Annex A - Explanatory Material; Battery Requirements; Battery Installation - Generac Power Systems 8kW Manuel D'entretien

• The generator is typically placed on pea gravel or crushed
stone. Check local codes if a concrete slab is required. If a
concrete base slab is required, all federal, state and local codes
should be followed. Special attention should be given to the
concrete base slab which should exceed the length and width
of the generator by a minimum of six (6) inches (0.152 meters)
on all sides.
Figure 1.9 – Generator Clearances
1.11.2 INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR STATIONARY
STATIONARY AIR-COOLED 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17
AND 20 KW GENERATORS
The National Fire Protection Association has a standard for the
installation and use of stationary combustion engines. That
standard is NFPA 37 and its requirements limit the spacing of an
enclosed generator set from a structure or wall (Figure 1.10).
NFPA 37, Section 4.1.4, Engines Located Outdoors. Engines, and
their weatherproof housings if provided, that are installed outdoors
shall be located at least 5 ft. from openings in walls and at least 5
ft. 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 rating
of at least 1 hour.
2. The weatherproof enclosure is constructed of noncombus-
tible materials and it has been demonstrated that a fire within
the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the
enclosure.
Annex A — Explanatory Material
A4.1.4 (2) Means of demonstrating compliance are by means
of full scale fire test or by calculation procedures.
Because of the limited spaces that are frequently available for
installation, it has become apparent that exception (2) would be
beneficial for many residential and commercial installations. With
that in mind, the manufacturer contracted with an independent
testing laboratory to run full scale fire tests to assure that the
enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclo-
sure.
The criteria was to determine the worst case fire scenario within
the generator and to determine the ignitability of items outside the
engine enclosure at various distances. The enclosure is construct-
ed of non-combustible materials and the results and conclusions
from the independent testing lab indicated that any fire within the
generator enclosure would not pose any ignition risk to nearby
combustibles or structures, with or without fire service personnel
response.
Based on this testing and the requirements of NFPA 37, Sec 4.1.4,
the guidelines for installation of the generators listed above are
changed to 18 inches (457mm) from the back side of the genera-
tor to a stationary wall or building. For adequate maintenance and
airflow clearance, the area above the generator should be at least
4 feet with a minimum of 3 feet at the front and ends of the enclo-
sure. This would include trees, shrubs and vegetation that could
obstruct airflow. See the diagram on the reverse of this page and
the installation drawing within the owner's manual for details.
Generator exhaust contains DEADLY carbon monoxide gas. This
dangerous gas can cause unconsciousness or death. Do not place
the unit near windows, doors, fresh air intakes (furnaces, etc.) or
any openings in the building or structure, including windows and
doors of an attached garage.

 If the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch is not set
to its OFF position, the generator can crank
and start as soon as the battery cables are
connected. If the utility power supply is not
turned off, sparking can occur at the battery
posts and cause an explosion.

1.12 BATTERY REQUIREMENTS

See the Specifications section for correct battery size and rating.

1.13 BATTERY INSTALLATION

Fill the battery with the proper electrolyte fluid if necessary and
have the battery fully charged before installing it.
Before installing and connecting the battery, complete the follow-
ing steps:
1. Set the generator's AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch to OFF.
2. Turn off utility power supply to the transfer switch.
3. Remove the 7.5A fuse from the generator control panel.
Battery cables were factory connected at the generator (Figure
1.11). Connect cables to battery posts as follows:
4. Connect the red battery cable (from starter contactor) to the
battery post indicated by a positive, POS or (+).
5. Connect the black battery cable (from frame ground) to the
battery post indicated by a negative, NEG or (—).
6. Install the battery post covers (included).
Dielectric grease should be used on battery posts to aid in the
prevention of corrosion.
Damage will result if battery connections are made in reverse.
General Information
NOTE:
NOTE:
11