N2-GEN™ 4 Deployable / NM400 — Operation & Controls – 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

The N2-GEN™ 4 is a fully automatic system. Once powered on, it manages nitrogen production and storage pressure without operator intervention. This article covers the control panel layout, indicator light meanings, system operating modes, nitrogen output use, and shutdown.

Control Panel Layout

All controls and indicators are located on the side panel of the generator cabinet. Gas connections are made on the left-hand side of the cabinet. Double-check all connection locations before turning on the system or opening any valves.

Component	Function	Notes
Power switch / fuse	Main on/off rocker switch with 8-amp inline fuse	Always turn off before servicing the unit
Operate light (green)	Illuminated when the compressor is running and the system is actively producing nitrogen	Normal operating state
Standby light (amber)	Illuminated when the storage tank is full and the system is waiting for pressure to drop before restarting	Normal operating state — no action required
Filter Service light (red)	Illuminated when filter elements are due for replacement	Replace filters promptly — see Maintenance & Troubleshooting article
BlastOff™ light & buzzer (if equipped)	Activates when the leak detection system detects a nitrogen line leak; system shuts down automatically	Requires immediate leak investigation before restarting
Pressure gauge	Displays current nitrogen storage tank pressure	Normal range: 30–80 PSIG (Deployable) / up to 100 PSIG (Standalone / NM400)
Hour meter	Displays cumulative compressor run hours	Used for scheduling filter and membrane maintenance
Nitrogen output port	¼" quick connect (Deployable) or ¼" NPT female (Standalone / NM400) — connects to storage tank via the 15' Tank Connection Hose	All gas connections are made on the left side of the cabinet

System Operating Modes

The N2-GEN™ 4 operates automatically between two states based on nitrogen storage tank pressure. When powered on, the system determines its starting state immediately and requires no operator input to cycle between modes.

Mode	Indicator	Description
Run	Operate light (green) ON	The compressor is running and nitrogen is being produced and delivered to the storage tank. The system will run until the tank reaches the cut-out pressure, then automatically switch to Standby.
Standby	Standby light (amber) ON	The storage tank is full and the compressor is off. The system is ready to supply nitrogen. When tank pressure drops to the cut-in pressure — from downstream use — the system automatically restarts and returns to Run mode.
Off	No lights illuminated	Power switch is in the Off position. The system is not running. The storage tank remains pressurized.
Alarm	BlastOff™ light ON + audible buzzer (if equipped)	A nitrogen line leak has been detected. The system has shut down automatically. Do not restart until the leak is identified and corrected — see the BlastOff™ section below.

Normal Operation

Starting the System

Confirm all gas connections are secure and all valves are open.
Turn the power switch to On. The system will immediately determine whether to enter Run or Standby mode based on current storage tank pressure.
If the tank is below cut-in pressure, the Operate light (green) will illuminate and the compressor will start.
If the tank is already at or above cut-out pressure, the Standby light (amber) will illuminate and the compressor will remain off until pressure drops.

ℹ Deployable — Ventilation Clearance: When operating the Deployable configuration, ensure the hard case is upright (longest side vertical) with at least 12 inches of clear space on both sides for the compressor cooling fan to draw in fresh air. Restricted airflow will cause the compressor to overheat.

Using the Nitrogen Output

Nitrogen is available at the storage tank outlet whenever the system is powered on. The generator will automatically maintain tank pressure within the cut-in/cut-out range to meet demand.

Open the storage tank outlet valve to allow nitrogen to flow to your application equipment.
Regulate output pressure at the point of use using a downstream pressure regulator if required by your application. The storage tank pressure is not adjustable — do not attempt to change the pressure switch settings.
Monitor the pressure gauge periodically during use. As nitrogen is consumed, tank pressure will drop. Once it reaches the cut-in pressure, the compressor will restart automatically.

⚠ Do Not Adjust the Pressure Switch: The nitrogen storage tank pressure switch is factory-set and must not be adjusted in the field. Changing the cut-in or cut-out settings will affect nitrogen purity and may damage the system. Contact South-Tek Systems if pressure settings need to be reviewed.

Hour Meter and Maintenance Tracking

The hour meter on the control panel counts cumulative compressor run hours — time spent in Standby mode is not counted. Record the current hour meter reading regularly and use it to track when filter and membrane service is due. Refer to the Maintenance & Troubleshooting article for the full service schedule.

Filter Service Light

When the red Filter Service light illuminates, filter elements are due for replacement. Do not continue operating with overdue filters — contaminated or saturated filter elements allow moisture and oil to carry through to the membranes, causing permanent membrane damage that is not covered under warranty. See the Maintenance & Troubleshooting article for filter replacement procedures and part numbers.

BlastOff™ Alarm (if equipped)

If the BlastOff™ leak detection system activates, the system shuts down automatically, the BlastOff™ light illuminates, and the audible buzzer sounds.

Turn the power switch to Off immediately.
Inspect all external gas connections, hoses, and fittings for leaks. Listen carefully for hissing and feel around connections by hand.
If a leak is found, isolate the affected section (close the nearest upstream valve), relieve pressure, and repair using factory replacement parts and Teflon tape on all brass fittings.
Once the leak is corrected, turn the power switch back on to reset the alarm and resume operation.
If no external leak can be found, the leak may be internal — see the Maintenance & Troubleshooting article for internal leak check procedure.

🛑 Do Not Repeatedly Reset Without Fixing the Leak: Power cycling resets the BlastOff™ alarm temporarily and can be used to restore service in the short term — but the underlying leak must be found and corrected. Operating with an unresolved leak will cause the compressor to run excessively, significantly shortening the life of the filters and membranes.

Shutdown

Turn the power switch to Off. The compressor stops immediately.

For short shutdowns, the storage tank will remain pressurized — the system will resume from its last pressure state when powered back on.
For extended shutdowns, close the storage tank outlet valve before powering off to prevent nitrogen from bleeding down through the application line. Leave the tank pressurized to maintain a dry environment inside the system.
Always turn the power switch to Off before cleaning, servicing, or inspecting any component of the system.

Contact South-Tek Systems

Phone: (910) 415-1880

Email / Ticket: support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com