Safe Generator Placement: What to Know

Commercial generators enable businesses to run smoothly even in the event of a power outage. However, if they are not installed correctly, they can present safety hazards to both personnel and important business equipment. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when determining safe generator placement and operating your industrial generator.

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Run Generator Outdoors

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), which is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Carbon monoxide is very poisonous and can kill a healthy adult in approximately five minutes. When a generator is placed in an enclosed room, CO accumulates and can cause suffocation or even death. With this in mind, it is advised that generators be placed outside, and their fumes should be directed away from building openings. Most manufacturers recommend that you place your power system approximately 20 feet away from your business building. You should also install a carbon monoxide detector that will alert you to high CO levels in your facility.

Choose a Dry Area

You should strategically place your generator in a dry area to prevent electrical hazards. While it’s crucial to install your unit in a well-ventilated area outdoors, it must also be protected from rain. When moisture comes into contact with a generator, it may result in a short circuit, which can cause shock, electrocution, or even a fire. Many businesses use a raised concrete pad to ensure the generator won’t come into contact with water. You should also consider investing in a generator enclosure, which can help protect the unit from moisture while minimizing noise.

Avoid Back-Feeding Using a Transfer Switch

Back-feeding occurs when a generator is plugged directly into a building’s electrical panel. This causes a dramatic increase in volts, which may result in hazards such as damage to the generator, electrical fires, and electrocution of utility workers and other people obtaining power from the same power transformer. Back-feeding can also destroy your circuit protection system, which may damage your electrical equipment.

Back-feeding is extremely dangerous and should you need to avoid it at all costs. The best way to do this is by installing a transfer switch. The transfer switch ensures that power comes from your generator and not the main grid so that you can power whatever you need without having to worry about electrical hazards.

Cool Off Generator Before Refueling

Generators become hot in their natural usage. When fuel comes into contact with heated engine parts, it can be extremely dangerous, so you should never refuel while the generator is still running. Turn off your generator and allow it cool completely before refueling it. This will prevent fires as well as protect you from getting burnt while refueling. Whenever dealing with a generator engine, it’s also always a good idea to wear protective gloves.

Store Fuel in Proper Storage Containers

Only use approved containers to store your generator fuel. Do not store your fuel in enclosed areas with restricted ventilation or near heat sources that may cause the fuel to ignite.

Follow the Manufacturer’s Manual for Safe Generator Placement

Be sure to read the manufacturer’s manual that comes with your generator before you start the installation process. Different generator manufacturers have varying instructions on operating their generators, so it’s essential to read the manual even if you have basic knowledge of setting up power systems. Adhere to all precautions and safety measures as indicated in the manual.

Why Hire a Professional Installer?

Before installing a generator, it is important to contact a professional installer who can guide you through the entire process. A trained technician will accurately determine your building’s load needs and recommend a generator that best suits them. An expert installer guarantees that the generator is placed correctly, gas lines connect properly, and all wiring is done according to required standards. This ensures that the generator is safe to use and reliable during power outages. You will also be taught how to operate the generator safely and effectively. Additionally, by using the services of a professional generator company, you’ll have someone to turn to in case of any breakdowns that may occur in the future.

Valley Power Systems has a team of specialists who are dedicated to providing high-quality generator installation services. Our technicians will help you find the best generator for your California business and then install it for you professionally, ensuring that the job is done correctly the first time.

Preventative Generator Maintenance

Thorough preventative maintenance will prolong your generator’s lifespan and guarantee the safety of both personnel and equipment. Preventative maintenance ensures that your generator provides reliable backup power during outages. The power system should be inspected regularly to identify any current or potential problems. Your maintenance technician will check:

• Oil: Old oil can greatly affect your generator’s performance. For many commercial-grade generators, the first oil change should occur after 25 running hours and then every 50 hours after that. Be sure to check with the manufacturer or an expert at Valley Power Systems for your unit’s recommended schedule.
• Filters: Dirty filters can cause the generator engine to take in dirt and debris, which can wreak havoc on its parts. Filters should be cleaned regularly and replaced when cleaning them becomes less effective.
• Coolant: Adequate coolant will keep your engine from overheating and causing irreparable damage. Be sure to always keep coolant within the recommended level and change it out per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Fuel: A gasoline, propane, or diesel generator will need a steady supply of fuel on hand. Make sure the fuel is refilled and stocked at every maintenance check so that your unit will run when you need it most.
• Wiring and connections: If these look worn-out or corroded, they should be replaced immediately to prevent electrical problems.

Schedule Your Installation Today

Valley Power Systems specializes in providing power solutions to businesses in California. We offer installation, repair, and maintenance services of generators and other power systems. If you’re looking for a new unit for your facility, contact us today and speak to a member of our knowledgeable sales team.

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In case of extended power outages, standby generators are the best solution to resort. It can provide power for days. The time for which it can provide power depends on its fuel type and configuration.

We use standby generators when power outages occur. They may occur due to bad weather, disasters, or regular blackouts. When the power grids fail to provide full power to the facility, standby generators help much.

What is a standby generator?

A standby generator’s a backup power solution. It provides power to your facilities when there’s an event of a power outage. They are usually stationary and need a pad to use as a base or foundation. You should install them outside the facility. This would ensure the safety of residents from smoke or other hazards.

What is the purpose of a standby generator?

In case of extended power outages, standby generators are the best solution to resort. It can provide power for days. The time for which it can provide power depends on its fuel type and configuration.

We use standby generators when power outages occur. They may occur due to bad weather, disasters, or regular blackouts. When the power grids fail to provide full power to the facility, standby generators help much.

Where should I place my standby generator?

The proper placement of your generator requires careful doing of work. It is more than throwing your generator in your yard. Negligence, in this case, can be risky and might prove hazardous. It would help if you considered the below-mentioned factors to ensure your safety, health, and well-being.

The placement of your generator requires following the regulations of the authorities. Generally, such sources include:

a) The central fire protection agency of your country

b) Power supply companies

c) The manufacturer’s notes

d) The code of local authorities

You were careful enough to inhale the dangerous fumes that the generators put off.

1. Local and utility codes

The utility companies in your area have clearance requirements for standby generators. You should follow them whenever you plan to install generators.

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It would help if you left the conduits that come out of the generators exposed for inspection. Also, they should place at least 18″ below grade. If the generator requires a gas pipeline, it should be the least 12″ below the rate. Likewise, it would help if you left them exposed for inspection too.

Every city and country has its local codes that you should follow for safety. Be sure enough to put the generator on a concrete pad or a pad that can absorb the vibrations. The vibrations come out of the generator due to its movement while working.

If you cannot find concise local codes. Always contact the professional who knows how to work with local authorities.

2. Manufacturer’s Requirements

Most manufacturers must meet standard regulations that you should follow. Like it would help if you always placed your generator outside. Also, you should still put them at least five feet from doors, windows, or vents. Also, other flammable materials can catch heat.

Suppose distance differs between a manufacturer and local code. Always choose the more excellent value. This way, you would save yourself from any legal action by local authorities.

3. Fuel Source

A good generator’s location can impact the installation costs. Better install your generator near the fuel source. This will reduce the piping costs. It would also prevent the chances of long seized pipe leakages.

Installing a generator near the fuel supply can improve the flow of the store. This would improve the functioning of the generator. And decrease the material and labor needed for installation. This means it’s a win-win situation for you.

4. Noise

Standby generators are noise-producing ones. So it would not be an intelligent decision to put one near your bedroom, living room, or your neighbor’s house. This might result in being a bothersome utility to your family and neighbors. So better place the generator away from such places. An isolated location can help reduce noise pollution.

We know that one can install a silencer to damp down the noise. But if you don’t want to have any burden on your pocket, follow the above advice.

5.Weather Conditions

Proper protection of the generator can extend its lifetime. One such protection includes the weather. Extreme weather conditions can reduce the performance of your generator.

Like if you plan to use your generator in a thick sandstorm, it can obstruct your generator’s working. You may have to adjust to the low performance.

If you live in an area where strong winds come then, you need to be more careful. Strong winds can bring exhaust fumes into your house. So position the generator in such a way that the wind blows the fumes away from your home.

The exhaust of the generator contains carbon monoxide (Bruce, 2017). Carbon monoxide is hazardous for health. So protect yourself by adjusting the location of the generator. So that the fumes may not become a health issue.

Finally, be careful not to place your generator inside a container-shaped casing. The casing can trap the exhaust. Long time exhaust trap can create a buildup of fumes and exhaust.

The proper placement will optimize your generator’s efficiency and protect your health. Improper planning can cause several hazards. So always do strategic planning before installing an AC generator.

How long does a standby generator last?

A well-maintained standby generator can last approximately 10,000 to 30,000 hours (Mark Jackson, 2012). It also depends on the usage times because constant use of an appliance affects that facility’s performance.

So, as a calculated estimate, a standby generator can last from twenty to twenty-five years. This requires proper maintenance from time to time. Maintenance can cause the generator to work for a long time even when it works on full throttle.

Emphasize Again

The selection of the ideal place for your generator is critical for several reasons:

1. The location should meet the legal codes.
2. It should be good enough not to reduce the efficiency of the generator.
3. The workflow should not disturb you when you need power.

The ideal site for a diesel or gas generator streamlines the operations. If it enhances the functionality of the location, then it is a plus point. Installing a standby generator can increase the resale of your house (James, 2020).

But, like other electrical equipment, it requires careful occasional maintenance and cleaning. Maintenance adds value to life because it reinvigorates the machine from inside.

Likewise, proper placement ensures that you enjoy power supply facilities. You do this without harming your family’s health. The use of a concrete pad below the generator and the steps mentioned above can protect from harm.

So follow the guidelines for the placement of the standby generator. And make your life an easy one, free from severe aftereffects of negligence.

Conclusion

Selecting an ideal place for a standby generator is critical. Because you would never want to waste your money on a thing that can’t adjust with your surroundings. Proper research can go a long way in deciding a proper location for your standby generator.

A misplaced standby generator might disturb the workflow of your home or factory. So always have a thorough understanding of the workplace before buying a new generator. For this purpose, this article does the service of giving a fresh insight into the location of a standby generator.

If you follow the above-mentioned concerns, you’ll be able to keep the workflow streamlined. And you’ll be saved from unexpected hazards too. So follow the guidelines for the placement of the standby generator. And make your life an easy one and free from drastic aftereffects of negligence.

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