Where Should My Backup Generator Be Placed Outside Of My Home?
One common question we encounter when our customers are considering investing in a home backup generator is, “In what location should the generator be installed outside of my home?”. There are several factors that need to be considered when deciding where an automatic standby generator should be placed, all of which will be brought into consideration by your generator technician before the installation is started. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the factors that contribute to the decision of where your generator should be installed outside of your home! If you have any questions about automatic standby generators or are considering investing in one for your home in Massachusetts, contact our team at RCA Electric & Generators today by calling us at (508) 428-0449!
Local Codes & Regulations
Some of the biggest factors that need to be considered when deciding on where a generator should be placed outside a home are the codes and regulations in the local municipality. One example of a regulation that may impact where your generator can be placed is the distance that is required between the generator and the home or other structures. A generator ALWAYS needs to be AT LEAST 5 feet from any type of fresh air openings, i.e., doors, windows, dryer vents, etc. A safe distance between the generator and your home will allow for proper ventilation, mitigate fire risks, and ensure that exhaust does not enter the house.
Home Fuel Source
Another factor to consider when deciding where to install an automatic standby generator is the fuel source that will be used to power the generator. Typically, automatic standby generators are either run by natural gas or liquid propane. Whichever is currently available at your home will usually determine the generator’s fuel source. This plays a part in determining where the generator needs to be installed because it needs to be within reach of a natural gas line or liquid propane tank. When installing the generator to natural gas, it is important to connect the generator with a direct line to the gas meter so that it has a dedicated fuel line. When installing the generator to propane, you need to consider that the generator HAS to be at least 10 feet from the propane fuel source.
Accessibility During Storms
The next factor that needs to be considered when determining the placement of an automatic standby generator is the location’s accessibility during storms, especially for homes in climates like New England that get a lot of snow during the wintertime. Being able to easily access your generator during a power outage from a snowstorm is essential to make sure it is properly ventilated and working properly. You also want your generator to be in a convenient location for its annual or semi-annual maintenance!
Aesthetics
One of the final factors to consider when deciding on where your generator should be installed is the aesthetics of your home. While this factor is not as important for practical reasons as the other factors listed above, it’s still important for your personal preferences to consider how the generator looks outside your home. Some homeowners don’t mind having their backup generator out in the open, while others prefer to hide their generators behind sheds or landscaping.
Contact RCA Electric & Generators!
If you have any additional questions about automatic standby generators, please don’t hesitate to contact us! RCA Electric & Generators proudly provides sales, installation, and maintenance services for Generac automatic standby generators throughout Southeastern Massachusetts & Cape Cod! Contact us today by giving us a call at (508) 428-0449 or by filling out the contact form on our website!