This article outlines the safety requirements for installing, operating, and maintaining the South-Tek N2-GEN™ CPi & CPx Series nitrogen generators. Read the full O&M manual before performing any work on the system. For safety information specific to other equipment used alongside the generator — such as external air compressors or dryers — refer to those manufacturers' guidelines.
Nitrogen Gas Safety
The N2-GEN™ CPi & CPx Series produces nitrogen (N₂) through a Pressure Swing Adsorption process. Nitrogen is not poisonous, but high concentrations displace oxygen and can cause asphyxiation.
General Safety Requirements
All personnel involved in installation, operation, or maintenance must read and fully understand the O&M manual before performing any work. The following requirements apply at all times:
- Follow safe working practices in accordance with OSHA and applicable local health and safety regulations.
- Only authorized, trained, and competent individuals may install, operate, maintain, or repair the system.
- The owner is responsible for keeping the unit in safe working condition at all times.
- Use only approved replacement parts that meet or exceed the original specification.
- Only use the generator for its designed purpose. Do not tamper with or modify the equipment beyond its technical specifications — unauthorized modifications void the warranty.
- Contact South-Tek Systems for any issue not resolved by the O&M manual or this article.
Pressurized Gas Hazards
- Never allow pressurized gas to exhaust from an unsecured hose. An unsecured hose can whip and cause serious injury. If a hose bursts, immediately close all isolation valves if safe to do so and shut off the unit.
- Never disable or bypass any safety relief valves.
- Before performing any mechanical work — including filter changes — completely isolate incoming and outgoing pressures to the generator and fully depressurize the section to be serviced. Confirm zero pressure on the relevant gauge before opening any fittings.
- Wear safety glasses whenever the cabinet door is open while the machine is operating.
- Use hearing protection during compressor operation.
Electrical Safety
- Always disconnect the generator from supply power before performing any electrical work.
- Verify that the supply voltage matches the unit nameplate before connecting power.
Installation Safety
- Install the unit indoors in a nonhazardous location, in an upright position, away from heat sources, steam, and water.
- Ambient operating temperature must remain between 40°F and 90°F (4°C – 32°C).
- For 2CP wall-mounted models: secure the cabinet to the wall at both the top and bottom flanges. Failure to secure both points may result in the unit falling.
- For 4CP floor-standing models: install on a hard flat surface; follow all applicable local codes for securing floor-standing equipment.
- Always install an isolation valve on each individual nitrogen supply line to allow safe depressurization during service.
- Route all condensate drain lines to a safe drain location to prevent slipping hazards on the floor.
Warranty & Unauthorized Modifications
All PLC programs are proprietary and password-protected from the factory. Do not alter any controls, instrumentation, or factory settings without prior written approval from South-Tek Systems. Unauthorized changes void all warranties and may cause system damage or malfunction.
Contact South-Tek Systems
Phone: (910) 415-1880
Email / Ticket: support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com