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• Seams and joints of the galvanized steel (whether
used as a liner or for the compartment itself) must
be lapped and mechanically secured. Such seams
may be manufactured, welded, bolted, riveted, or
screwed. Manufactured lock seams are shown in
Figure 2.4. Installer-constructed compartments
typically utilize a standard lap joint.
Figure 2.4 – Types of Lock Seams
• After the compartment has been metal -lined
and vapor-sealed, line the compartment inte-
rior walls and ceiling with an approved, nonflam-
mable sound-insulating material. See the "Sound
Insulating Materials" section.
DANGER
Do not install any flammable material directly
above or around the compartment. Heat, trans-
ferred through the compartment structure, may
be sufficient to ignite, char, or discolor seat
cushions, fiberboard, and other flammable mate-
rials. Use approved, nonflammable insulating
materials in high temperature areas.
2.2.2
SOUND INSULATING MATERIALS
Once installers have determined that a compartment
is properly constructed and metal-lined, they can add
acoustical material. This may include additional seal-
ant or insulating material, to reflect noise away from
the vehicle interior.
Sound insulating materials should be of a nonflam-
mable type. One excellent insulating material is a 1-
inch (25 mm) thick fiberglass having a 2-pound den-
sity. When fiberglass is used, its coated side should
face toward the compartment interior.
24
Section 2 – Installation
Recreational Vehicle Generator
DANGER
Do not install sound insulation or any absorbent
material on the compartment floor interior. Such
materials will become soaked with combustible
or explosive vapors and liquids and will become
a fire hazard.
Using a combination of sound-insulating materials
can often reduce noise more effectively than a single
material. For example, a sheet of lead or visco-elastic
material, along with a layer of other acoustical mate-
rial, is more effective than when a single material is
used.
2.2.3
ACOUSTICS
For additional noise abatement, the installer may
wish to consider the following:
• Using special sound-insulating materials.
• Construction of a special noise abatement com-
partment.
Any method used to reduce noise must not
adversely affect the flow of cooling and ventilating
air into, or out of, the compartment.
In addition to the effective use of sound insulating
materials, construction of a special noise abatement
compartment might be considered to reduce noise
levels. Such a compartment might be constructed as
follows (Figure 2.5):
• Use 5/8-inch thick or 3/4-inch thick plywood in the
compartment.
• Construct the compartment floor of a double thick-
ness of 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch plywood.
• Line the compartment's interior walls and floor, as
well as the underside of the floor, with 26-gauge
galvanized steel.
• Vapor-seal all compartment seams and joints.
• Over the galvanized steel lining, install a combina-
tion of acoustical materials, as mentioned in the
"Sound Insulating Materials" section.
DANGER
To prevent fire or explosion, do not install any
insulation, or other absorbent materials, on the
interior or underside of the compartment floor.
• Seal all compartment door edges to prevent noise
leakage around the door perimeter.
• Line the compartment door interior (except for air
openings) with suitable, fireproof sound insulation
(such as, 1-inch (25 mm) thick fiberglass with a
2-pound density).
NOTE:
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