Generator Compartments; Compartment Size; Compartment Construction - Generac Power Systems NP Series Installation Manual

GENERATOR COMPARTMENTS
The generator set may or may not be installed inside
a compartment that is constructed specifically for
housing a generator. This section applies to generator
compartments when they are installed. The following
general rules apply to compartments:
• The generator compartment should be either
constructed of, or lined with, 26 gauge galvanized
steel.
IMPORTANT: ALUMINUM IS NOT AN ACCEPT¬
ABLE ALTERNATIVE TO GALVANIZED STEEL.
DUE TO ALUMINUM'S LOW MELTING POINT.
• If the compartment is lined with galvanized steel,
it may be constructed of any material. Generac
recommends that the compartment be construct¬
ed of 1/2-inch thick plywood, with the floor made
of a double thickness of plywood for added
strength.
• All seams, splices and joints of the compartment
walls (unless vapor tight by design) should be
caulked.
IMPORTANT: CAULKING MUST BE DONE SO
THAT THE CAULKING MATERIAL WILL STAY IN
PLACE PERMANENTLY. PRESSING SUCH MATE¬
RIALS AS PUTTY TAPE ONTO JOINTS AND
SEAMS WILL NOT MEET THAT REQUIREMENT. A
HIGH QUALITY SILICONE RUBBER SEALANT IS
RECOMMENDED.
• Holes and openings through the compartment
walls for passage of electrical conduit, conduc¬
tors, etc, into vehicle living area must be sealed
vapor-tight with silicone rubber base sealant.
• If you use flexible metal conduit, seal the conduit
at the end where it terminates inside the junction
box. Flexible metal conduit is NOT vapor tight
along its entire length.
• Seams and joints of the galvanized steel
(whether used as a liner or the compartment
itself) must be lapped and mechanically secured.
Such seams may be manufactured, welded, bolt¬
ed, riveted, or screwed. Manufactured lock
seams are shown in Figure 7.
Fold Locked Off Set
Standing Double Lock Double Seam
Acme Lock Gordon Seam Lock Seam
COMPARTMENT SIZE
Plan the compartment size carefully. Provide a mini¬
mum of at least 1 inch of clearance between the gen¬
erator and compartment walls and 1-1/2 inch of clear¬
ance between the generator and the ceiling AFTER
you have lined the compartment with metal, and
AFTER you have installed sound insulation (Figure
8
).
NOTE:
Refer to the "Dimensions and Features" draw¬
ing in the back of this manual.
Figure 8 — Provide Clearance Around Generato
1 INCH (2.S4CM)
PLYWOOD MINIMUM CLEARANCE
L— INSULATION METAL LINING—^
COMPARTMENT CONSTRUaiON
• The generator compartment should be constructed of 1/2
inch thick plywood. Make the compartment floor a double
thickness of 1/2 inch plywood with the grain of the wood
at cross section for added strength (Figure 9).
Figure 9 — Typical Compartment Construction
• Line the entire compartment interior with 26 gauge galva¬
nized steel as described above.