themselves.


Residenal generators are designed and constructed for outdoor installaon. Most manufacturers adverse their products as being quiet, but the reality is these are devices driven by internal combuson engines and there is a certain amount of noise that is to be expected. Typical residenal standby generators may be adversed with sound power levels as low as 67 dBA. It is important to note that these rangs are measured at a certain distance from the unit  in some cases as far as 7 to 10 meters. Homeowners should consult with their local municipalies when they are planning on installing a standby generator to ensure they are in compliance with local noise ordinances. Addional sound aenuaon may be required in order to minimize the sound levels at adjacent properes and also to permit 24/7 operaon in the event of a prolonged power outage. Noise ordinances may be more lenient during dayme or working hours while strict limits may be enforced during overnight hours, even during an emergency. Permanent generators marketed for home use are provided with acousc enclosures, but the sound aenuaon capabilies of these are relavely limited.


Homeowners should also consider that generators may be sized smaller than the power needed for the enre home. If this is the case, the homeowner should be careful what electrical equipment/devices he/she turns on or o, otherwise the generator may fail or trip oine.


Electric service panels for tradional homes may range from 60 amps or less for older homes to 200 amps. A 14  20 KW generator is usually capable of providing power for the enre home for homes with 200 amp main service panels, depending on the connected load.


In a condominium community, your associaon may not allow the installaon of these devices for aesthec or other reasons; however, if they permit them, they should have guidelines as to the requirements that you need to comply with. For example, some of these may be:


 Species Outdoor type permanent generators only.


 Maximum size allowed (A 20 KW generator is typically capable of servicing a home with a 200 amp panel). A 20 KW generator is not a requirement; smaller generators can suce to only power essenals. Some communies may set a size limit of 14 KW for example.


 Installed on an appropriate pad in an accessible locaon that is approved by the associaon and local authories so that it can be serviced readily. Locaon shall be submied to the associaon prior to installaon.


 Landscape buering.


 Quiet operaon with a maximum noise level of 67 dBa registered at the adjacent property lines.


 Corrosion resistant, sound aenuang enclosure.


 Connected to the home electrical system through an automac residenal transfer switch.


| 27


 Complies with NEMA, IEEE, and ANSI standards.  Selfvenlated and dripproof construcon.  Provided with high accuracy voltage regulators  Natural gas or LP fueled, depending on fuel availability  to site.


 Electronic engine controls for opmized fuel and spark performance.


 Many generators come with a smart load power system, which may help some homeowners.


 Installaon by a properly licensed contractor.  Municipal perming needed.


Portable Generators may pose some unique issues for condominium communies, parcularly based on their building layout. Since regulatory approval for such operaon from the municipality is most likely nonexistent, shareholders and tenants are able to procure these units from home improvement stores, wholesale clubs, or even grocery stores in preparaon of or following an emergency or perhaps even as an impulse purchase item.


While this equipment may be useful in an immediate need when purchased, they may oen be neglected by some owners during long periods without service interrupon. During these periods, the generators may not receive the correct maintenance and fail to operate or prematurely fail the next me they are needed. For the sake of reliability, the manufacturers guidelines/recommendaons for periodic tesng and maintenance of the generator should be followed to ensure the generator and associated components will funcon as intended when it is actually needed. Some owners may illegally connect this equipment to the home’s electrical system, pung themselves or ulity workers at risk of severe electrical shock. In past winters, there have been several high prole instances of


generators being operated in garages or under decks leading to death by asphyxiaon. Under no circumstances should a portable generator ever be operated indoors, or on the exterior of a structure without proper clearance for venlaon, and to prevent the intake of engine exhaust into an occupied space. Other issues with portable generators


(Connued on page 28)


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