Battery Requirements - Generac Guardian Serie Manuel Du Propriétaire

Figure 1.9 – Generator Clearances
1.11.2 NEW INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR
STATIONARY AIR-COOLED 8, 10, 12, 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
Carrier enclosure would not ignite combustible materials outside
the enclosure.
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 Carrier enclosure
is constructed 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.
Section 1 — General Information
Air-cooled Generators
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.
1.11.3 TRANSFER SWITCH ( if included)
1.11.3.1 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 20kW Units
(if equipped)
The transfer switch that may have shipped inside the carton with
the 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 or 17kW generator is enclosed in a NEMA
1 (indoor rated only) enclosure. The transfer switch that may
have shipped with the 20kW generator is enclosed in a NEMA 3R
(indoor/outdoor rated) enclosure.
• Install the transfer switch indoors on a firm, sturdy supporting
structure.
• To prevent switch distortion, level the switch if necessary. This
can be done by placing washers between the switch enclosure
and mounting surface.
• Never install the switch where water or any corrosive substance
might drip onto the enclosure.
• Protect the switch at all times against excessive moisture, dust,
dirt, lint, construction grit and corrosive vapors.
 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, spark-
ing can occur at the battery posts and cause an
explosion.

1.12 BATTERY REQUIREMENTS

See the Specifications section for correct battery size and rating.
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