SECTION 3 - Mounting

A concrete foundation with anchored mounting bolts, is recommended. Steel Beams are an acceptable alternative. Foundations help in the servicing and repair of Gen-Set's and protect the unit from moisture that could occur from seepage. The concrete base that the generator is mounted to should be separate and independent from the surrounding structure.

The following applies to concrete bases:

• A Single (See Figure 1)or Double (See Figure 2) pedestal base may be used. A height of at least 6 inches higher than floor level is recommended.

• A double pedestal base allows easier cleaning under most generator's.

• Double pedestals provide better access for inspecting for oil or fuel tank leaks.

• The generator should be retained to the pedestal base with fasteners that are recommended by the generator set manufacturer.

• The concrete base should extend beyond the generator's "Footprint" by at least 12 Inches (305 mm) on all sides.

• The higher the mounting base is made, the easier the unit will be to work on when performing maintenance, service, or repairs. Typically bases are required to be raised at least 6 inches (153 mm) above floor level. Placing the unit higher than 6 inches sometimes has the advantage of making it easier to change the unit's oil.

• Passing fuel lines and electrical conduit for a "stub-up" through the concrete base is a standard practice of gen-set installers.

• Concrete foundations are typically mixed by volume. The typical ratio of cement, sand, and aggregate is 1:2:3 with a maximum 4 inch (102 mm) slump and 28 day compressive strength of 2500 psi (173 kPa).

• A generator can typically be mounted to a combustible floor or roof, dependent upon code, however, the surface beneath the engine and beyond the engine to a minimum distance of 12 inches (305 mm) must be covered with a non combustible insulation and a minimum of 24 gage sheet metal between the insulation and the generator. See Figure 3.
  
  

• Optional vibration isolators beyond those already built in the generator also help reduce transmitted noise, however, it is recommended that one verify that the generator manufacturer recommends the use of an isolator.

• Insulation must be a non-combustible material, typically a Fiberglas mat.

Go to Section 4

Tips on Hooking up a Generator (genset) to a Uninterruptible Power System (UPS)