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Navy Seabees install generator at Pohnpei hospital
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- CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A Navy Seabee provides hands-on training for the maintenance crew of the new generator. (Contributed Photo)
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- The U.S. Navy Seabee turned over a new $130,000 emergency generator to the Pohnpei State Hospital on Sept. 5. (Contributed Photo)
The new emergency generator replaces the 36-year-old generator, which was originally installed when the hospital was first built in 1978.
Gov. John Ehsa noted that the new generator will save lives with its ability to automatically provide power within five seconds in the event of a loss or power or a brownout. The old generator required a manual start, which often required anywhere from five to 40 minutes to start. Additionally, the old generator could only provide power for 40 percent of the hospital’s needs, while the new one can provide power for 100 percent of the hospital’s need during a power outage.
The delayed start meant patients who were in surgery or receiving dialysis treatment were endangered during power outages, and sometimes the loss of power resulted in the loss of life. The automatic transfer switch in the new generator will provide almost instantaneous emergency power, thereby saving lives. The automatic transfer switch also has the capability to sense power surges and will switch over to emergency power during times of power fluctuation, which will prevent damage to the expensive delicate electronic equipment used in the hospital.
A handover ceremony was held Sept. 5 at the hospital.
U.S. Compact funds provided the funding for the new generator.
The Seabees also provided hands-on training for the maintenance crew. The training included the step-by-step procedures required to maintain the generator in good working order. (U.S. Embassy Kolonia)
