Generac Power Systems OG 2697 User Manual
Air-Cooled Generators
Distributed Load Center Transfer Switch
GENERATOR
INSTALLATION
GUIDELINES
OG 2697
1
Study the SAFETY RULES in the Owner’s
Manual carefully before installing,
operating or servicing any equipment. Use
this guide ONLY in conjunction with the
Owner’s Manual and Installation Guide
shipped with the generator. The generator
can operate safely, efciently and reliably
only if it is properly installed, operated
and maintained.
The manufacturer cannot anticipate every
possible circumstance that might involve a
hazard. The warnings in this manual, and on
tags and decals afxed to the unit are,
therefore, not all-inclusive.
Despite the safe design of this generator,
operating this equipment imprudently,
neglecting its maintenance or being careless
can cause possible injury or death.
Permit only responsible and capable persons
to install, operate or maintain this equipment.
Potentially lethal voltages are generated by
these machines. Ensure all steps are taken to
render the machine safe before attempting to
work on the generator.
General Hazards
For safety reasons, the manufacturer
recommends that this equipment be
installed, serviced and repaired by
your local dealer or other competent, qualied
electrician or installation technician who is
familiar with applicable codes, standards and
regulations. The operator also must comply
with all such codes, standards and regulations.
Installation, operation, servicing and repair
of this (and related) equipment must always
comply with applicable codes, standards, laws
and regulations. Adhere strictly to local, state
and national electrical and building codes.
Comply with regulations the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
has established. Also, ensure that the genera
tor
is installed, operated and serviced in ac
cordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions and
recommendations. Following installation, do
nothing that might render the unit unsafe or
in non-compliance with the aforementioned
codes, standards, laws and regulations.
Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon
monoxide gas, which can be DEADLY.
This dangerous gas, if breathed in sufcient
concentrations, can cause unconsciousness
or even death. For that reason, adequate
ventilation must be provided. Exhaust gases
must be piped safely away from any build
ing or
enclosure that houses the generator to
an area where people, animals, etc., will not
be harmed.
This booklet and the accompanying video are designed to familiarize you with the installation
process for your air-cooled generator. Neither this booklet nor the accompanying video
replace or supersede any information contained in any of the written documents shipped with
your equipment. This booklet should only be used in conjunction with the Owner’s Manual,
Installation Guide and other technical documents shipped with your equipment.
Future product updates and/or modications will be reected in the written documentation
included with your equipment. Always read all accompanying documentation
carefully before attempting to install any generator, transfer switch or related equipment.
It is essential to comply with all regulations established by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and strict adherence to all local, state and national codes is mandatory.
2
This exhaust system must be installed
properly, in strict compliance with applicable
codes and standards.
Keep hands, feet, clothing, etc., away from
drive belts, fans and other moving or hot
parts. Never remove any drive belt or fan
guard while the unit is operating.
Adequate, unobstructed ow of cooling and
ventilating air is critical to prevent buildup of
explosive gases and to ensure correct
generator operation. Do not alter the
installation or permit even partial blockage of
ventilation provisions, as this can seriously
affect safe operation of the generator.
Keep the area around the generator clean and
uncluttered. Remove any materials that could
become hazardous.
When working on this equipment,
remain alert at all times. Never work
on the equipment when physically or
mentally fatigued.
Generator Installation
These generators are air-cooled, engine-
driven generator sets designed to supply
electric power that operates critical
electrical loads during utility power
failure. Your generator was factory-installed
in a weather resistant, all metal enclosure and
are intended for outdoor installation only.
Before Installation
The generator’s rated wattage/amperage
capacity must be adequate to handle all
electrical loads that the unit will power. The
critical (essential) loads may need to be
grouped together and wired into a separate
“emergency” distribution panel.
Connecting this generator to an electrical
system, normally supplied by an electric
utility, shall be by means of a transfer switch,
to isolate the electrical system from the
utility
distribution system when the generator is
operating. Failure to isolate the electrical
system by these means will result in damage
to the generator and may also result in injury
or death to utility workers due to backfeed of
electric energy.
If an open bottom is used, the engine-genera
tor
is to be installed over non-combustible
materials and should be located such that
combustible materials are not capable of
accumulating under the generator set.
Only qualied, competent installation
contractors or electricians thoroughly familiar
with applicable codes, standards and
regulations should install this standby electric
power system. The installation must comply
strictly with all codes, standards and
regulations pertaining to the installation.
After the system has been installed,
do nothing that might render the
installation in non-compliance with such
codes, standards and regulations.
NFPA Standards
The following published standards
booklets pertaining to standby electrical
systems are available from the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA), Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269:
NFPA 37, STATIONARY
COMBUSTION ENGINES AND
GAS TURBINES
NFPA 54, NATIONAL FUEL
GAS CODE
NFPA 58, LIQUIFIED
PETROLEUM GAS CODE
NFPA 70, NATIONAL ELECTRIC
CODE (NEC)
NFPA 99, STANDARD FOR HEALTH
CARE FACILITIES
3
NFPA 101, LIFE SAFETY CODE
NFPA 110, STANDARD FOR
EMERGENCY AND STANDBY
POWER SYSTEMS
NFPA 220, STANDARD TYPES OF
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
NOTE:
It is essential to use the latest version of any
standard to ensure that the generator and its
accessories comply with all the applicable
standards and local codes.
Other Published Standards
In addition to NFPA standards, the
following information pertaining to the
installation and use of standby electric
systems is available:
Article X, NATIONAL BUILDING CODE,
available from the American Insurance
Association, 85 John Street, New York,
NY 10038.
AGRICULTURAL WIRING
HANDBOOK, obtainable from the Food
and Energy Council, 909 University
Avenue, Columbia, MO 65201.
ASAE EP-364.2, INSTALLATION
AND MAINTENANCE OF FARM
STANDBY ELECTRIC POWER,
available from the American Society of
Agricultural Engineers, 2950 Niles Road,
St. Joseph, MI 49085.
A52.1, AMERICAN NATIONAL
STANDARDS FOR CHIMNEYS,
FIREPLACES AND VENTING
SYSTEMS, available from the American
National Standards Institute, 1430
Broadway, New York, NY 10018.
The installer must comply with all
applicable state and local codes.
Grounding the Generator
A grounding lug is provided on the generator
mounting base for the purpose of ground
ing the
frame and the external electrically conductive
parts of this equipment to an approved earth
ground and/or grounding rods where required
by the National Electrical Code. Grounding
procedures must meet local regulations.
Battery Installation
Standby generators installed with automatic
transfer switches will crank and start
automatically when NORMAL (UTILITY)
source voltage is removed or is below an
acceptable preset level. To prevent such
automatic start-up and possible injury to
personnel, do not connect battery cables
until certain that normal source voltage at the
transfer switch is correct and the system is
ready to be placed into operation.
Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen
gas. This gas can form an explosive mixture
around the battery for several hours after
charging. The slightest spark can ignite the
gas and cause an explosion. Such an
explosion can shatter the battery and cause
blindness or other injury. Any area that houses
a storage battery must be properly ventilated.
Do not allow smoking, open ame, sparks or
any spark producing tools or equipment near
the battery.
Battery electrolyte uid is an extremely
caustic sulfuric acid solution that can cause
severe burns. Do not permit uid to contact
eyes, skin, clothing, painted surfaces, etc.
Wear protective goggles, protective clothing
and gloves when handling a battery. If uid
is spilled, ush the affected area immediately
with clear water.
Do not dispose of the battery in a re. The
battery is capable of exploding.
4
Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released
electrolyte can be toxic and harmful to the
skin and eyes.
The battery represents a risk of high
short-circuit current. When working on the
battery, always remove watches, rings or
other metal objects, and only use tools that
have insulated handles.
Vented Batteries
The electrolyte is a diluted sulfuric acid
that is harmful to the skin and eyes. It is
electrically conductive and corrosive. The
following procedures are to be observed:
Wear full eye protection and
protective clothing.
If electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it
off immediately with water.
If electrolyte contacts the eyes, ush
thoroughly and immediately with water
and seek medical attention.
Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down
with an acid-neutralizing agent. A common
practice is to use a solution of one pound
(500 grams) bicarbonate of soda to one gallon
(4 liters) of water. The bicarbonate of soda
solution is to be added until the evidence
of reaction (foaming) has ceased. The
resulting liquid is to be ushed with water
and the area dried.
Lead acid batteries present a risk of re
because they generate hydrogen gas. The
following procedures are to be followed:
DO NOT SMOKE when near batteries.
DO NOT cause ame or spark in battery area.
Discharge static electricity from body
before touching batteries by rst touching a
grounded metal surface.
Servicing of batteries is to be performed or
supervised by personnel knowledgeable of
batteries and the required precautions. Keep
unauthorized personnel away from batteries.
For recommended batteries, see the
Installation Guide. All batteries must be at
100 percent state of charge before they are
installed on the generator.
When using maintenance-free batteries, it is
not necessary to check the specic gravity
or electrolyte level. Have these procedures
performed at the intervals specied in the
“Maintenance” section in the Owner’s
Manual. A negative ground system is used.
Battery connections are shown on the wiring
diagrams. Make sure all batteries are correctly
connected and terminals are tight. Observe
battery polarity when connecting batteries to
the generator set.
NOTE:
Damage could result if the battery
connections are made in reverse.
5
Locate the mounting pad as close as possible to
the transfer switch and fuel supply.
Leave adequate room around the pad for
service access (check local code) and place
the pad high enough to keep rising water from
reaching the generator.
Choose an open space that will provide
adequate and unobstructed airow.
Place the unit so air vents won’t become
clogged with leaves, grass, snow or debris.
Make sure exhaust fumes will not enter the
building through eaves, windows, ventilation
fans or other air intakes.
Dig a rectangular area approximately ve
inches deep and about six inches longer and
wider than the footprint of the generator. Cover
with polyurethane lm and ll with pea gravel
or crushed stone. Compact and level the stone.
Inspect the generator for shipping damage and,
if necessary, le a claim with the shipper.
Remove the bolts holding the generator base
frame to the wooden pallet.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Carefully read and follow all of the procedures and safety precautions detailed in the installation
guide. If you do not completely understand any portion of the installation manual, technical manual
or other factory-supplied documents, contact an authorized dealer for assistance.
Fully comply with all relevant NEC, NFPA and OSHA standards as well as all federal, state and
local building and electric codes. As with any generator, this unit must be installed in accordance
with current NFPA 37 and NFPA 70 standards as well as any other federal, state, and local codes for
minimum distances from other structures.
Contact the local inspector or city hall to make sure you are aware of all state and local codes and
regulations that could impact installation. Secure all required permits before starting the job.
Site Preparation & Generator Placement
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