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Site Selection and Preparation
Fire Codes, Standards, and Guidelines
Generator installation must comply strictly with ICC
IFGC, NFPA 37, NFPA 54, NFPA 58, and NFPA 70 stan-
dards. These standards prescribe the minimum safe
clearances around and above the generator enclosure.
NFPA 37
NFPA 37 is the The National Fire Protection Associa-
tion's standard for the installation and use of stationary
combustion engines. Its requirements limit the spacing of
an enclosed generator set from a structure or wall, and
require generator to be located where it is readily acces-
sible for maintenance, repair, and first responders.
Figure 3-3. Southwest Research Institute Marking
NOTE: The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is a
nationally recognized third party testing and listing
agency. SwRI testing approves 18 in (457 mm) installa-
tion minimum from the rear panel of the generator to an
adjacent structure for fire protection.
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 materi-
als, and the results and conclusions from the indepen-
dent 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.
Based on this testing and the requirements of NFPA 37-
2021, Sec 4.1.4.1.2, the guidelines for installation of the
generators listed above are changed to 18 in (457 mm)
from the back side of the generator to a stationary wall or
building. This offset reduction does not apply to clear-
ances from openings in the structure. For adequate
maintenance and airflow clearance, the area above the
generator should be at least 5 ft (1.52 m) with a minimum
of 3 ft (0.91 m) at the front and ends of the enclosure.
This includes trees, shrubs, and bushes. Vegetation not
in compliance with these clearance parameters could
obstruct air flow. In addition, exhaust fumes from the gen-
erator could inhibit plant growth. See
accompanying descriptions.
14
Generator Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for minimizing exhaust
emissions and reducing the risk of fire or equipment fail-
ure. For example:
IMPORTANT NOTE: See Maintenance section of
generator owner's manual to view a table of sched-
uled maintenance tasks and procedures. Perform all
maintenance tasks as directed.
Fresh Air for Ventilation and Cooling
Install unit where air inlet and outlet openings will not
become obstructed by leaves, grass, snow, etc. If prevail-
ing winds will cause blowing or drifting, consider using a
windbreak at a safe distance to protect the unit.
Water Ingress Avoidance
013515
Proximity to Utilities
Figure 3-2
and the
Installation Guidelines for PWRgenerator Air-Cooled Generators
•
A dirty air filter or low engine oil level may cause
engine to overheat.
•
Incorrect spark plug gaps may cause engine back-
firing and incomplete combustion.
•
Select a location on high ground where water lev-
els will not rise and flood the generator. This unit
should not operate in, or be subjected to, standing
water.
•
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.
•
Excess moisture can cause excess corrosion and
decrease life expectancy of the unit.
•
Contact local utility providers and verify proposed
site selection meets all required utility placement
requirements before installation. This could affect
warranty coverage.
•
Remember, laws and or codes may regulate dis-
tance and location of unit to specific utilities.
•
It is recommended to pick a location where the
generator is as close as possible to the PWRcell
Clean Energy System and the fuel supply, while
verifying the site location conforms to the rest of
the Site Selection section.
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