Eaton Generator Owner's Manual

Also see for 10 kW Air-cooled: Owner's manual

101.12.1 GENERATORInstall the generator set, in its protective enclosure, outdoors,where adequate cooling and ventilating air is always available(Figure 1.9). Consider these factors:• The installation of the generator must comply strictly withNFPA 37, NFPA 54, NFPA 58, and NFPA 70 standards.• Install the unit where air inlet and outlet openings will notbecome obstructed by leaves, grass, snow, etc.. If prevailingwinds will cause blowing or drifting, consider using a wind-break to protect the unit.• Install the generator on high ground where water levels will notrise and endanger it.• Allow sufficient room on all sides of the generator for mainte-nance and servicing. This unit must be installed in accordancewith current applicable NFPA 37 and NFPA 70 standards; aswell as any other federal, state and local codes for minimumdistances from other structures. DO NOT install under woodendecks or structures unless there is at least four (4) feet of clear-ance above the generator, three (3) feet of clearance on sidesand front, and 18 inches of clearance at back of unit.• Install the unit where rain gutter down spouts, roof run-off,landscape irrigation, water sprinklers or sump pump dischargedoes not flood the unit or spray the enclosure, including any airinlet or outlet openings.• Install the unit where services will not be affected or obstructed,including concealed, underground or covered services such aselectrical, fuel, phone, air conditioning or irrigation.• Where strong prevailing winds blow from one direction, face thegenerator air inlet openings to the prevailing winds.• Install the generator as close as possible to the fuel supply, toreduce the length of piping.• Install the generator as close as possible to the transfer switch.REMEMBER THAT LAWS OR CODES MAY REGULATE THEDISTANCE AND LOCATION.Figure 1.9 – Generator Clearances• The genset must be installed on a level surface. The base framemust be level within two (2) inches all around.• The generator is typically placed on pea gravel or crushedstone. Check local codes if a concrete slab is required. If aconcrete base slab is required, all federal, state and local codesmust be followed.1.12.2 INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR STATIONARYAIR-COOLED 8, 10, 14, 17 AND 20 KWGENERATORSThe National Fire Protection Association has a standard for theinstallation and use of stationary combustion engines. Thatstandard is NFPA 37 and its requirements limit the spacing of anenclosed generator set from a structure or wall (Figure 1.10).NFPA 37, Section 4.1.4, Engines Located Outdoors. Engines, andtheir weatherproof housings if provided, that are installed outdoorsshall be located at least 5 ft. from openings in walls and at least 5ft. from structures having combustible walls. A minimum separa-tion shall not be required where the following conditions exist:1. The adjacent wall of the structure has a fire resistance ratingof at least one (1) hour.2. The weatherproof enclosure is constructed of noncombus-tible materials and it has been demonstrated that a fire withinthe enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside theenclosure.Annex A — Explanatory MaterialA4.1.4 (2) Means of demonstrating compliance are by meansof full scale fire test or by calculation procedures.Because of the limited spaces that are frequently available forinstallation, it has become apparent that exception (2) would bebeneficial for many residential and commercial installations. Withthat in mind, the manufacturer contracted with an independenttesting laboratory to run full scale fire tests to assure that theenclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclo-sure.The criteria was to determine the worst case fire scenario withinthe generator and to determine the ignitability of items outside theengine enclosure at various distances. The enclosure is construct-ed of non-combustible materials and the results and conclusionsfrom the independent testing lab indicated that any fire within thegenerator enclosure would not pose any ignition risk to nearbycombustibles or structures, with or without fire service personnelresponse.Based on this testing and the requirements of NFPA 37, Sec 4.1.4,the guidelines for installation of the generators listed above arechanged to 18 inches (457mm) from the back side of the gen-erator to a stationary wall or building. For adequate maintenanceand airflow clearance, the area above the generator should be atleast 4 feet with a minimum of 3 feet at the front and ends of theenclosure. This would include trees, shrubs and vegetation thatcould obstruct airflow. See the diagram on the reverse of this pageand the installation drawing within the owner’s manual for details.General Information