Requirements and Standards for Installing a Diesel Generator

A diesel generator provides independence from the city network and it can serve for many years, consuming diesel fuel economically.

The diesel power generator is used both as a reserve and as the main source of electricity. The second case is especially relevant in construction sites, when electricity is needed, and wiring is a very long and difficult process. In this case, a diesel generator is used.

Also, this equipment is useful for large private homes, offices, shops and hospitals when stationary electricity is turned off. But if it is a large enterprise, a factory or other large facilities where it is not possible to connect to the power grid, generators are often used as a permanent source that can work for 24 hours.

Currently, you can use different diesel generator financing options that are available in the market, to get the generator that fits your home or business needs.

You can install a backup or stationary diesel power source both on the street and in any building, following the installation rules.

In this article, we’ll discuss what to look for when installing a diesel generator, what rules and regulations must be observed. Having received this information, you can correctly install a diesel-powered unit. There is nothing particularly complicated in this process, you just need to follow the steps that are listed below. The most important of them is the choice, preparation of the place, the basis for the generator.

How to prepare the site

When choosing a site, it is necessary to take into account all the conditions so that the installation of diesel generators is correct, without any violations.

Site selection rules:

• If this is a closed room, it is necessary to install a ventilation system, both for fresh air intake and for heat removal;
• In case an open-type station is installed, care must be taken to protect it from precipitation and direct sunlight (which can adversely affect its operation);
• The installation site must have good lighting (light can be natural, electric, or artificial);
• The area around diesel generators must be made free in order to be able to service or repair certain parts (the indent should be at least 1 meter along the perimeter, 1.5 meters must be retreated from above);
• If the installation is carried out in a building or if you install a generator on roof, there should be a lot of free space around the unit in order to be able to walk near the generator without problems, it is easy to take it out for repair or replacement;
• The generator must be installed on a flat, without holes and dents, base;
• During installation, it is also necessary to take care to protect the unit from the ingress of debris, dirt, chemicals;
• Installing a diesel generator indoors also requires controlling the room air temperature;
• When installing diesel units, it is necessary to prevent the possibility of fire, follow sanitary standards;
• If you want to run a cable, first of all you need to make holes for its passage;
• In buildings of various types, there should not be many people on the street, it is necessary to protect the unit from strangers;
• When installing the generator on the street, for example, in a crowded place, special “enclosure stations” are used, which significantly reduce the noise level and make it comfortable for people to be nearby.

Other rules for installing diesel generators

In addition to site selection, there are other norms for installing a diesel generator:

• Foundation preparation;
• Supply of the generator with a vibration isolator;
• Designing ventilation to absorb moisture;
• Exhaust system.

Installing a diesel generator outdoors requires a level, perfect foundation. This is exactly the pillow made of reinforced concrete with a depth that will be at least 15-20 cm. The dimensions of the foundation must match the dimensions of the generator, that is, it is necessary that the base for the generator be the same as the dimensions of the station itself. Such a foundation will prevent the generator from sinking and vibrations from spreading. It is necessary that the embankment (earth or floor), which will be located under the foundation, be able to withstand the base structure and the generator itself.

Installation of the generator is quite easy. The diesel generator set is brought to the site assembled. The engine and the generator itself are placed on the same axis on a frame made of durable metal. This installation is fixed on a pre-prepared basis – the foundation.

The next step is to equip the generator with vibration isolation. Since the generator is noisy, it emits a lot of vibrations, the unit is equipped with shock absorbers. In low-power installations, shock absorbers are located between the engine, generator and frame (a metal frame on which the engine and the generator itself are located). For larger units, the shock absorber is installed separately from the engine, since the engine and generator are firmly fixed. To prevent the generator from moving during the installation of vibration isolation, it must be securely attached to the base.

The generator generates a lot of heat during operation, due to which the temperature of the room air rises. High temperatures adversely affect the operation of the unit. To prevent the accumulation of heat in the room, it is necessary to install ventilation, and it must be installed in such a way that cold air passes through the generator, along the engine, thus expelling warm air through the duct.

The exhaust system is installed for two reasons: to remove exhaust gasses, the second reason is to reduce noise with a special muffler. The requirements for installing an exhaust system are simple: no sharp turns or random movements, the diameter of the system must correspond to the maximum allowable back pressure, which reduces power output. Due to the incorrectly selected diameter of the system, the generator can quickly fail or start using a lot of fuel, which is not beneficial for the owners of the generator.

As you can see, for the correct installation of diesel generators, it is advisable to contact specialists who will perform the work at the best level, taking into account all design standards.