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Requirements for non-emergency and non-legally required NG generator

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EnergyProfessional

Mechanical
Jan 20, 2010
1,279
I have a project that requires an NG generator ~100 kW. this is pure convenience so they can operate during outages. It won't run any life-safety or other required equipment. It seems NEC 702 calls them "optional Standby systems"
I plan to locate it in a room where the electric service is, with the boilers and possibly water service.

There is a long list of requirements for legally required generators, but I haven't found anything for my case. My thought is I don't need to protect this generator from fire, since it doesn't help me in a case of fire. On the other hand it itself could cause a hazard to my other equipment (E-service, boilers).

NFPA 37 4.1.2.1.1. requires engines to be in a 1-hour room. But it doesn't say if other equipment can be in that room, or if it needs to be in a separate room. I could make my entire boiler-Electrical room be 1-hour. Currently there is no other requirement for me to make that rated. and it also doesn't say at what point an engine room is required.

The entire building including that room will be sprinklered. The space surrounding that room is S-2. Could I hypothetically locate the generator in the S-2 area? That is a vehicle garage. And with NG I don't have on-site fuel tanks to worry about.

We are governed by IFC 2012 (and the NFPAs it references), and IBC. I couldn't find anything relating to my situation.
 
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HerrKaLeun:

You might want to check the Fuel Gas Code. I believe there are restrictions on installing gas appliances in garages. Also, NFPA-88 covers parking garages and there may be additional restrictions in that code. Sorry, I don't have copies of those so I can't give you chapter & verse. A great resource is the
publication "T-030: Liquid-Cooled Generator Set Application Manual" from Cummins Power Generation. Lots of good info.

Regards,

DB
 
DBronson: thanks for the reply. sorry i haven't replied, i was in limbo with JHA and didn't want to post before I know better.

JHA wasn't concerned about other equipment in that 1-hour room. but also referred to electrical JHA if the main panel can be in there.
this all became a bit obsolete over time since it was decided to have the generator outside. So I never really found out for sure, but don't have a problem anymore.
 
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