Where should install standby generator – natural gas on one side of my house and breaker panel on the other?

3 Comments

1. robnrobn2000 says:

   March 10, 2010 at 12:13 am

   Put it in the back yard and you only have to run the wires half way.
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2. DEPLETED says:

   March 10, 2010 at 12:40 am

   I would put it close to the gas. Its easier to run electrical wires to other side of the house
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3. krbjmpr says:

   March 10, 2010 at 12:54 am

   You want to install the generator as close to the breaker box as practical. Though it is more difficult to run the gas line, you will not have a loss of power through the supply line. But, if you extend your electrical lines, you will be losing power in the wiring. You didn’t mention how big the generator was, but with it being standby and natural gas, I am betting on at least 15KW. You will lose some, not much, from the generator to transfer switch. If xfer switch is at generator, then you will lose it twice. The generator, by code, also has to be connected to the house grounding system as well. You can extend the ground (highly not recommended) to the generator ground, but that is big money too. 6ga. solid copper wire is typically used.

   But, locating by panel may not be best idea for a number or potential reasons. 1) If there are windows by where genset will go, then exhaust may enter open windows. 2) If a sleeping arrangement is near breaker panel, then noise (though most are pretty quiet, low drone may be heard at night). 3) If genset is near a door by the panel, then a possible escape route / exit may be restricted. 4) If there are other recreational areas nearby, then you may want to move the genset away, especially for pools and spas / hot tubs. 5) Consider you neighbor. The above scenario will apply if neighbor has windows, sleeping quarters, common exit routes, etc.

   You should also check into local ordinances as well. Many municipalities have restrictions on where they can go.

   But, here is a question for you concerning fuel for the generator. If there is a power outtage, you can bet that the compressors for the natural gas lines are going to be down as well, unless they are driven by natural gas engines. It usually isn’t very difficult converting a LP and NG generator back and forth if you have the parts and know how on how to do it before hand. In addition to NG, you might want to keep a spare cylinder of propane handy (at least 40#, good to start with 100#) and all the necessary items to do it with. Dedicated tools in a dedicated toolbox that also has the hoses and such needed to connect the tank to the generator. You should also practice doing the conversion before hand and be proficient at it. This can also solve your natural gas problem. Propane stores indefinitely, it doesn’t go bad, though it will leak if lines or cylinder/tank rust or develop holes.

   There are 1.74 million BTUs contained in a full 100# propane cylinder. Divide the LP BTU/hr input into this number to get the approx. # of hours your generator will run on a single cylinder.

   Also, most areas don’t regulate propane cylinders, only tanks. So, you may be able to keep a couple of tanks on hand and nobody will be the wiser.
   References :
   Certified Generac Guardian Technician