standby generator location

[cabby]

I am trying to find the spec which covers how far away from the house an emergency generator needs to be located.

The emergency generator is 45kw and runs on natural gas. I have been told the requirement is 5ft in the State of Louisiana. However, I can not find where this is spelled out. Does anyone have any ideas? I have briefly looked through the NEC but did not find a location tied down. Does not mean I didn't miss it. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

thanks!

 

[KEG]

I've always been told for equipment (transformers, generators, etc) that 10 ft. is the minimum acceptable distance. I've never been able to find it in the code. Thats not an answer to the question but I work for a utility and when using the 10 ft rule, I've never been questioned or had a problem.

 

[Flyer_PE]

I've never seen anything in a code book for that either. As far as I know, if there are any restrictions for placement, they will be found in local codes. Best choice might be to place a call to the power company and see if they have any special requirements.

 

[KEG]

I've never seen anything in a code book for that either. As far as I know, if there are any restrictions for placement, they will be found in local codes. Best choice might be to place a call to the power company and see if they have any special requirements.

Your local power company is also probably going to want to know if you have a means to disconnect from their system (i.e. a transfer switch, automatic or manual). The biggest problem we have w/ generators is people connect them in their homes and backfeed our primary lines during storms.

 

[Freon]

I think noise level may be more of a factor in the placement. 45 kW? That is a fairly large gen-set for a single-family home. Also, KEG is correct. Where I live in Texas, also hurricane country, you have to notify the local utility provider if you install a non-portable gen-set. They will come out and inspect your transfer switch.

I have a manual disconnect box I use to take my house off the grid before I power up my portable unit. (11 kW multi-fuel)

Freon

 

[Art]

Generators/tanks must comply with NFPA 110, NFPA 30, NFPA 37, NFPA 54, NFPA, NFPA 101, NFPA 55, NFPA 58, NFPA 70, and 2000 International Fire Code. 2000 International Mechanical Code, UL 142 and/or UL 2085.

many regs...

also the mfg will have guidelines for proper cooling, etc.

most places require the exh outlet to be 10' from the building...

the NEC (NFPA 70) only addresses the elec install

for various voltages you need given clear space from energized components (or their enclosure) to the nearest surface

it varies depending whether the surface is grounded or energized, etc.