N2-GEN™ 4 Deployable / NM400 — Installation & Startup – South-Tek Systems

Applies to: N2-GEN™ 4 Deployable (hard case) and N2-GEN™ 4 / NM400 (standalone)

Does NOT apply to: N2-GEN™ HPC Deployable (HPCD) — see N2-GEN™ HPC Deployable article set

This article covers receiving and unpacking, installation, gas and electrical connections, startup, and leak verification for both the Deployable (hard case) and Standalone / NM400 configurations. Where steps differ between the two, they are clearly called out. Work through each section in order before powering on the system.

🛑 Read Before Connecting Power: Do not connect the AC power cable until this article has been read completely and all gas and mounting connections have been made. Keep all gas lines dry prior to connection — moisture entering the generator on hookup will damage the filters and membranes.

Receiving and Unpacking

Upon receipt, before signing any delivery paperwork:

Inspect all packaging for visible damage. If significant shipping damage is present, document it with photographs and note it on the bill of lading before signing.
Remove packaging and inspect the unit and all components for damage. Verify all items against the packing list.
If any components are missing or damaged, contact the shipping carrier immediately, then contact South-Tek Systems at (910) 415-1880 with the model number and serial number. South-Tek insures all shipments through the carrier and is not responsible for damage incurred during shipping — the carrier must be notified first.
Retain all packaging until the inspection is complete.

Storage Until Installation

Store in a dry, climate-controlled environment (50–80°F) until installation.
Always keep the unit in an upright position.
Do not stack or place objects on top of the unit.
Do not connect the AC power cable until installation is complete.

Site and Positioning

Both configurations must be installed indoors, in an upright position, in a solvent-free environment, within the ambient temperature range for the configuration. See the Overview & Specifications article for temperature limits.

ℹ Deployable Configuration: Position the hard case in the desired operating location. Leave adequate clearance on the right side of the case for the nitrogen gas line connection. The case does not require permanent anchoring but must remain stable and upright during operation.

ℹ Standalone / NM400 Configuration: The generator must be secured in place — either wall-mounted or floor-mounted — to prevent movement from vibration and risk of tipping. It must not be installed where it could be exposed to water or struck by moving equipment. A 110 VAC / 20 Amp outlet must be accessible at the installation location.

Mounting (Standalone / NM400 only)

The Standalone / NM400 generator can be wall-mounted, floor-mounted, or mounted to a tank. All mounting holes are sized for ¼" screws or anchors.

Wall Mount

Mount to a weight-bearing wall capable of supporting a minimum of 75 lbs. An optional mounting bracket kit is available for standard 16" stud centers.

Optional Mounting Bracket Kit Procedure:

Install the cabinet-mounting bracket on the N2-GEN™ cabinet first, using the provided bolts and lock nuts. Orient the bracket so the inner holes (mounting to the cabinet) are on top and the wall-mounting holes are on the bottom.
Install the wall-mounting bracket on the wall at the desired height. The outer hole spacing is 16" to align with standard stud centers. Use appropriate fasteners (wood, sheet metal, or masonry) screwed into studs or wall material rated to support the generator weight.
Once the wall bracket is secure, hang the cabinet from the top bracket, centering it carefully.
Secure the bottom bracket to the wall to prevent the cabinet from sliding side to side.

Floor Mount

If floor-mounted, fasten the cabinet to the floor using the cabinet mounting holes to prevent movement from vibration and to prevent the unit from tipping. The generator must remain upright at all times.

Gas Connections

Apply Teflon tape to all brass fittings before making connections. All gas lines must be dry before connection — moisture entering the generator will damage the filters and membranes.

Connect the provided 15' Tank Connection Hose from the Nitrogen Output port on the generator to the inlet of the nitrogen storage tank. Apply Teflon tape to all threaded brass fittings.
Connect your application tubing or hose to the outlet of the nitrogen storage tank using Teflon tape.
Confirm all valves are open and lines are routed clear of heat sources, moving parts, and foot traffic.

⚠ Never Detach a Pressurized Line: Always close the appropriate isolation valve and confirm pressure has been relieved before disconnecting any gas line or fitting. Detaching a pressurized line can cause equipment damage and serious personal injury. Line leaks will also cause the generator to run excessively, significantly shortening membrane life.

Electrical Connection

Connect the N2-GEN™ 4 to a dedicated 110 VAC / 20 Amp circuit. Do not share the circuit with other high-draw equipment.
Ground the electrical connection when available.
Follow all applicable local and site electrical codes.
Do not connect power until all gas connections have been made and verified.

Initial Startup

Confirm all gas connections are secure and all valves are open.
Plug the power cord into the 110 VAC / 20 Amp outlet.
Turn the power switch (rocker switch) to the On position.
If the nitrogen storage tank is not already pressurized, the compressor will start automatically and the Operate light (green) will illuminate.
If the tank is already at or above the cut-out pressure, the Standby light (amber) will illuminate immediately — the compressor will not run until tank pressure drops to the cut-in pressure.
Allow the system to run until the storage tank reaches cut-out pressure. The compressor will shut off automatically and the Standby light will illuminate, confirming automatic pressure control is functioning correctly.

ℹ Deployable — Initial Pressurization Time: The first startup of the Deployable configuration requires up to 1 hour to fully pressurize the internal storage tank to the correct purity level. Do not use the nitrogen output for your application until the system has completed its first full pressurization cycle and entered Standby mode.

Leak Check

A leak check must be performed after installation and any time connections are disturbed. Line leaks will cause the compressor to run excessively and will shorten membrane life significantly.

Generator Leak Check

Turn the storage tank output valve to the off position to isolate the downstream side.
Confirm the 15' Tank Connection Hose is connected from the generator Nitrogen Output to the tank inlet. Turn the system power on. The compressor will start and system pressure will begin to build toward the cut-out pressure.
Once the system enters Standby and the compressor shuts off, observe the pressure for at least one minute:
- Pressure holds → no leaks detected; the generator is working correctly. Proceed to open the storage tank output valve and begin normal operation.
- Pressure does not hold → check all external fittings, the output connection, and hose connections for leaks. Listen carefully for hissing and feel around connections with your hand.
- System never enters Standby → first check all external connections. If no external leak is found, the leak may be internal — see Internal Leak Check below.

Internal Leak Check

🛑 Before Opening the Cabinet: Always unplug the power cord before removing the cabinet cover. The compressor may be hot — do not touch it immediately after shutdown. Do not spray soapy water or leak detection solution inside the cabinet.

Power off the unit and unplug the power cord.
Remove the six (6) 10×32 screws from the cabinet cover and set the cover aside.
With the power off and pressure relieved, carefully feel around all internal hoses and fittings by hand. Look for obvious disconnected or damaged hoses and leaking fittings.
If a leak is found and is within your capability to repair — using only factory replacement parts and Teflon tape on all brass fittings — make the correction, reinstall the cover, and repeat the leak check procedure from the beginning.
If the leak cannot be identified or repaired, contact South-Tek Systems at (910) 415-1880 before attempting further disassembly.

Storage Tank Leak Check

Connect the generator to the tank input with the provided hose and power on the system to fill the tank with nitrogen.
Once the tank reaches cut-out pressure and the system enters Standby, close the generator output valve to isolate the tank.
Monitor the tank pressure gauge for several minutes. A pressure drop indicates a leak at the tank, its fittings, or the outlet valve. Inspect all connections with leak detection solution (external connections only) and repair as needed.

Shutdown

To shut down the system, turn the power switch (rocker switch) to the Off position. The system will stop immediately. For extended shutdowns, close the storage tank outlet valve to prevent nitrogen from bleeding down through the application line, and leave the tank pressurized to maintain a dry nitrogen environment inside the system.

Contact South-Tek Systems

Phone: (910) 415-1880

Email / Ticket: support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com