Section 2 – Installation

Recreational Vehicle Generator

Figure 2.3 – Typical Generator Restraint

 

 

• If the compartment is lined with galvanized steel, it may be

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

constructed of any material. The manufacturer recommends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

that the compartment be constructed of 1/2-inch thick plywood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(not strandboard), with the floor made of a double thickness of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1/2-inch plywood with the grain of the wood at cross section

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

for added strength (Figure 2.5).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 2.5 – Typical Compartment Construction

2.2GENERATOR COMPARTMENTS

Whether the generator set is being installed inside a compartment specifically manufactured to house a generator or inside a compartment that the installer constructs, the compartment MUST meet certain specifications as outlined in the following sections:

‹2.2.1 COMPARTMENT SIZE

Plan the compartment size carefully. Provide a minimum clearance of 1/2 inch (13 mm) on the front, 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) on the top, and 1 inch (25 mm) on the sides and back for air circulation AFTER the compartment has been lined with metal and sound insulation (Figure 2.4).

NOTE:

Refer to “Figure 1.2 – Major Features and Dimensions”.
Figure 2.4 – Clearances

Plywood

Compartment

1-1/2" Clearance on Top

1" Clearance

in Back

1" Each Side

Insulation

1/2"

in Front

 

‹2.2.2 COMPARTMENT CONSTRUCTION

•The generator compartment should be either constructed of, or lined with, 26-gauge galvanized steel.

NOTE:

Aluminum is NOT an acceptable alternative to galvanized steel due to aluminum’s low melting point.

•If constructing a compartment, line the exterior (underside) of the compartment floor with 26-gauge galvanized steel.

• All

seams,

splices

and

joints

of

the compart-

ment

walls

(unless

vapor

tight

by

design) should

be caulked to prevent poisonous, flammable or explosive vapors from entering the vehicle interior.

NOTE:

Caulking must be done so that the caulking material will stay in place permanently. Pressing such materials as putty tape onto joints and seams is NOT acceptable. A high quality silicone rubber base sealant is recommended.

•Holes and openings made in the compartment walls to allow for the passage of electrical conduit, conductors, hoses, cables, etc., into the vehicle living area must be sealed vapor tight with silicone rubber base sealant.

•If flexible metal conduit is used, it must be sealed internally at the end where it terminates inside the compartment’s electrical junction box.

NOTE:

Flexible metal conduit, due to its unique construction, is NOT vapor tight along its entire length.

•Seams and joints of the galvanized steel (whether used as a liner or for the compartment itself) must be lapped and mechanically secured. Such seams may be manufactured, welded, bolted, riveted or screwed. Manufactured lock seams are shown in Figure 2.6. Installer constructed compartments typically utilize a standard lap joint.

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