Replies

1. 
   Scott | Nov 13, 2009 10:03pm | #1

   Don't know if it's a code issue, but common sense tells me that ventilation and heat dissipation could be a problem.

   I once built an enclosure for our generator to cut down the noise. It was basically a small shed, lined with double layers of drywall, with the front open. The roof had a large front overhang to protect a household fan which I plugged into the generator. The fan kept air circulating inside the shed as long as the generator was running. I put the whole thing 150' into the bush so we couldn't hear it (open wall pointed away from us). Ran like that every weekend for two years.

   Scott.

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Nov 13, 2009 10:12pm | #2

   Yeah, the obvious stuff I'm fine on.  I'm assuming there're things like min distance from the house (at least more than the 2 ft now ;) ) and maybe the enclosure is supposed to be fire retardant, etc.PaulB

   http://www.finecontracting.com

2. 
   Stuart | Nov 13, 2009 11:02pm | #3

   For what it's worth, the NEC (article 445) doesn't say a thing about enclosing the generator or where it's located - it only addresses the electrical issues.  There probably is something buried in the NFPA codes somewhere.

   I work with generators all the time, but only in commercial and industrial applications so I can't comment with authority on a residential install.  However, there certainly needs to be some minimum distance away from combustible materials (I would imagine that underneath a deck is frowned upon), plus you have to allow for enough room for maintenance purposes as well as room for air circulation.

   I had a project some years ago where to keep the neighbors happy we needed to camoflage a large generator set (it was about 4'W x 12'L x 6'T.)  It was next to a lake, so the architect came up with a faux boathouse to enclose the generator - the walls were all slatted to allow for plenty of air flow, and it fit in with the neighborhood.  For your customer, maybe you could build a fake doghouse that could be located out in the yard away from the house, and could be lifted up for access to the genset.

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Nov 13, 2009 11:10pm | #4

   I like the doghouse idea ;)  Just want to make sure that it's to code, if there is one.  This guy is a retired judge and very by the book...PaulB

   http://www.finecontracting.com

3. 
   DanH | Nov 14, 2009 04:28am | #5

   I've seen a couple of generators installed inside buildings. They have to be installed in a fireproof crypt that is air sealed to the inside of the building so that they only "breathe" outside -- in effect the crypt places the generator outside.

   If you have the manual for the genset, see what it says about distances from buildings and obstructions.

   Under a deck is a fire hazard right there. And the deck surface could serve to capture exhaust fumes and feed them into nearby windows.

   A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter
1. 
   PaulBinCT | Nov 14, 2009 04:33am | #6

   No manual Dan... needless to say, my friend's ingenious under deck storage has to go.  Ideally I'd like to make sure that whatever I build him complies with code, if there is one that addresses this.  Hard to believe there isn't, nowadays feels like there's code for codes (of codes).PaulB

   http://www.finecontracting.com

1. 
   DanH | Nov 14, 2009 04:53am | #7

   Check online. Generac has their manuals online, and probably many other manufacturers do as well. (Though looking at one of the Generac manuals there isn't a lot there.)Apparently the pertinent national standard is "NFPA No. 37, STATIONARY COMBUSTION ENGINES AND GAS TURBINES", though you probably have to pay for it....But this document conveniently excerpts the apparently most relevant sections: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/CodesStandards/TIAErrataFI/FI37.pdf...And the whole standard is available here for $36: http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/product.asp?pid=3706&order_src=A292
   A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter

1. 
   PaulBinCT | Nov 14, 2009 04:59am | #8

   Thanks Dan, I started digging for it but gave up, you get the award for perseverance ;)PaulB

   http://www.finecontracting.com

1. 
   DanH | Nov 14, 2009 05:02am | #9

   Now, if you could help me find the documentation for RStringPool in Symbian C++ ...
   A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter

2. 
   Stuart | Nov 14, 2009 06:51am | #10

   I have a set of the NFPA books at work, now that you've located the section I'll take a look at it on Monday.

   Edited 11/13/2009 10:52 pm by Stuart

3. 
   PaulBinCT | Nov 14, 2009 02:33pm | #11

   http://www.forum.nokia.com/forum/showthread.php?p=618404

   http://discussion.forum.nokia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182440

    PaulB

   http://www.finecontracting.com

4. 
   Matt | Nov 14, 2009 03:55pm | #12

   Without reading the other posts - normally equipment installs require access to servisable parts and require that the clearences specified by the MFG be observed.    Personally I'm thinking that the only specific code issues you have to deal with are the electrical connections.