Fuel Conversion/Gas Connections
20
Installation Guidelines for Air-Cooled Generators
NOTE: All pipe sizing, construction and layout must comply with NFPA 54 for natural gas applications and
NFPA 58 for liquid propane applications. Once the generator is installed, verify that the fuel pressure NEVER
drops below its required fuel pressure rating. For more information regarding NFPA requirements, refer to
www.nfpa.org.
Prior to installation, consult local fuel suppliers or the fire marshal for applicable codes and regulations. Local codes
mandate correct routing of gaseous fuel line piping around gardens, shrubs and other landscaping.
Special considerations with regard to the flexibility and strength of piping and connections may be required when
installing the unit where local conditions are prone to flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and/or unstable
ground.
Use an approved pipe sealant or joint compound on all threaded fittings.
Purge and leak test all installed gaseous fuel piping prior to initial start-up in accordance with all local codes, standards
and regulations.
5.3 — Fuel Consumption
The following are approximate values only. Use the appropriate specification sheet or Owner’s Manual for specific val-
ues.
Verify that the gas meter is capable of providing sufficient fuel flow to include household appliances and all other loads.
Gaseous fuels such as natural gas and liquid propane gas are highly explosive. Any spark
can ignite these fuels and cause an explosion. No leakage of fuel is permitted. Natural gas,
which is lighter than air, tends to collect in high areas. LP gas is heavier than air and tends to
settle in low areas.
NOTE: Install a minimum of one approved full flow manual shut-off valve in the gaseous fuel supply line. The
valve must be easily accessible. Check with local codes to determine proper location.
NOTE: The gas supply and pipe MUST be sized at 100% Load BTU / megajoule rating.
5.4 — Fuel Line Sizing
1.
Determine required pipe size. Refer to NFPA 54 for NG or NFPA 58 for LP.
2.
Refer to the Owner’s Manual for the proper BTU / megajoule and required gas pressures. To calculate BTU or
Megajoules, proceed as follows:
•
Natural Gas: BTU = Cubic feet / hour x 1000
Megajoules = Cubic meters / hour x 37.26
•
Liquid Propane Vapor: BTU = Cubic feet / hour x 2500
Megajoules = Cubic meters / hour x 93.15
3.
Measure the distance from the generator to the gas source. The generator should be plumbed directly from the
fuel source and not off the end of an existing system.
Generator
Natural Gas
LP Vapor
1/2 Load
Full Load
1/2 Load
Full Load
15 kW EcoGen
128 / 3.63
302 / 8.55
1.28 / 4.85
2.62 / 9.92
* Natural gas is in cubic feet per hour / cubic meters per hour.
** LP is in gallons per hour / liters per hour.
*** Values given are approximate.
*
