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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEngineering; Installation Guidelines for GeneratorSite Selection and Preparation Potential CO Entry Points See Figure 3-1. Generator exhaust can enter a structure through large openings, such as windows and doors. However, exhaust and CO can also seep into the structure through smaller, less obvious openings. Protect the Structure x�. Verify structure itself is correctly caulked and sealed to prevent air from leaking in or out. Voids, cracks, br openings around windows, doors, soffits, pipes, and vents can allow exhaust gas to be drawn into the structure. Some examples of potential entry points are described and included in, but not limited to, the accompanying table. Figure 3-1. Carbon Monoxide —Potential Entry Points ID Entry on Description /Comments A Windows and doors Architectural details which can be (or are) opened to admit fresh air into the structure. B Garage door CO can leak into garage if door is open, or does not seal correctly when closed. C Attic vent Attic vents, ridge vents, crawl space vents, and soffit vents can all admit generator exhaust. D Basement windows Windows or hatches allowing ventilation to or from lower level of a structure. E Furnace intake! Air intake and exhaust pipes for furnace. exhaustvent Includes (but not limited to) cracks in wall, foundation, mortar, or air gaps around doors, F Wall cracks windows -,and pipes. See Protect the Structure. G Dryer vent Exhaust duct or clothes dryer. H Airflow restrictions Structural corners and locations with heavy vegetation restrict airflow. Exhaust gases can collect in such areas. IMPORTANT NOTE: Mechanical and gravity outdoor air intake openings for HVAC supply i Make up air system air systems shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048mm) horizontally from the generator enclosure. See Section 401 in the ICC Mechanical Code for any additional requirements. 14 Installation Guidelines for 60 Hz Air -Cooled Generators Site Selection and Preparation Fire Prevention The generator must be installed at a safe distance away from combustible matarials. Engine, alternator, and exhaust system components become very hot during operation. Fire risk increases if unit is not correctly ventilated, is not correctly maintained, operates too close to combustible materials, or if fuel leaks exist. Also, accumulations of flammab!e debris within or outside the generator enclosure may ignite. Distance Requirements See Figure 3-2. Minimum clearances must be maintained around the generator enclosure. These clearances are primarily for fire prevention, but also to ensure sufficient room for removing front and end panels for maintenance purposes. Figure 3-2. Generator Distance nequiremems ID Description I Definition Front and end I Minimum clearance from the front and ends of generator must be 3 ft (0.91 m). This includes A clearance shrubs, bushes, and trees. Fuel and electrical connections are made here. 18 in (457 mm) minimum clearance per NFPA B Rear clearance testing, labeling, and listing, unless state or local codes dictate otherwise. Windows, vents, No operable windows, doors, vents, window wells, or openings in the wall are permitted near any O and openings point of the generator. See Potential CO Entry Points for more information. D Existing wall The generator should not be placed closer than 18 in (457 mm) from existing walls. A removable barrier (non -permanent; without footings) installed as a visual surround. E Removable fence Removable fence panels for servicing cannot be placed less than 3 ft (0.91 m) in front of the generator. 5 ft (1.52 m) minimum distance from any structure, overhang, or projections from wall. F Overhead clearance DO NOT install under wooden decks or structures. Maneuvering space around generator for performing routine maintenance tasks such as battery G Maintenance and replacement and engine service. Do not attempt to conceal generator with shrubs, bushes, or servicing plants. fnr r h H> Air -Cooled Generators iti 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 standards. These standards prescribe the minimum safe clearances around and above the generator enclosure. NFPA 37 NFPA 37 is the The National Fire Protection Association'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 accessible for maintenance, repair, and first responders. NFPA 37, Section 4.1.4, Engines Located Outdoors: Engines, and their weatherproof housings if provided, installed outdoors shall be located at least 5 ft (1.52 m) from openings in walls and at least 5 ft (1.52 m) from structures having combustible walls. A minimum separation shall not be required where the following conditions exist: 1. The adjacent wall of the structure has a fire resis- tance rating of at least one hour. 2. The weatherproof enclosure is constructed of non- combustible materials and it has been demon- . strated that a fire within the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclosure: Annex A —Explanatory Material A4.1.4 (2) Means of demonstrating compliance are by means of full scale fire test or by calculation procedures. Because of the limited spaces frequently available for installation, it has become apparent that exception (2) would be beneficial for many residential and commercial installations. The manufacturer contracted with an independent testing laboratory to run full scale fire tests. 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 materials, and the results and conclusions from the independent 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. ® sofa D NV 1320"W1 UV O U C ""'�^ t nhh Clause 121 V1/ 4.14 of NFPA 37 nSTEO BY. Souftest Research fnstiNtb SM-Antoeu, Tom -®®•— NOTE f 130 CHAA KW —NOTE 2 130 CHAR MAXI- -®® NOTE 3 13D CHAR MA*— �®®•NOTE 4 130 CHAR MA* --®® NDTE U 130 CHAR. M4x—® NOTE a 130 CHAR IRM .—.®® NOTE 7 f30 CHAR MAX —® Sam= POVIM SYSMW, INC \ WAUKESHA, YA USA 83189 WSW 002158 Figure 3-3. Southwest Research Institute Marking hitp✓/www2.swri.org/www2(listarod/ DocumentSelection.asp7ProduatlD=973bindustrylD=2 Based on this testing and the requirements of NFPA 37, Sec 4.1.4, 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 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 generator could inhibit plant growth. See Figure 3-2 and the accompanying, descriptions. Generator Maintenance Regular maintenance is crucial for minimizing exhaust emissions and reducing the risk of fire or equipment failure. For example: o A dirty air filter or low engine oil level may cause engine to overheat. o Incorrect spark plug gaps may cause engine back- firing and incomplete combustion. IMPORTANT NOTE: See Maintenance section of generator owner's manual to view a table of scheduled maintenance tasks and procedures. Perform all maintenance tasks as directed. Wp Installation Guidelines for 60 Hz Air -Cooled Generators Fresh Alr for Ventilation and Cooling Install unit where air inlet and outlet openings will not become obstructed by leaves, grass, snow, etc. If prevailing winds will cause blowing or drifting, consider using'a windbreak at a safe distance to protect the unit. Water ingress Avoidance o 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. a 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. o Excess moisture can cause excess corrosion and decrease life expectancy of the unit. Proximity to Utilities o Contact local utility providers and verify proposed site selection meets all required utility placement requirements before installation. This could affect warranty coverage. o Remember, laws and or codes may regulate dis- tance and location.of unit to specific utilities. It is recommendeq to pick a location where the generator is as close as possible to the transfer switch andthe fue) supply, while verifying the site location conforms to the rest of the Site Selection section. Verify WI-Fi Range See Wi-Fi manual shipped with the unit if planning to use the WI-Fi feature. Transportation Recommendations Use a suitable cart or equipment to carry generator, including wooden pallet, to installation site. Place cardboard between cart and generator to prevent any damage or scratches to generator. Do not lift, carry, or move generator by grasping the louvers. Doing so may bend, or damage. the sheet metal. Site Selection and Preparation Suitable Mounting Surface See Figure 3-4. Prepare a rectangular area approximately 5 in (127 mm) deep (A) and approximately 3 in (76.2 mm) longer and wider (B) than the generator on all sides. N Figure 34. Compacted Gravel or Concrete Pad Select base type as desired or as required by local laws or codes. The generator is typically placed on pea gravel, crushed stone, or a concrete pad. Follow all applicable codes if a concrete pad is required. Verify surface where + generator will be mounted is compacted, leveled, and will not erode over time. Generator must be level within 0.5 in (13 mm) all around. Placement on Roofs, Platforms,. and Other Supporting Structures Where required to place generator on a roof, platform, deck, or other supporting structure, generator must be placed in accordance with the requirements in NFPA 37, Section 4.1.3. Generator can be located 18 in (457 mm) from structures having combustible walls and 5 ft (1.52 m) from any operable opening in the structure. Surface beneath the generator and beyond must be noncombustible to a minimum distance of 12 in (30.5 cm). Contact local Building Inspection Department or fire department to determine which noncombustible materials are approved for installation.