Generator Installation Plan Sets for Installers
Industrial Generator Plan Sets Done Right
Industrial generators are commonly used as both primary and secondary energy sources for a variety of industries and purposes. At Avila Solar, we offer professional industrial generator plan sets to help you get the job done right the first time. In this article, we’ll look at the three different types of industrial generator installation and how to select a site for your generator.
3 Generator Plan Types
We offer plan sets for three different types of industrial generators:
Permanent Enclosed
Permanent enclosed generators are enclosed in their housing and installed in a designated area for a long period. Since they are enclosed and require a lot of space, they are installed outdoors.
Site Planning
To properly plan the site, it’s helpful to create a diagram of the generator and any supporting systems. All manufacturer, local, state, and federal guidelines must be met, as well as some practical considerations.
For example, the generator must be placed in such a way that there is adequate clearance between the building and the generator fuel supply for maintenance tasks to be performed. The fuel supply must be easily accessible to a fuel truck, and the entire enclosure should be enclosed in a security fence. Spill containment also needs to be considered during the design phase.
Securing Your Generator
Concrete anchors must be used to secure the generator and fuel supply tank to the pad. Acceptable anchor types include heavy-duty anchors which are installed before the concrete is poured and adhesive and mechanical bonds which are installed after the concrete has cured.
Portable Enclosed
Portable enclosed units can be moved from one area to another within a location, but they are enclosed for safe outdoor operation. These types of generators are popular as rentals since they are easier to move around, and are often used at construction sites as primary power sources.
Site Planning
Portable generators require the least amount of site planning and preparation, although some factors must still be taken into consideration. Preparation should involve ensuring that there is an established navigable road to the intended location of the generator with appropriate height clearance for the generator and the vehicle delivering it, checking the soil conditions and arranging for the use of dunnage under the rear wheels if necessary, and ensuring that fuel can easily be delivered to the generator site.
Generator Located Within a Facility
These types of generators are primary or secondary power systems that are permanently installed within a facility building. The entire generator setup will likely be placed on a skid and factory aligned, so care must be taken not to disturb the alignment during installation.
Site Planning
You will need to ensure that there is enough clearance for the delivery truck and lifting device to maneuver the generator into place on the concrete pad within the facility and arrange for the rental of a lifting device such as a forklift, overhead crane system, or portable gantry system if there isn’t one already in place in the facility.
What Makes a Good Site to Install a Generator?
Manufacturer recommendations should always be consulted for exact specifications, but these are some general qualities that make a good installation site for an industrial generator:
Permanent Enclosed Generators
Permanent generators require the most accessible installation locations since they can’t be easily moved for maintenance and they must be refueled in situ. So, it’s beneficial to place the generator close to a road so that the fuel truck can easily access it.
Additionally, the area should be secured with a fence and precautions should be taken to ensure that the generator won’t be knocked out of commission by a flood, fuel spillage, or another adverse event. The area must be large enough to accommodate a concrete pad that’s at least one and a half times larger than the footprint of the generator itself.
Portable Enclosed Generators
Permanent generators require the most accessible installation locations since they can’t be easily moved for maintenance and they must be refueled in situ. So, it’s beneficial to place the generator close to a road so that the fuel truck can easily access it.
Additionally, the area should be secured with a fence and precautions should be taken to ensure that the generator won’t be knocked out of commission by a flood, fuel spillage, or another adverse event. The area must be large enough to accommodate a concrete pad that’s at least one and a half times larger than the footprint of the generator itself.
Generators Located Within a Facility
These types of generators are more difficult to plan for since they will be installed indoors which naturally confines the available space. Regardless of the intended location, there must be headroom above it and side clearance around it for easy access and proper operation. It should sit on a stable concrete pad to keep it flat and secure while it’s operating.
Since the unit will be placed indoors, proper air supply and airflow are critical. A reliable ventilation and exhaust system must be installed, and fuel resupplying must be done with care to minimize the risk associated with dangerous fuel fumes building up in a contained space. Manufacturers’ recommendations for these ventilation systems should be met or exceeded.
How Much Does a Plan Set for a Generator Cost?
Many factors impact the cost of a generator plan set, including the size of the generator, the proposed location, and the scope of modifications that must be made. For a complimentary estimate that’s specific to your project, contact us at Avila Solar today.
More FAQs
In many areas, building codes require a concrete pad underneath an industrial generator, and even where it’s not required by code, it is considered the industry best practice. Generators must be kept level to operate properly and they vibrate, so they must be secured to a permanent pad rather than rest on gravel or soil.
The measurements of the concrete pad are dictated by geographical factors including the soil composition, the size of the generator, and all applicable regulations.
Outdoor sites must take into account sound and vibration limitations, clearance, accessibility, and environmental factors like wind, flooding potential, and so forth.
In either case, plan sets must be drafted, permits must be obtained, and the interconnection with gas and/or electrical lines must be approved by the corresponding utility company before the generator can be put into operation.