Section 1 - General Information; Unpacking/Inspection; Protection Systems; Nec Requirement For Arc Fault Circuit Interruption Breaker For Bedrooms - Generac Power Systems 04389-2, 04456-2, 04390-2 Installation And Owner's Manual

DANGER
Only qualified electricians or contractors should
!
attempt such installations, which must comply
strictly with applicable codes, standards and
regulations.
1.1

UNPACKING/INSPECTION

After unpacking, carefully inspect the contents
for damage.
• This standby generator set has been factory sup-
plied with a weather protective enclosure that is
intended for outdoor installation only.
• This standby generator set is packaged with an
automatic 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 connections
are included.
• 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 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 dis-
tribution system when the generator is operat-
ing (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 con-
signor'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 contents 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 pres-
ent to monitor engine conditions. For that reason, the
engine is equipped with the following systems that
protect it against potentially damaging conditions:
1. Low Oil Pressure Sensor
2. High Temperature Sensor
4 Generac ® Power Systems, Inc.
Section 1 — General Information
Guardian Air-cooled 7 kW, 12 kW and 15 kW Generators
3. Overcrank
4. Overspeed
There are LED readouts on the control panel to noti-
fy personnel that one of these faults has occurred.
There is also a "System Set" LED that is lit when all
of the conditions describe in Section 1.3 are true.
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 recognizing characteristics
unique to arcing and by functioning to de-ener-
gize 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 circuit interrupter
listed to provide protection of the entire branch
circuit.
Section 210.12 requires that AFCI protection be pro-
vided on branch circuits that supply outlets (recepta-
cle, lighting, etc.) in dwelling bedrooms. The require-
ment is limited to 15 and 20 ampere, 125 volt cir-
cuits. 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 hall-
ways, providing AFCI protection on the complete cir-
cuit would comply with 210.12.
If during the installation of the Guardian Home
Standby system the decision is made to provide back
up power to a bedroom branch circuit, then the cir-
cuit breaker in the Guardian 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
Home Depot or hardware store.
Siemens Item #
Q115AF
Q120AF
Description
15A Single Pole AFCI
20A Single Pole AFCI