It’s never pleasant to have your electricity go out at home. If there is a snowstorm, you must find a method to stay warm. If it’s summer, you’ll need to figure out how to prevent your food from rotting in the refrigerator and freezer. Most power outages stay just a few hours, but they may sometimes last a day or more.
How Far Can a Standby Generator be From the House? The majority of standby generators are enclosed, which significantly lowers noise levels. You should place Standby generators between the gas and electricity meters as per OSHA standards; at least 18 inches away from home and 5 feet away from doors and windows.
Why Generator Placement Is Important?
Few years ago while living about an hour’s drive south of Kansas City, I enjoyed peaceful and serene environment. The only issue was that when the electricity went off, it lasted at least a day. The problem got worse during the ice storm and was forced to live without power for about four days. Such a problem could have easily been solved by a standby generator
Standby Generators
Regulations and Requirements for Your Standby Generator Placement
Standby backup generators despite being more expensive compared to the portable generators, have more advantages such as turning on automatically after power outages, not requiring regular refilling, and being safer to use. A standby generator is connected to a home’s electrical system and will automatically switch on if the power goes out.
It runs for many days or even weeks without refilling since it is powered by natural gas straight from a home’s gas line. The majority of standby generators are enclosed, which significantly lowers noise levels. Standby generators should be placed between the gas and electricity meters as per OSHA standards; at least 18 inches away from home and 5 feet away from doors and windows.
How Far Can A Standby Generator Be From The House
1. Fuel supply
Your standby generator should never be too far from the gas meter. Remember that an additional pipe will be required if your generator is located distant from your gas meter.
You’ll have to spend more money on supplies and labor as a result of this. However, if it is close to your gas meter, you will save money. Aside from that, the gas supply will remain consistent.
2. The direction in which it exhales
Carbon monoxide is emitted by standby generators, which is harmful to human health. As a result, you should place your generator such that the exhaust does not face your house. Ideally, experts’ advice that, standby generators should be oppositely positioned on your home to enhance safety measures.
3. Noise
First and foremost, it is essential to choose a generator with a low noise level; nevertheless, the closer your generator is to your home, the louder it will be. So, to save money on installation, don’t put it too far away, and don’t put it too close to minimize noise.
4. Codes of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
You must examine the codes and ensure that your generator installation complies with them.
5. Local Codes
Each city and county has its own set of rules and laws regarding installing backup generators. Permission may be required in specific locations before a generator may be built. You don’t want to be penalized for failing to obey the rules.
6. Manufacturer’s requirements
Finally, you must adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications.
What is a Safe Distance?
It is often important to place your generator at least five feet away from the house as recommended by most experts. The carbon monoxide emitted by the generator should be redirected from invading your home by placing it at least twenty feet away and their exhaust directed away from the house.
While standby generators may not need as much space, the danger of exhaust should still be considered. Place the generator away from any awnings, overhangs, or other structures that may trap emissions. Before positioning the generator’s exhaust you need to consider the direction of the wind such that the exhaust will blow away from the wind.
In addition to the five foot guideline you should always ensure that the generator is at least three feet way from any nearby combustible materials. This is to avoid any unintentional ignition or fire. Anything flammable can ignite if it is too near.
The generator should be positioned near your home’s electrical board and your propane or natural gas line, which is the last point to make. Both maintenance and installation processes are simplified.
Regular Maintaining Tips For Standby Generators
1. Ensure that the oil is changed regularly
Your standby generator’s engine oil should be changed regularly. This is because if the oil sits for too long, its viscosity will deteriorate, and its lubricating properties will be compromised.
If the oil has lost its lubricating capacity, there will be more significant wear and tear on the generator’s components. Its lifetime may be shortened as a result of this.
2. Empty the generator tank and clean it.
It’s also a good idea to empty and clean the generator’s tank at least once a month. Clean and reliable fuel improves and maintains your generator in top shape.
3. At least Test Your Standby Generator on Monthly basis
You won’t have a reason to activate your generator if there isn’t a power outage in your area. Inactivity, on the other hand, gradually kills its constituents. This is why, whether or not there is a power outage, you must use your generator at least once a month.
Conclusion
Buying, locating, and installing a standby generator is a time-consuming process. Thus it’s critical to hire experts for guidance during installation processes. While the principles I stated above are generally accepted as the norm, it’s essential to remember that local laws and regulations may differ throughout the country.
And even internationally. When laying up the utility propane/natural gas lines, you may run into regulatory issues especially if you are not familiar with the local municipal or state regulations. You can guarantee that you follow all appropriate rules and regulations by speaking with a generator dealership professional.
You will not have to spend any more money than necessary by repeating the job to comply. If you’re serious about obtaining a backup system, you should also consider setting it up correctly.
