Generac Power Systems 14 kW LP, 10 kW LP Preparation Before Use Part, General, Fuel Requirements

Section 1.4

Preparation Before Use

Part 1

General information

General

The installer must ensure that the home standby gen- erator has been properly installed. The system must be inspected carefully following installation. All appli- cable codes, standards and regulations pertaining to such installations must be strictly complied with. In addition, regulations established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) must be complied with.

Prior to initial startup of the unit, the installer must ensure that the engine-generator has been properly prepared for use. This includes the following:

•An adequate supply of the correct fuel must be available for generator operation.

•The engine must be properly serviced with the rec- ommended oil.

Fuel Requirements

With LP gas, use only the vapor withdrawal system. This type of system uses the vapors formed above the liquid fuel in the storage tank.

The engine has been fitted with a fuel carburetion system that meets the specifications of the 1997 California Air Resources Board for tamper-proof dual fuel systems. The unit will run on natural gas or LP gas, but it has been factory set to run on natural gas. Should the primary fuel need to be changed to LP gas, the fuel system needs to be reconfigured. See the Reconfiguring the Fuel System section for instruc- tions on reconfiguration of the fuel system.

Recommended fuels should have a Btu content of at least 1,000 Btus per cubic foot for natural gas; or at least 2,520 Btus per cubic foot for LP gas. Ask the fuel supplier for the Btu content of the fuel.

Required fuel pressure for natural gas is 5 inches to 7 inches water column (0.18 to 0.25 psi); and for liq- uid propane, 10 inches to 12 inches of water column (0.36 to 0.43 psi).

NOTE: All pipe sizing, construction and layout must comply with NFPA 54 for natural gas applica- tions and NFPA 58 for liquid propane applications. Once the generator is installed, verify that the fuel pressure NEVER drops below four (4) inches water column for natural gas or 10 inches water column for liquid propane.

Prior to installation of the generator, the installer should consult local fuel suppliers or the fire marshal to check codes and regulations for proper installation. Local codes will mandate correct routing of gaseous fuel line piping around gardens, shrubs and other landscaping to prevent any damage.

Special considerations should be given when install- ing the unit where local conditions include flood- ing, tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes and unstable ground for the flexibility and strength of piping and their connections.

Use an approved pipe sealant or joint compound on all threaded fitting.

All installed gaseous fuel piping must be purged and leak tested prior to initial start-up in accordance with local codes, standards and regulations.

Fuel Consumption

The fuel consumption rates are listed in the SPECIFICATIONS section at the front of this manual.

btu flow requirements - natural gas:

BTU flow required for each unit based on 1000 BTU per cubic foot.

7 kW - 140,000 BTU/Hour

9 kW - 156,000 BTU/Hour

12 kW - 215,000 BTU/Hour

13 kW - 220,000 BTU/Hour

16 kW - 261,000 BTU/Hour

18 kW - 294,000 BTU/Hour

DANGER

$Gaseous fuels such as natural gas and liquid propane (LP) gas are highly explosive. Even the slightest spark can ignite such fuels and cause an explosion. No leakage of fuel is per- mitted. Natural gas, which is lighter than air, tends to collect in high areas. LP gas is heavi- er than air and tends to settle in low areas.

NOTE: A minimum of one approved manual shut- off valve must be installed in the gaseous fuel supply line. The valve must be easily accessible. Local codes determine the proper location.

Reconfiguring The Fuel System

8 kW, 410cc Engine:

To reconfigure the fuel system from NG to LP, follow these steps (Figure 1):

NOTE: The primary regulator for the propane sup- ply is NOT INCLUDED with the generator. A fuel pressure of 10 to 12 inches of water column (0.36 to 0.43 psi) to the fuel inlet of the generator must be supplied.

1.Turn off the main gas supply (if connected).

2.Open the roof and remove the door.

3.Remove the battery (if installed).

4.Locate the plastic T-handle fuel selector in the poly bag supplied with the generator.

5.Locate the selector knob on the air box cover, behind the yellow air filter door and power bulge. The unit comes from the factory in the NG (Natural Gas) position. Grasping the T-handle, insert the pin end into the hole

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