Section 2 - Installation; Standby Generator Installation; Generator Location - Generac Power Systems 004920-0 Owner's Manual

2.1 STANDBY GENERATOR
INSTALLATION
DANGER
Connecting this generator to an electrical sys-
tem normally supplied by an electric UTILITY
shall be by means of a transfer switch, so as
to isolate the electric system from the UTILITY
distribution system when the generator is
operating. Failure to isolate the electric sys-
tem by these means will result in damage to
the generator and may also result in injury or
death to utility workers due to backfeed of
electrical energy.
If an open bottom is used, the engine-genera-
tor must be installed over non-combustible
materials and should be located such that com-
bustible materials are not capable of accumu-
lating under the generator set.
Only qualified, competent installation contractors or
electricians thoroughly familiar with applicable
codes, standards and regulations should install this
standby electric power system. The installation must
comply strictly with all codes, standards and regula-
tions pertaining to the installation.
After the system has been installed, do nothing
!
that might render the installation in noncompli-
ance with such codes, standards and regula-
tions.
For more information about the installation of a
standby system, order Engine-Generator Standby
Electric Power Systems Installer's Guide and
Reference Manual (part #046622) from a Generac
Authorized Service Dealer.
2.1.1 NFPA STANDARDS
The following published standards booklets pertain-
ing to standby electric systems are available form the
National Fire Protection
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269:
• NFPA No. 37, STATIONARY
ENGINES AND GAS TURBINES.
• NFPA No. 76A, ESSENTIAL ELECTRICAL SYS-
TEMS FOR HEALTH CARE FACILITIES.
• NFPA No. 220, STANDARD TYPES OF BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION
10 Generac ® Power Systems, Inc.
Section 2 — Installation
Generac Liquid-cooled 20 kW Generator
NOTE:
Association (NFPA),
COMBUSTION
• NFPA No. 68, GUIDE FOR EXPLOSION VENTING
• NFPA No. 70, NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE.
• NFPA No. 30, FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE
LIQUIDS CODE.
• NFPA No. 10, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND
USE OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
2.1.2 OTHER PUBLISHED STANDARDS
In addition to NFPA standards, the following infor-
mation pertaining to the installation and use of
standby electric systems is available:
• Article X, NATIONAL BUILDING CODE, available
from the American Insurance Association, 85 John
Street, New York, N.Y. 10038.
• AGRICULTURAL WIRING HANDBOOK, obtainable
from the Food and Energy Council, 909 University
Avenue, Columbia, MO, 65201.
• ASAE EP-364.2, INSTALLATION AND MAINTE-
NANCE OF FARM STANDBY ELECTRIC POWER,
available from the American Society of Agricultural
Engineers, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
• A52.1, AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD FOR
CHIMNEYS, FIREPLACES AND VENTING SYS-
TEMS, available from the American National
Standard Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, N.Y.
10018.
2.2

GENERATOR LOCATION

Install the generator set, in its protective enclosure
outdoors, where adequate cooling and ventilating air
always is available. Consider these factors:
• Install the unit where air inlet and outlet openings
will not become obstructed by leaves, grass, snow,
etc. If prevailing winds will cause blowing or drift-
ing, consider using a windbreak to protect the unit.
• Install the generator on high ground where water
levels will not rise and endanger it.
• Allow sufficient room on all sides of the generator
for maintenance and servicing. A good rule is to
allow five feet of space on all sides.
• Where strong prevailing winds blow from one
direction, face the generator air inlet openings into
the prevailing winds.
• Install the generator as close as possible to the
transfer switch. This reduces the length of wiring
and conduit.
• Install the generator as close as possible to the fuel
supply, to reduce the length of piping. HOWEVER,
REMEMBER THAT LAWS OR CODES MAY REG-
ULATE THE DISTANCE.