Section 6 – Installation
Recreational Vehicle Generators
•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
Figure 6.5 – Typical Compartment Construction
•If constructing a compartment, line the exterior (underside) of the compartment floor with 26- gauge galvanized steel.
•All seams, splices and joints of the compartment walls (unless vapor tight by design) should be caulked to prevent poisonous, flammable or explo- sive vapors from entering the vehicle interior.
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.
•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 6.6. Installer constructed compartments typically utilize a standard lap joint.
Figure 6.6 – Types of Lock Seams
•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 6.2.3.
DANGER
Do not install any flammable material directly above or around the compartment. Heat, transferred through the compartment structure, may be sufficient to ignite, char or discolor seat cushions, fiberboard and other flammable materials. Use approved nonflammable insulat- ing materials in high temperature areas.
6.2.3 SOUND INSULATING MATERIALS
Once installers have determined that a compartment is properly constructed and metal lined, they can add acoustical material. This may include additional seal- ant or insulating material, to reflect noise away from the vehicle interior.
Sound insulating materials should be of a nonflam- mable type. One excellent insulating material is a 1- inch (25 mm) thick fiberglass having a
DANGER
Do not install sound insulation or any absorbent material on the compartment floor interior. Such materials will become soaked with combustible or explosive vapors and liquids and will become a fire hazard.
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