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Installation
and Maintenance of a Generator |
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Whether
the generator is portable or stationary the following
should be reviewed and understood.
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Standby generators are sophisticated electromechanical
devices that should only be installed by qualified
personnel. A generator installed incorrectly can cause
serious damage to you, your home, the utility company
and their personnel.
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The
first step in the installation process is to know and
understand the manufacture's requirements for installing
a particular generator. The next step is to find out if
thare any code requirements that need to be met. The
codes may be national, state and/or local. Utility
companies may also have requirements that need to be met
for the gas and electrical installation. Your insurance
company may also have requirements that have to be met.
A very important step is to select a qualified
installer.
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The actual installation starts with the physical
location of the generator. Most manufactures suggest a
location with minimum distances from combustibles,
windows, air conditions, gas meters etc. local codes may
further restrict the placement of the generator. The
location can also greatly effect the installation cost
of the unit by necessitating extremely long gas and/or
electric runs.
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For
a stationary unit powered by natural gas, elevated gas
pressure may be required and/ or a larger gas meter may
be necessary to supply the home’s total gas load
during a power outage. The gas connection to the
generator needs to be sized correctly in order to
deliver the proper amount of fuel to the generator. Many
installers are using the flexible gas piping systems.
These Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing systems (CSST)
needs to be installed by certified personnel in
accordance with the CSST manufactures requirements or
the CSST system may not be covered under their
warrantee.
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The
generator’s electrical connection to utility power and
to the system it is providing power to is vital to the
safety of the installation and its overall performance.
Some systems require a main disconnect switch and a
separate transfer switch. Other systems rely on a
transfer switch sub-panel combination. The point being,
Qualified people need to be doing the installation.
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As for generator maintenance, each manufacturer
specifies the maintenance steps that are required to
keep the unit performing at its best. In some cases the
generator owner can do maintenance. Maintenance
contracts are also available from the installer. In
either case general maintenance will be necessary to
insure reliable generator performance. |
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