General Information; Unpacking/Inspection; Protection Systems; Nec Requirement For Arc Fault Circuit Interruption Breaker For Bedrooms - Generac Power Systems Guardian 005240 Installation And Owner's Manual

General Information

Only qualified electricians or contractors
should attempt such installations, which must
comply strictly with applicable codes, stan-
dards and regulations.
1.1

UNPACKING/INSPECTION

After unpacking, carefully inspect the contents for damage.
• This standby generator set is ready for installation with a factory
supplied and pre-mounted base pad and has a weather protec-
tive enclosure that is intended for outdoor installation only.
• This UL listed standby generator set is packaged with an auto-
matic transfer switch with built in load center. The combination
transfer switch and load center is pre-wired with a two foot and
30 foot conduit. Circuit breakers for emergency circuit connec-
tions are included (if equipped).
• This UL listed, 2-pole switch is rated at 100 AC amperes at 250
volts maximum. This transfer switch is for indoor use only (if
equipped).

If this generator is used to power electrical load
circuits normally powered by a utility power
source, it is required by code to install a trans-
fer switch. The transfer switch must effectively
isolate the electrical system from the utility
distribution system when the generator is oper-
ating (NEC 700, 701 & 702). Failure to isolate an
electrical system by such means will result in
damage to the generator and also may result in
injury or death to utility power workers due to
backfeed of electrical energy.
If any loss or damage is noted at time of delivery, have the
person(s) making the delivery note all damage on the freight bill
or affix their signature under the consignor's memo of loss or
damage.
If a loss or damage is noted after delivery, separate the damaged
materials and contact the carrier for claim procedures.
"Concealed damage" is understood to mean damage to the con-
tents of a package that is not in evidence at the time of delivery,
but is discovered later.
1.2

PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Unlike an automobile engine, the generator may have to run for
long periods of time with no operator present to monitor engine
conditions. For that reason, the engine is equipped with the fol-
lowing systems that protect it against potentially damaging condi-
tions:
1. Low Oil Pressure Sensor
2. High Temperature Sensor
3. Overcrank
4
4. Overspeed
5. RPM Sensor
6. Low Battery
There are LED readouts on the control panel to notify personnel
that one of these faults has occurred. There is also a System
Set LED that is lit when all of the conditions described in section
"System Set LED" are true. (See the "Protection Systems" section
for details.)
1.3 NEC REQUIREMENT FOR ARC
FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTION
BREAKER FOR BEDROOMS
In 2001, the National Electric Code (NEC) introduced a requirement
for new construction. This new requirement indicates the need for
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters to be used to protect the complete
branch circuit that feeds a dwelling bedroom. The actual NEC
requirement is indicated below.
1.3.1 SECTION 210.12 ARC FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER PROTECTION
1. Definition: An arc fault circuit interrupter is a device intended
to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recog-
nizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to
de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected.
2. Dwelling Unit Bedrooms: All branch circuits that supply 125
volt, single-phase, 15 and 20 ampere outlets installed in
dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by an arc fault cir-
cuit interrupter listed to provide protection of the entire branch
circuit.
Section 210.12 requires that AFCI protection be provided on branch
circuits that supply outlets (receptacle, lighting, etc.) in dwell-
ing bedrooms. The requirement is limited to 15 and 20 ampere,
125 volt circuits. There is no prohibition against providing AFCI
protection on other circuits or in locations other than bedrooms.
Because circuits are often shared between a bedroom and other
areas such as closets and hallways, providing AFCI protection on
the complete circuit would comply with 210.12.
If during the installation of the home standby system the decision
is made to provide back up power to a bedroom branch circuit,
then the circuit breaker in the transfer switch should be replaced
with an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter.
It is most important that breakers only be switched like for like.
For instance, if replacing a 15A breaker, it MUST be replaced with
a 15A AFCI breaker. Likewise, a 20A breaker MUST be replaced
with a 20A AFCI.
These AFCI breakers are available at the nearest hardware store.
Siemens Item #
Q115AF
Q120AF
Description
15A Single Pole AFCI
20A Single Pole AFCI