Install Manual

Site Selection and Preparation
14 Installation Guidelines for Air-Cooled Generators
Install the generator set, in its protective enclosure, outdoors, where adequate cooling and ventilating air is always
available (Figure 1.9). Consider these factors:
• The installation of the generator must comply strictly with NFPA 37, NFPA 54, NFPA 58 and NFPA 70 standards.
• Install the unit where air inlet and outlet openings will not become obstructed by leaves, grass, snow, etc. If pre-
vailing winds will cause blowing or drifting, consider using a windbreak to protect the unit.
• Install the generator on high ground where water levels will not rise and endanger it. It should not operate in or be
subjected to standing water.
• Allow sufficient room on all sides of the generator for maintenance and servicing. This unit must be installed in
accordance with current applicable NFPA 37 and NFPA 70 standards, as well as any other federal, state and
local codes for minimum distances from other structures. DO NOT install under wooden decks or structures
unless there is at least 5 ft (1.52 m) of clearance above the generator, 3 ft (.91 m) of clearance on sides and front,
and a minimum of 18 in (457 mm) of clearance at the back of the unit.
• Install the unit where rain gutter down spouts, roof run-off, landscape irrigation, water sprinklers or sump pump
discharge does not flood the unit or spray the enclosure, including any air inlet or outlet openings.
• Install the unit where services will not be affected or obstructed, including concealed, underground or covered
services such as electrical, fuel, phone, air conditioning or irrigation. This could affect Warranty Coverage.
• Where strong prevailing winds blow from one direction, face the generator air inlet openings to the prevailing
winds.
• Install the generator as close as possible to the fuel supply to reduce the length of piping. REMEMBER THAT
LAWS OR CODES MAY REGULATE THE DISTANCE AND LOCATION.
• Install the generator as close as possible to the transfer switch. REMEMBER THAT LAWS OR CODES MAY
REGULATE THE DISTANCE AND LOCATION.
• The generator must be installed on a level surface. The generator must be level within a .5 in (13mm) all around.
• The generator is typically placed on pea gravel, crushed stone or a concrete pad. Check local codes to see what
type is required. If a concrete pad is required, all federal, state and local codes should be followed.
3.1.1— Installation Guidelines
The National Fire Protection Association has a standard for the installation and use of stationary combustion engines.
That standard is NFPA 37, its requirements limit the spacing of an enclosed generator set from a structure or wall (Fig-
ure 1.10).
NFPA 37, Section 4.1.4, Engines Located Outdoors: Engines, and their weatherproof housings if provided, that are
installed outdoors shall be located at least 5 ft (1.52 m) from openings in walls and at least 5 ft (1.52 m) from structures
having combustible walls. A minimum separation shall not be required where either of the following conditions exist:
1. The adjacent wall of the structure has a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour.
2. The weatherproof enclosure is constructed of noncombustible materials and it has been demonstrated that a fire
within the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclosure.
Annex A — Explanatory Material
A4.1.4 (2) Means of demonstrating compliance are by means of full scale fire test or by calculation procedures.
Because of the limited spaces that are frequently available for installation, it has become apparent that exception (2)
would be beneficial for many residential and commercial installations. With that in mind, the manufacturer contracted
with an independent testing laboratory to run full scale fire tests to assure that the enclosure will not ignite combustible
materials outside the enclosure.
NOTE: Southwest Research Institute testing approves 18 in (457 mm) installation minimum from structure.
Southwest Research is a nationally recognized third party testing and listing agency.
The criteria was to determine the worst case fire scenario within the generator and to determine the ignitability of items
outside the engine enclosure at various distances. The enclosure is constructed of non-combustible materials, and the
results and conclusions from the independent testing lab indicated that any fire within the generator enclosure would
not pose any ignition risk to nearby combustibles or structures, with or without fire service personnel response.