Carbon monoxide kills - and generators produce carbon monoxide. Adopted safety codes provide minimum safe distances when installing generators. Engine exhaust must be a minimum of 5 feet from a building opening and should always be directed away from any opening, regardless of the separation distance. Keep in mind that the exhaust capacity may call for an increase in this distance, so manufacturer’s instructions in this matter must be followed.

Improper regulator installation is causing many generator engines to “burn up” early in the process. This is due primarily to regulators that are installed too far from the equipment and improper fuel line sizing. A regulator installed too far from the generator causes a pressure drop at the engine on start up, causing the valves to “burn up” by starving the engine for fuel. This may not happen in the first few test cycles, but after several months, the generator will begin to show the effects of this improper installation.

Regulator venting is another issue of concern. The point of discharge for a regulator relief must be a minimum of 3 feet horizontally away from any building opening below the level of discharge. The discharge must be a minimum of 5 ft. from the generator, any other source of ignition (pool pilots and air conditioning units) and away from air intakes or openings into direct-vent appliances. Regulator venting should be installed in a manner that facilitates the dispersal of any gas that may be trapped in the vent piping. Warning: Terminating or running regulator vent piping underground can prevent the regulator from operating properly and can cause flammable vapors to accumulate, resulting in fire or explosion.

Pipe used to vent regulators must be approved. PVC may not be used unless it meets the requirements of UL 651, Schedule 40 or 80 Rigid PVC Conduit. Other PVC materials and polyethylene and polyamide piping and tubing cannot be used.

Companies delivering gas to multiple generator sites - such as cell phone towers - should pay special attention to the location of the generators; test/maintenance cycles; and conditions which would inhibit ventilation in the area during delivery. Filling containers serving a generator at a site where other generators are co-located creates a hazardous situation due to the potential for other generators to cycle on while you are filling the container. Even if equipment is properly installed and distance requirements are observed, weather conditions or other factors can effect the dispersal of product in the area when filling. Remind delivery technicians to be observant and be safe.

Generators must be installed in accordance with applicable safety codes. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes that deal directly with gas generators are as follows:

This code covers installation, maintenance, operation and testing requirements for emergency power supply systems, and references the following codes:

These codes can be obtained from the National Fire Protection Association at 1/800-334-3555. Installers should also check with local jurisdictions for more stringent requirements.

The Bureau of LP Gas Inspection strongly recommends companies engaged in generator sales, service and installation consult with the manufacturers of the products as well as these codes in order to provide a safe product to your customers.

Persons who install gas powered generators must be licensed. If you are a contractor who arranges for licensed companies to perform the gas portion of the installation, please make sure they are properly licensed and insured. A copy of their license is required to be presented upon request. If you have any questions about a particular company, our office will be glad to verify any license by phone. We can be contacted at 850/921-8001, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

A licensed electrician must perform any electrical work associated with the generator installation. IMPORTANT: No one - other than a Residential, Building or General Contractor - may subcontract this work. If you install generators and you are NOT Residential, Building or General Contractor, you should advise your customers to make arrangements for the electrical work directly with a licensed electrician.

If you have any questions about the information contained in this bulletin, or if our office may be of assistance in any other matter, please feel free to contact us.

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