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#209011 03/03/13 01:26 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,233
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Anyone out there have horror stories about generators? Here in NJ people are installing them everywhere. In one town alone, I have already inspected almost 60 gens. in just 2 months. That doesn't even count what we did last year. The poor EC's out there are getting different answers about the gens in different towns. Some EC's can't get past the permit stage in some towns. Keep in mind that these are just Optional stand by systems. Not required systems.

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Joined: Jul 2004
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There is a North Carolina inspector on one of the other BBs (InspectPA) who makes a case that virtually none of these homeowner grade generator installations are legal. (No breaker interlocks, no unlisted generators etc) On the other hand he has no problem with just about anything you can do with cords (hot wiring the furnace fan etc)

We had an interesting discussion and just agreed to disagree


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 613
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1 gen-set I had to straighten out was a generac 17kw unit an installer had placed 18inches from the dwelling...which is allowed with their listed unit...but he had the exhaust end pointing at the dwelling!

The gas was hard piped into the unit without the 12inch flex hose.

The SE rated transfer switch didn't have the GEC relocated to it.

The grounds and neutrals were not seperated at the now sub-panel.

They used 18-6 bell wire for the controll, utility sense wiring.


Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,233
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I have heard that one town here in my county won't allow the genset to be installed anymore. They claim that there is not enough gas pressure to go around. Another town did the same thing but only on 1 street.

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 613
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Not enough gas? I never thought of that Harold. But if you think about it, all those generators add up to alot of fuel consumption.

But, would a property owner be able to hook up a gen-set to their own propane storage tank?

Joined: Apr 2002
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The natural gas issue is important. One case of a resi gen that started & ran, but...the neighbors standing pilot lights all went out resulting in a no heat issue, broken pipes & a damaged (water) basement as no one was in that home.

We have a 'load calc' that has to be submitted to PSE&G (Gas & Electric Utility) and another that goes to Elizabethtown Gas, depending on the area for gas utility.

Yes, whole house gens are plentiful. I don't have a count on the permit apps just for gens, but we are over 1000 for jan & Feb.



John
Joined: Feb 2002
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Another horror story I heard was an EC went to install a genset and the zoning officer wanted a survey of the property as to where the genset was going to be placed. OK, the EC said, I will draw up a plan. The Zoning officer said NO. He wanted a survey signed and sealed by a land surveyor. The EC said that it could cost over $1000, but the zoning officer didn't care. No survey, no genset.

Joined: Apr 2002
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Harold:
FWIW, the first stop for anyone applying for a permanent gen install, is our Zoning Officers Office. A COPY of a survey is required, indicating the proposed gen location. This is required for setback dimensions.

After Zoning, they come to the Building (Construction) Dept for Fire, Elec, Plumb & Building Permit apps.



John
Joined: Feb 2002
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John,

Will your town accept a hand drawn survey or do they require signed and sealed survey?

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They want a plot plan here but not a stamped survey


Greg Fretwell
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