Generac Power Systems 04389-3, 04456-3, 04390-3 Unpacking/Inspection, Protection Systems

Section 1 — General Information

Air-cooled 7 kW, 12 kW and 15 kW Generators

DANGER

Only qualified electricians or contractors should attempt such installations, which must comply strictly with applicable codes, standards and regulations.

1.1UNPACKING/INSPECTION

After unpacking, carefully inspect the contents for damage.

•This standby generator set has been factory sup- plied with a weather protective enclosure that is intended for outdoor installation only.

•This UL listed standby generator set is packaged with an automatic transfer switch with built in load center. The combination transfer switch and load center is pre-wired with a two foot and 30 foot conduit. Circuit breakers for emergency circuit connections are included.

•This UL listed, 2-pole switch is rated at 100 AC amperes at 250 volts maximum. This transfer switch is for indoor use only.

If this generator is used to power electrical load circuits normally powered by a utility power source, it is required by code to install a trans- fer switch. The transfer switch must effectively isolate the electrical system from the utility dis- tribution system when the generator is operat- ing (NEC 700, 701 & 702). Failure to isolate an electrical system by such means will result in damage to the generator and also may result in injury or death to utility power workers due to backfeed of electrical energy.

If any loss or damage is noted at time of delivery, have the person(s) making the delivery note all damage on the freight bill or affix their signature under the consignor's memo of loss or damage.

If a loss or damage is noted after delivery, separate the damaged materials and contact the carrier for claim procedures.

“Concealed damage” is understood to mean damage to the contents of a package that is not in evidence at the time of delivery, but is discovered later.

1.2PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Unlike an automobile engine, the generator may have to run for long periods of time with no operator pres- ent to monitor engine conditions. For that reason, the engine is equipped with the following systems that protect it against potentially damaging conditions:

1.	Low Oil Pressure Sensor	3.	Overcrank
2.	High Temperature Sensor	4.	Overspeed

There are LED readouts on the control panel to notify personnel that one of these faults has occurred. There is also a “System Set” LED that is lit when all of the conditions describe in Section 1.3 are true.

1.3NEC REQUIREMENT FOR ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTION

BREAKER FOR BEDROOMS

In 2001, the National Electric Code (NEC) intro- duced a requirement for new construction. This new requirement indicates the need for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters to be used to protect the complete branch circuit that feeds a dwelling bedroom. The actual NEC requirement is indicated below.

‹1.3.1 SECTION 210.12 ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER PROTECTION

1.Definition: An arc fault circuit interrupter is a device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-ener- gize the circuit when an arc fault is detected.

2.Dwelling Unit Bedrooms: All branch circuits that supply 125 volt, single-phase, 15 and 20 ampere outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by an arc fault circuit interrupter listed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit.

Section 210.12 requires that AFCI protection be provided on branch circuits that supply outlets (receptacle, lighting, etc.) in dwelling bedrooms. The requirement is limited to 15 and 20 ampere, 125 volt circuits. There is no prohibition against provid- ing AFCI protection on other circuits or in locations other than bedrooms. Because circuits are often shared between a bedroom and other areas such as closets and hallways, providing AFCI protection on the complete circuit would comply with 210.12.

If during the installation of the home standby system the decision is made to provide back up power to a bedroom branch circuit, then the circuit breaker in the transfer switch should be replaced with an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter.

It is most important that breakers only be switched like for like. For instance, if replacing a 15A breaker, it MUST be replaced with a 15A AFCI breaker. Likewise, a 20A breaker MUST be replaced with a 20A AFCI.

These AFCI breakers are available at the nearest Home Depot or hardware store.

Siemens Item #	Description
Q115AF	15A Single Pole AFCI
Q120AF	20A Single Pole AFCI

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