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NFPA standards that must be taken into consideration include NFPA 110
(generators), NFPA 70 (electrical systems), NFPA 13 (sprinklers), NFPA 30 (fuel
storage), NFPA 37 (stationary engines), and NFPA 54 (fuel gas code). In
addition, EPA has established four tiers of emissions requirements for
generators, dividing them by horsepower. Tier 4, the most restrictive level,
covers the largest generators. For some building types, the generator may be
required to have a UL 2200 listing.
When the documentation is complete, an engineer can size the generator and
transfer switches. This sizing will indicate the electrical and physical
requirements, which in turn affect the location of the generator.
panels for the emergency system, generator rooms must have a two-hour fire
rating and may need a sprinkler system. Indoor generators can also cause
special noise and vibration problems.
Placing a generator on the roof or in a penthouse can be particularly
advantageous in areas prone to flooding. A penthouse also keeps the unit at
starting temperature in cold climates. However, height can amplify vibration,
and the costs of meeting structural requirements should not be overlooked.
Although the biggest source of noise from a generator is exhaust, the engine
block and the air intake/relief also contribute to the problem. An improved
muffler or silencer can keep exhaust noise to a minimum, but that does not
eliminate the engine noise or the noise from the radiator fan.
Another thing to keep in mind is that noise does not emanate from a generator
in all directions equally. Manufacturers of sound-attenuating enclosures provide
data to help orient a generator for maximum noise control.
Remote radiators permit heat to be removed from a tight location or an indoor
unit without having large air ducts or chases, which carry sound. Soundattenuating enclosures for outdoor units use scoops at the air intake and outlet
to direct noise up or down.
All generators produce vibration. Outdoor units do not affect the building much,
but the vibration of indoor units can cause problems for medical imaging, laser
surgery, delicate manufacturing processes and overall occupant satisfaction.
Vibration isolation is used on most generators, but indoor units must do more.
The structure around the generator must be designed with the generators
vibration and weight in mind. For instance, structural steel in a standard
building will transmit vibration from a heavy generator quite well. Therefore, the
vibration isolator should be a premium-grade unit.
Of course, the project wont be a success if the generator isnt used and
maintained properly, and making sure those things happen is step six. The user
interface, maintenance and emergency response plan are critical. So is training:
The operation of the generator annunciator may not be intuitive to the person
who monitors it, but some may not even know that it is related to the
generator. The location of the emergency shutoff button needs to be clearly
marked, and signage needs to be clearly placed for responding firefighters.
Diesel units require a plan for emergency fueling a five-gallon gas can will not
do when the generator consumes 10 gallons per hour.
In addition, relevant information should be documented in clear language and
archived for future reference. This information includes user manuals,
procedures, maintenance schedules and instructions, as well as information
about what systems the generator is intended to cover.
A generator is a big investment in terms of both time and money. And its an
investment that will be part of the facility for the next 20 years. Understanding
the process of generator selection and carefully considering all the issues will
help ensure that the organization makes an investment its happy to live with
and one that might save lives some day.