions on can.
   
   
8. Run generator - Once started, push choke to "run" position and let generator run for 5 minutes to warm up and burn off any bad stuff in the carberator.
   
   If generator runs rough, stop engine and let engine sit for a minute. Start engine again.
   If generator continues to run rough, let generator run for a few more minutes to see if fuel treatment will clear crap out.
   If generator is still running rough (or even if it is running fine), continue onto next step.
   
   
9. Put a load on the generator - For portable generators (2000-watt and higher models), a hairdryer -OR- an electric iron will do nicely. For smaller generators (~1000 watts), a few 100-watt light bulbs will do the trick. Turn on said devices and monitor the generator to see how it handles the load. Putting a load on a generator will sometimes get it to smooth out and run normally.
   
   If the generator suddenly stops and you are unable to puller the starter cord to start it again, wait for the engine to cool and then remove the spark plug to check for vapor lock. If you are able to pull the cord and get the piston to cycle with the spark plug removed, then the issue was vapor lock (good). If you are UNable to pull the cord, then the engine is likely damaged (bad).
   
   If the issue was vapor lock, cycle the piston a few times to push out any vapor. Put the spark plug back and start engine again.
   
   
10. Check the generator output.  It should be 120VAC.  If not, make sure that the thottle regulator mechanism is moving freely.
    
    
11. Acquire spare parts - Have at least one of each major replaceable part on hand. This includes, but is not limited to: a spark plug, air filter, quart of 10W-30 oil, can of carberator+choke cleaner, can of starter fluid, bottle of fuel treatment, can of fogging oil, and funnel for oil. Make sure the camp also has the correct tools to work on the generator, specifically the correct tool to remove the spark plug.
    
    
    

[edit] Load backup generators on Burning Truck

1. Drain all fuel from tank - Close the fuel value and disconnect the fuel line from the fuel filter. Place the fuel line into an acceptable gasoline recepticle and open the fuel valve allowing the gasoline to drain from the tank. Once the fuel is emptied, reattach the fuel line.
   
   
2. Run generator dry - With the fuel tank empty, start the generator. There should still be some fuel left in the line and in the carberator. This will take a few minutes to run dry. Naturally, the generator will stop itself when it runs out of fuel.
   
   
3. (Optionally) drain the oil - If the generator is ever tipped on its side, there is a potential risk that the oil can flood the cylinder making it extremely difficult to run when it comes time to be used. Draining the oil before transport eliminates this risk.
   
   IF THE OIL IS DRAINED BEFORE LOADING, make certain that a large sign is attached denoting that "The engine has NO oil in it. Please fill the crankcase before starting!!!"
   
   

[edit] Determine gasoline usage

1. Calculate estimated power usage - Talk to camp members and pod leaders and ask about projects that will be powered by camp power. Get good solid numbers from each on max/avg/min power usage and for what times/duration.
   
   
2. Determine best / worst-case scenarios - Figure out worst-case scenario (complete village diesel generator failure early on in the week) and best-case scenario (needing only power for early crew before village diesel generator arrives.) Determine what things that need to be powered are critical (refridgerator), basic (camp lighting), and luxury. Come up with a few estimates on gallons of gasoline needed in each scenario. Realize that some gasoline can always be siphoned from the gas tanks of camp members' cars. (In case of real emergency.)
   
   
3. Estimate money needed and add to budget line item - Factor in how much gasoline we need for early crew and backup purposes. Add it to the budget as a line item.
   
   

[edit] Schedule trenching time with BMorg

1. Figure out where cables need to be trenched - Typically, the power cables need to be run across the Esplanade and therefore a trench is needed to bury the power cables so that they are not obstructing traffic flow. If the cables need to be run further out onto the playa, determine what art sculptures in the camp need power and where they will be placed and plan to trench out there accordingly. Power cables around camp do not, typically, need to be trenched. Individual runs of the heavy duty orange extension cords may be trenched by hand with a crow bar in high traffic areas.
   
   
2. Contact the Burning Man organization (BMorg) and schedule a time - In order to rapidly create trenches for the high-power cables, BMorg offers a trenching service where a trencher (large tractor-like machine with a spinning wheel) will cut a 9-inch deep trench in the playa for camps. BMorg should be contacted well in advance of Burning Man (at least 3 months prior) and a date and time should be scheduled for when trenching is needed.
   
   

[edit] Pre-playa: Reno, NV

[edit] Procure gasoline for backup generators

1. Get gas cans from storage - The camp gasoline cans are kept in the storage locker out in Reno. Pull the gas cans from storage and check to make sure that the cans are still in good shape. Check for holes, weakness in the structure, rubber gaskets still hold, and that there is no dirt or dust inside the container.
   
   
   
2. Fill gas cans at nearby station - All of the gasoline generators run just fine on 87 octane gasoline. (10% ethanol is fine, too. More than that is probably not.) Get as much gasoline as was budgeted for. Seal gas cans and check for leaks and problems, again. Leaking gas cans are both dangerous and squander our precious fuel. Store and secure on the flatbed truck going to the playa.
   
   

[edit] Burning Man: Setup

[edit] Deploy small generator for early crew

1. Unload a generator from the truck - If a campmate's personal inverter generator is available and that campmate has given permission, it is recommended to use the smaller generator as it is quieter and more portable. If one is not available, then use the 3500-watt Coleman generator; it is a bit lighter than the 5000-watt model and it has wheels mounted on its frame for better mobility.
   
   
2. Add required fluids to generator - If the generator was drained of oil before loading, please refill the crankcase with 10W-30. Pull the starter cord *slowly* a bunch of times to get the engine to turn-over and lubricate the cylinder with oil a bit. Add gasoline to the gas tank and, optionally, add fuel treatment to the gas. Start the generator when ready. Use generator on an on-demand basis until the diesel generator arrives.
   
   
3. Check the outputs - Should be 110 to 120VAC.  Too high or low power can burn out all of your happy little CFLs.  This happened in 2009. 
   
   

[edit] Review operating procedures for diesel generator

1. Discuss what power distribution cables are available
2. Learn about limitations of system
3. Ask how to monitor system and when refueling is necessary
4. Ask about troubleshooting steps and who to contact

[edit] Position power junction boxes around village

1. 

   

   Aerial view of the Boston village. Red line indicates trenched power cable. Green lines indicate above ground power cables. Blue line denotes the perimeter of the village. (click to enlarge)
   Trench cables that need trenching - For the power junction boxes that will need to cross the playa, be sure to create the trenches early on before Burning Man starts so that it is easy to cross the Esplanade while there are still few people around. This task will require 4 people + the BMorg trencher. One person should be directing the trencher, while one person makes sure that no cyclists or vehicles trench to drive across the trench. The remaining two people should quickly lay the cable in the trench and back fill the dirt on top of the cable.
   
   
2. Position remaining power junction boxes around village - Utilize 3 or 4 village members and drag the power junction boxes and cables to strategic positions so as to optimize power distribution where it is needed the most. (see photo for details)
   
   
3. Place light bulbs underneath junction boxes in unlit areas - Since some of the junction boxes will be on the opposite side of the Esplanade, there is a risk that some burner may collide with an unlit junction box at night. Be sure to light these junction boxes so that they are clearly visible at night.
   
   

[edit] Run orange extension cords and power strips

1. Uncoil orange extension cables to camp locations - Various locations around camp will need power. The kitchen will need power for the refrigerator, sink, and food processor. The Autosub Cube will need power. Various campmates will want power. To distribute power, the long (50 to 100 foot) "orange" extension cords should be pulled to the desired locations. In high traffic areas, consider using a crowbar to create a 6-inch deep trench and bury the cable so that campmates do not trip over the cord.
   
   
2. Attach power strips and/or surge suppressors at the ends - Place power taps at the ends of the orange extension cords so that multiple devices can tap into the camp power. Be sure to use power strips that are 3-pronged (grounded) and have circuit breakers built-in. DO NOT USE power strips that don't have breakers as this is a fire risk if a power strip is over-utilized. Surge suppressors are not necessary, but are extra "insurance" against any generator power spikes (highly unlikely).

[edit] Daily Maintenance

Every day, power down the generators, open the air filters, and whack the dust out of them.  Every day do this, even if you just put in new filters yesterday. Clogged air filters can cause the engine to provide irregualr power, run lean, and overheat the exhaust.

Use a voltmeter to check the power levels to make sure they're supplying ~120VAC.  If not, check the air filter.  Also, check the throttle regulator mechanism to make sure that it is moving smoothly. 

[edit] Burning Man: Breakdown

[edit] Coil and stow extension cables

1. Retrieve orange extension cords and power strips - On Sunday (after the burn), the camp will be breaking down 90% of the infrastructure, including "the cube". At this point, nearly all of the orange extension cords and power strips should be properly coiled and stowed in their storage boxes to be loaded onto the truck going back to the storage locker (and NOT to Boston.) Be aware that some camp members may have brought their own extension cords. Be sure to give these cables back to them.
   
   

[edit] Untrench village power cables

1. Get a large team of people to uproot the power cables - The trenched power cables running from the diesel generator are typically difficult to pull out just with a few people. Instead, get about 10 people and have them space themselves apart by a few feet. Then start pulling.
   
   
2. Coil the cables and return the lighting to their respective owners - Coil the uprooted cables by the diesel generator. Also, gather up the lights that were sitting underneath the junction boxes and return them to their respective owners.
   
   

[edit] Drain and load backup generators

1. (Optionally) Add fuel treatment - If the generators were run and had fuel in them, it is recommended that a splash of fuel treatment be added to the fuel. (Read instructions on bottle.) Run each generator for a few minutes to get the treated fuel fully into the fuel line and the carberator. After 5 minutes, stop the engine.
   
   
2. Drain all fuel from tank - Close the fuel value and disconnect the fuel line from the fuel filter. Place the fuel line into an acceptable gasoline recepticle and open the fuel valve allowing the gasoline to drain from the tank. Once the fuel is emptied, reattach the fuel line.
   
   
3. Run generator dry - With the fuel tank empty, start the generator. There should still be some fuel left in the line and in the carberator. This will take a few minutes to run dry. Naturally, the generator will stop itself when it runs out of fuel.
   
   
4. (Optionally) drain the oil - If the generator is ever tipped on its side, there is a potential risk that the oil can flood the cylinder making it extremely difficult to run when it comes time to be used. Draining the oil before transport eliminates this risk.
   
   IF THE OIL IS DRAINED BEFORE LOADING, make certain that a large sign is attached denoting that "The engine has NO oil in it. Please fill the crankcase before starting!!!"
   
   

[edit] Post-playa

[edit] Unload generators and Perform maintenance

1. Retreive all generators from the Burning Truck - Unload the generators (along with all the other camp stuff) and inspect the generators for damage. (not likely, but possible) Take generators home.
   
   
2. Perform maintenance immediately - It is strongly recommended that maintenance be performed on the generators within a week or two after unloading from the Burning Trucks. The playa dust is somewhat alkaline and can become corrosive. Remove playa dust and perform standard maintenance. Specifically, changing the oil, running fuel treatment through the system, and shooting fogging oil into the carberator and the cylinder. This should keep the generators in good shape for the duration of winter storage.