Install Manual
Site Selection and Preparation
Installation Guidelines for Protector Diesel Generators 13
Section 3: Site Selection and Preparation
Site Selection
Generator must be installed outdoors in a location allow-
ing  sufficient  clearance  around  all  sides  for  reasons  of
safety, maintenance, and servicing. 
Placement requirements for a diesel storage tank vary by
municipality. Contact the local building code department
and fire marshal for code compliance before selecting a
location for the generator. See NFPA 37 and NFPA 30 for
additional requirements for placement of a diesel storage
tank. See Installation Checklists for additional details.
NOTE: Local codes may be different and more restrictive
than what is described here. Contact local AHJ to deter-
mine which standards and codes apply in the area.
Install  generator,  in  its  protective  enclosure,  outdoors,
where  adequate  cooling  and  ventilating  air  is  always
available. Consider these factors:
• Installation  of  the  diesel  generator  must  strictly
comply  with  NFPA 30, NFPA 37, NFPA 54, NFPA
58 and NFPA 70 standards.
• Install unit  where air  inlet and  outlet openings  will
not become obstructed by leaves, grass, snow, etc.
Consider  using  a  windbreak  to  protect  unit  if  pre-
vailing winds will cause blowing or drifting.
• Install 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  generator  for
maintenance  and  servicing.  This  unit  must  be
installed in accordance with any codes that are in
place in  your  country  or local  jurisdiction  for  mini-
mum distances from other structures.
• Clearance  from  ends  and  front  of  generator  must
meet the requirements of NFPA 30, NFPA 37, and
all additional local code requirements.
• Clearances  under  a  deck  or  structure  must  meet
requirements of  NFPA 30, NFPA 37, and  all  addi-
tional local code requirements.
• Install unit where rain gutter downspouts, roof run-
off, landscape irrigation, water sprinklers, or sump
pump discharge does not flood unit or spray enclo-
sure, including any air inlet or outlet openings.
• Install  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  war-
ranty coverage.
• Face generator air inlet openings to the prevailing
winds  if  strong  prevailing  winds  blow  from  one
direction.
• In the absence of local codes regarding placement
or clearance, the manufacturer recommend follow-
ing the guidelines in this section.
• Install  generator  as  close  as  possible  to  transfer
switch.  REMEMBER  THAT  LAWS  OR  CODES
MAY  REGULATE  THE  DISTANCE  AND  LOCA-
TION.
• Generator must be installed on a level surface, and
must be level within 0.5 in (13 mm) all around.
Installation Guidelines for Stationary Fuel 
Storage Tanks
National  Fire  Protection Association  standard  NFPA  30
indicates spacing requirements of  a stationary fuel  stor-
age  tank  with  a  mounted,  enclosed  generator  from  a
structure, wall, or property line. Verify all spacing require-
ments are correct with the assistance of local  code offi-
cials prior to finalizing genset location.
If generator is not set to OFF mode, it can crank and start
as soon as battery cables are connected. If utility power
supply  is  not  turned  off,  sparking  can  occur  at  battery
posts and cause an explosion.
Asphyxiation. Running engines produce 
carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, 
poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide, if not 
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
(000103)
DANGER
Automatic start-up. Disconnect utility power and 
render unit inoperable before working on unit. 
Failure to do so will result in death or serious injury.
(000191)
DANGER










