Residential Generator Safety
INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN ON
RESIDENTIAL GENERATOR SAFETY
The State Fire Marshal has developed this information to provide homeowners and other residents of New Hampshire with valuable information about generator safety during periods of power outages. Accidental fires from improper refueling methods, improper wiring methods, and carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust can cause severe injuries or death to citizens. In addition, linemen attempting to restore power to the area can be injured or killed if the generator is not installed properly. For additional safety inspections and tips please contact your local Fire Department or this office at (603) 223-4298 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.
Portable Generators
BULLETIN # TITLE DATE ISSUED 2016-02 Portable Generator Safety March 1, 2016 SUPERSEDES RELEASED BY APPROVED BY SOURCE SUPERSEDED BY 2010-03 JBC KAR NFPA 37 & 54 and Mech. Safety Informational Bulletin 2016-02
Portable Generator Safety Purpose: This informational bulletin was designed to provide valuable information about portable generator safety during periods of power outages. Improper generator use can lead to serious injuries and death. Accidental fires from improper refueling methods, electrical hazards due to improper wiring, and carbon monoxide poisoning from generator exhaust are just a few of the hazards associated with generator use.
Portable generators should be placed 10 feet from any structure, with the exhaust facing away from the building openings. Deadly exhaust fumes can enter the building through any opening and resulting in severe injury or death to unsuspecting occupants.
Never place portable generators on or near combustible surfaces such as decks, porches, or tool sheds. Heat generated by the motor, or improper refueling methods can start a fire.
Never run portable generators inside any building including basement areas, and garages. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up in minutes inuring affecting occupants with little to no warning.
Allow plenty of time to cool the generator before refueling. Gasoline vapors can easily ignite from hot surfaces causing a flash fire and severe injuries.
Always store approved gasoline containers a safe distance from generators while in use. Always store gasoline in an approved container placed in a well ventilated storage area. Never store gasoline products in basements or enclosed areas of your dwelling.
Never modify or construct any power cord so a generator can be connected to a receptacle, dryer or range outlet.
Never connect a generator directly to panelboard without a means to prevent inadvertent connection to the normal supply system wiring. Connecting a generator directly to an electrical outlet or to a panelboard without a transfer switch or an interlocking device could result in a situation where power from the generator could energize the utility’s wiring (back feeds into the utility system). Electrical power from a generator back fed through your meter into the utility system can cause fires, serious injury or death to utility workers trying to repair the lines in the street, or electricians working on nearby property’s electrical systems.
Unless you are the owner of, and are occupying, a single family residence or meet one of the exceptions in RSA 319-C, a license is required to perform the electrical installation for connection of a generator to premises wiring. Therefore, a properly licensed master electrician must perform the electrical installation. In all cases the electrical installation must meet the minimum requirements of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70-2008).
Although the generator is portable, an electrical permit and inspection may be required by the local jurisdiction for the installation of electrical wiring and equipment for connecting the generator to the premises wiring. Therefore it would be prudent to contact the local jurisdiction to ascertain whether an electrical permit is required.
Always make sure your home and family are prepared and protected from storm damage by visiting: http://www.readynh.gov For additional safety inspection information or generator tips, please contact your local Fire Department or this office at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov
Stationary Generator Installations
In many cases property owners have chosen to install a stationary generator. In addition to the above mentioned items, stationary generators used for an alternate source of power require additional considerations. Along with the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70-2008) the requirements of other documents, that are either adopted directly or by reference by the State of New Hampshire, must be adhered to.
The following list of documents is adopted directly or by reference by the State of New Hampshire and must be followed to ensure compliance with the law.
- NFPA 37: Standard for the Installation and use of Stationary Combustion and Gas Turbines (2006 Edition)
- NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code (2009 Edition)
- NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (2014 Edition)
- The Manufacturer’s Instructions and Specifications
The Manufacturers Instructions
NFPA 37 requires stationary generator engines and their weatherproof housings if provided, that are installed outdoors to be located at least 5’ from openings in walls. This standard recognizes the potential danger of deadly carbon monoxide gasses entering the structure and injuring the occupants. Building openings could be, but are not limited to, the following:
Basement doors & bulkhead openings
Basement windows
Exit doors or sliding glass openings
Windows
Dryer vents
Kitchen appliance vents
Mechanical exhaust vents for heating or hot water appliances
Air intake openings or screens
NFPA 37 also requires stationary generator engines and their weatherproof housings if provided, that are installed outdoors to be placed a minimum of five feet (5’) from structures having combustible walls. The minimum separation is not required where:
(1) The adjacent wall of the structure has a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour and;
(2) The weatherproof enclosure is constructed of noncombustible materials, which has been listed and approved in accordance with NFPA 555, verifying that a fire within the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclosure.
These allowances apply directly to the separation from the combustible wall surface and in no case shall reduce the minimum distance to a building opening.
The fuel gas piping must be installed in accordance with both NFPA 37 and NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code). These documents require that the second stage system regulator be placed a minimum of five feet (5’) from any building opening and ignition source. Care must be given in placement of both the generator engine and delivery system piping to address the minimum separation distances.
Unless you are the owner of, and are occupying, a single family residence or meet one of the exceptions in RSA 319-C, a license is required to perform the electrical installation for connection of a stationary generator to premises wiring. Therefore, a properly licensed master electrician must perform the electrical installation. In all cases the electrical installation must meet the minimum requirements of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70-2008).
Unless you are the owner of an existing single family stand-alone structure that is used as your primary residence, Saf-C 8003.01 requires a license to perform the installation of the fuel gas supply system. In all cases the installation of the fuel gas supply system must meet all the applicable standards and codes.
Installation permits and inspection may be required by the local jurisdiction for the installation of electrical wiring and equipment for connecting the generator to the premises wiring and for the fuel gas fitting portion of the installation. Therefore it would be prudent to contact the local jurisdiction to ascertain whether a permit(s) is required.
This Bulletin was provided through the NH Division of Fire Safety, Office of the State Fire Marshall.