Guardian Technologies 004701-0 2.2Generator Compartments, 2.2.1 COMPARTMENT SIZE, 3 – Clearances

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 spec- ifications as outlined in the following sections:

2.2.1 COMPARTMENT SIZE

Plan the compartment size carefully. Provide a mini- mum clearance of 1/2 inch (13 mm) on the front and top, 1/2 inch (25 mm) on the left side, two (2) inches on the right side, and 2-1/2 inch (63.5 mm) from the back for air circulation AFTER the compartment has been lined with metal and sound insulation (Figure 2.3).

Figure 2.3 – Clearances

Section 2 – Installation

Recreational Vehicle Generator

Figure 2.4 – Typical Compartment Construction

Plywood

Compartment

1/2" Clearance on Top

Insulation	1/2"
	in Front
1/2" Left Side

2-1/2" Clearance

in Back

2" Right Side

	Recommended
		)
		12"
	nce	mu
	(Mini
Clearaw
18"	Belo

•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 inte- rior.

NOTE:

Caulking must be done so that the caulking mate- rial 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.

NOTE:

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

2.2.2 COMPARTMENT Construction

•The generator compartment should be either con- structed 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 the compartment is lined with galvanized steel, it may be constructed of any material. The manu- facturer recommends that the compartment be constructed of 1/2-inch thick plywood (not strand- board), 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 2.4).

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

•Holes and openings made in the compartment walls to allow for the passage of electrical conduit, conductors, hoses, cables, etc., into the vehicle liv- ing 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 construc- tion, 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 2.5. Installer constructed compartments typically utilize a standard lap joint.

•After the compartment has been metal lined and vapor sealed, line the compartment interior walls and ceiling with an approved, nonflammable sound insulating material. See Section 2.2.3.

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