Briggs & Stratton 6404, Installation And Operation Manual

Page: 13 / 180

13
REDUCING THE RISK OF FIRE
To help prevent fires, the generator must be installed a safe distance from all combustible materials. The unit’s engine,
alternator, and exhaust system components can become very hot during operation. Reduce the likelihood of a fire by keeping
the unit properly ventilated, properly maintained, free of fuel leaks, and away from combustible materials. Also, flammable
debris may collect within or outside the generator enclosure and may possibly ignite, causing a fire.
Federal and international standards describe the minimum safe clearances around and above the generator’s enclosure.
Distance Requirements
An owner must maintain minimum clearances around the generator enclosure. These clearances exist primarily for fire
prevention, but they also ensure adequate space for maintenance tasks, such as removing the unit’s front and end panels.
LOCATION ITEM EXPLANATION
A Front and end clearance
Maintain a 3 ft (.91 m) minimum clearance from the front and ends of the
generator. Keep shrubs, bushes, plants, and trees this same minimum
distance from the unit and never use vegetation to conceal the unit.
B Rear clearance
Since fuel and electrical connections occur here, keep 18 inches (45.70
cm) minimum clearance per independent testing laboratory, unless state
codes tell you otherwise.
C
Windows, vents, and
openings
Keep all operable windows, doors, vents, window wells, or openings in
the wall away from the point of the generator. See Protecting the Structure
section in this manual.
D Existing wall Keep the generator at least 18 inches (457 mm) away from existing walls.
E Removable fence
Keep removable fences at least 3 ft (.91 m) away from the front of the
generator. Removable fences include visual surrounds, fence panels, and
temporary barriers without footings.
F Overhead clearance
Maintain a 5 ft (1.52 m) minimum clearance from all structures, overhangs,
and projections on a wall.
G (not shown) Maintenance and servicing
Allow adequate space to perform routine maintenance, such as servicing
the engine and replacing the battery. Never use shrubs, bushes, trees, or
plants to conceal the generator.
Not for
Reproduction