4
Installation Guidelines for Air-Cooled Generators
ing codes. Comply with regulations the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established.
Also, ensure that the generator is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommenda-
tions. Following proper installation, do nothing that might alter a safe installation and render the unit in noncom-
pliance with the aforementioned codes, standards, laws and regulations.
•
Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator at all times. Extinguishers rated “ABC” by the National Fire Protection
Association are appropriate for use on the standby electric system. Keep the extinguisher properly charged and
be familiar with its use. Consult the local fire department with any questions pertaining to fire extinguishers.
1.2.4— Explosion Hazards
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Do not smoke around the generator. Wipe up any fuel or oil spills immediately. Ensure that no combustible mate-
rials are left in the generator compartment, or on or near the generator, as FIRE or EXPLOSION may result.
Keep the area surrounding the generator clean and free from debris.
•
Gaseous fluids such as natural gas and liquid propane (LP) gas are extremely EXPLOSIVE. Install the fuel sup-
ply system according to applicable fuel-gas codes. Before placing the home standby electric system into service,
fuel system lines must be properly purged and leak tested according to applicable code. After installation, inspect
the fuel system periodically for leaks. No leakage is permitted.
1.3 — General Rules
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Follow all safety precautions in the Owner’s Manual, Installation Guidelines manual and other documents
included with your equipment.
•
Refer to NFPA 70E for safety equipment required when working with a live system.
•
Never energize a new system without opening all disconnects and breakers.
•
Always consult your local code for additional requirements for the area in which the unit is being installed.
Improper installation can result in personal injury and damage to the generator. It may also result in
the warranty being suspended or voided. All the instructions listed below must be followed including
location clearances and pipe sizes.
1.3.1— Before You Begin
•
Contact the local inspector or City Hall to be aware of all federal, state and local codes that could impact the
installation. Secure all required permits before starting the job.
•
Carefully read and follow all of the procedures and safety precautions detailed in the installation guide. If any por-
tion of the installation manual, technical manual or other factory-supplied documents is not completely under-
stood, contact a dealer for assistance.
•
Fully comply with all relevant NEC, NFPA and OSHA standards as well as all federal, state and local building and
electric codes. As with any generator, this unit must be installed in accordance with current NFPA 37 and NFPA
70 standards as well as any other federal, state, and local codes for minimum distances from other structures.
•
Verify the capacity of the natural gas meter or the LP tank in regards to providing sufficient fuel for both the gen-
erator and other household and operating appliances.
1.3.2— Standards Index
Applicable national, state or local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to the installation of engine-generator power
systems must be strictly complied with. Always use the current acceptable version or edition of the applicable code or
standard which applies to your jurisdiction. In the absence of pertinent local laws and standards, the following pub-
lished booklets may be used as a guide (these apply to localities which recognize NFPA and IBC):
1.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70: The NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE (NEC) *
2.
NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers *
3.
NFPA 30: Flammable And Combustible Liquids Code *
4.
NFPA 37: Standard for Stationary Combustion Engines And Gas Turbines *
*
