Generac 0047210, 0047220, 0047230, 0047240, 0047250, 0047251, 0047252, 0047253, 0047260

Section 2 — Installation

Guardian Liquid-cooled 15 kW, 20 kW and 25 kW Generators

NOTE:

Generac recommends the use of a Generac Power Systems “GTS” type transfer switch in conjunc- tion with this generator.

2.5EMERGENCY CIRCUIT ISOLATION

METHOD

This prevents overloading the generator by keeping electrical loads below the wattage/amperage capacity of the generator. If the generator is powering only crit- ical loads, within the wattage/amperage capacity, dur- ing utility power outages, consider using the emer- gency circuit isolation method.

Critical electrical loads are grouped together and wired into a separate “Emergency Distribution Panel.” Load circuits powered by that panel are with- in the wattage/amperage capacity of the generator set. When this method is used, it is difficult to overload the generator. The transfer switch must meet the fol- lowing requirements:

•It must have an ampere rating equal to, or greater than, the total amperage rating of the emergency distribution panel circuit.

•Have it installed between the building’s main dis- tribution panel and the emergency distribution panel.

2.6TOTAL CIRCUIT ISOLATION

METHOD

When a generator capable of powering all electrical loads in the circuit is to be installed, use the “Total Circuit Isolation Method.” It is possible for the gener- ator to be overloaded when this isolation method is employed. The following apply to the transfer switch in this type of system.

•Ampere rating of the transfer switch must be equal to, or greater than, the ampere rating of the normal incoming utility service.

•The transfer switch is installed between the utility service entrance and the building distribution panel.

2.7GROUNDING THE GENERATOR

The National Electrical Code requires the frame and external electrically conductive parts of this equip- ment to be properly connected to an approved earth ground and/or grounding rods. For that purpose, a GROUND LUG (Figure 2.2) is provided on the gener- ator mounting base. Consult a qualified electrician for grounding requirements in the area. Grounding procedures must meet local regulations.

DANGER

Do not connect the ground wire to any pipe that carries a flammable or explosive substance

– FIRE or an EXPLOSION may result.

Proper grounding helps protect personnel against electrical shock in the event of a ground fault condi- tion in the generator or in connected electrical devices. In addition, grounding helps dissipate static electricity that often builds up in ungrounded devices.

Figure 2.2 – Generator Grounding Lug (typical)

2.8GENERATOR AC NEUTRAL

CONNECTIONS

Generac Power Systems uses an UNGROUNDED AC neutral. Grounding is recommended only at the main service entrance. If the neutral wire is grounded and one of the phase loads becomes grounded, the exces- sive current opens the load circuit breaker or col- lapses the generator field. The actual result depends on the electrical characteristics of the particular installed generator.

2.9TRANSFER SWITCH START SIGNAL

CONNECTIONS

If the generator is to be installed with an automatic transfer switch, such as a Generac GTS-type switch, it is necessary to connect the two-wire start control system.

Connect the two-wire start signal from the automatic transfer switch to the automatic start connection, which is located in the right hand corner inside the control panel. Match wires 178 and 183 in the trans- fer switch to 178 and 183 on the terminal strip in the control panel. The conductors for the two-wire start circuit must be in their own conduit.

10 Generac® Power Systems, Inc.