Generator Placement
LOCATION
A
Front and end clearance
B
Rear clearance
Windows, vents, and
C
openings
D
Existing wall
E
Removable fence
F
Overhead clearance
G (not shown)
Maintenance and servicing
Federal and International
Standards
Generator installation must strictly adhere to ICC, IFGC,
NFPA 37, NFPA 54, NFPA 58, and NFPA 70 standards.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 37: This
standard addresses the installation and use of stationary
combustion engines. Its requirements describe keeping
an enclosed generator a specific distance from a
structure or wall. This standard also requires that when
you locate a generator, you provide adequate space to
perform maintenance and repair tasks and space for the
maneuvering of first responders.
NFPA 37, Section 4.1.4, Engines Located Outdoors:
This requirement specifies that engines and their
weatherproof housings (if provided) installed outdoors
must remain at least 5 ft (1.52 m) from openings in walls
and at least 5 ft (1.52 m) from structures with combustible
walls. The standard does not require a minimum
separation if the following conditions exist:
1.
The structure's adjacent wall has a fire-resistance
rating of at least one hour.
2. Where a fire test involving consumption of the
available combustibles, within the engine or, if
provided, its weatherproof housing demonstrates that
a fire originating at the engine or its weatherproof
housing will not ignite combustible structures.
Part No. 80106286
Revision C
ITEM
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.
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.
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.
Keep the generator at least 18 inches (457 mm) away from existing
walls.
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.
Maintain a 5 ft (1.52 m) minimum clearance from all structures,
overhangs, and projections on a wall.
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.
Federal and International Standards
EXPLANATION
Annex A—Explanatory Material
A4.1.4 (2): This requirement means that demonstrating
compliance involves conducting a full-scale fire test or by
following calculation procedures.
This requirement concludes that due to the limited space
frequently available for installation of the unit, exception
(2) is beneficial for many residential and commercial
installations. The manufacturer has contracted with an
independent testing laboratory to conduct full-scale fire
tests.
The ultimate goal of the fire testing was to determine the
absolute worst fire scenario within the generator and
to calculate the ignition risk of items outside the engine
enclosure at specific distances. Note that the enclosure
is constructed of non-combustible materials. Outcomes
from independent lab tests showed that any fire that
started within the generator enclosure would not pose
any ignitability risk to nearby combustibles or structures
for at least one hour.
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