Section 1 - General Information; Unpacking/Inspection; Protection Systems; Nec Requirement For Arc Fault Circuit Interruption Breaker For Bedrooms - Generac 7 kW Manual Del Usuario

DANGER

Only qualified electricians or contractors should
attempt such installations, which must comply
strictly with applicable codes, standards and regu-
lations.
1.1

UNPACKING/INSPECTION

After unpacking, carefully inspect the contents for
damage.
• This standby generator set is ready for installa-
tion with a factory supplied and pre-mounted base
pad and has a weather protective enclosure that is
intended for outdoor installation only.
• This UL listed standby generator set is packaged
with an automatic transfer switch with built in
load center. The combination transfer switch and
load center is pre-wired with a two foot and 30 foot
conduit. Circuit breakers for emergency circuit
connections are included (if equipped).
• This UL listed, 2-pole switch is rated at 100 AC
amperes at 250 volts maximum. This transfer
switch is for indoor use only (if equipped).

If this generator is used to power electrical load
circuits normally powered by a utility power
source, it is required by code to install a transfer
switch. The transfer switch must effectively isolate
the electrical system from the utility distribution
system when the generator is operating (NEC 700,
701 & 702). Failure to isolate an electrical system
by such means will result in damage to the gen-
erator and also may result in injury or death to
utility power workers due to backfeed of electrical
energy.
If any loss or damage is noted at time of delivery, have
the person(s) making the delivery note all damage
on the freight bill or affix their signature under the
consignor's memo of loss or damage.
If a loss or damage is noted after delivery, separate
the damaged materials and contact the carrier for
claim procedures.
"Concealed damage" is understood to mean damage
to the contents of a package that is not in evidence at
the time of delivery, but is discovered later.
1.2

PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Unlike an automobile engine, the generator may have
to run for long periods of time with no operator pres-
ent to monitor engine conditions. For that reason, the
engine is equipped with the following systems that
protect it against potentially damaging conditions:
1. Low Oil Pressure Sensor
2. High Temperature Sensor
3. Overcrank
4
Section 1 — General Information
Air-cooled Generators
4. Overspeed
5. RPM Sensor
6. Low Battery
There are LED readouts on the control panel to notify
personnel that one of these faults has occurred.
There is also a System Set LED that is lit when all
of the conditions described in section "System Set
LED" are true. (See the "Protection Systems" section
for details.)
1.3 NEC REQUIREMENT FOR ARC
FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTION
BREAKER FOR BEDROOMS
In 2001, the National Electric Code (NEC) intro-
duced a requirement for new construction. This new
requirement indicates the need for Arc Fault Circuit
Interrupters to be used to protect the complete
branch circuit that feeds a dwelling bedroom. The
actual NEC requirement is indicated below.
1.3.1 SECTION 210.12 ARC FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER PROTECTION
1. Definition: An arc fault circuit interrupter is a
device intended to provide protection from the
effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics
unique to arcing and by functioning to de-ener-
gize the circuit when an arc fault is detected.
2. Dwelling Unit Bedrooms: All branch circuits that
supply 125 volt, single-phase, 15 and 20 ampere
outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall
be protected by an arc fault circuit interrupter
listed to provide protection of the entire branch
circuit.
Section 210.12 requires that AFCI protection be
provided on branch circuits that supply outlets
(receptacle, lighting, etc.) in dwelling bedrooms. The
requirement is limited to 15 and 20 ampere, 125
volt circuits. There is no prohibition against provid-
ing AFCI protection on other circuits or in locations
other than bedrooms. Because circuits are often
shared between a bedroom and other areas such as
closets and hallways, providing AFCI protection on
the complete circuit would comply with 210.12.
If during the installation of the home standby system
the decision is made to provide back up power to a
bedroom branch circuit, then the circuit breaker in
the transfer switch should be replaced with an Arc
Fault Circuit Interrupter.
It is most important that breakers only be switched
like for like. For instance, if replacing a 15A breaker,
it MUST be replaced with a 15A AFCI breaker.
Likewise, a 20A breaker MUST be replaced with a
20A AFCI.
These AFCI breakers are available at the nearest
hardware store.
Siemens Item #
Q115AF
Q120AF
Description
15A Single Pole AFCI
20A Single Pole AFCI