I know there are quite a few models that do have an automated schedule for running the generator, but its very brand/model specific. You are going to have to find a manual or a local repair/maintenance company that can provide the information you need. I would start out by finding the data plate with the model information, and then do a google search for documentation.

Bruce

Did it do this only once? I know some do a short run every month; others may have a different schedule. Have you had it for a few months?

My Millbank (Briggs & Stratton) propane-powered 20 kW generator runs once a week for about 20 minutes.

I am reasonably certain that all generators, or at least gas powered ones, have to be a specified distance from a residence and not have any combustible structures (or trees for that matter) within a specified distance. Your installation instructions, once you find them, should be consulted. You may find that you have an installation that was not inspected. This would not be what your insurance company would support, and they might invoke an installation violation as a mitigating pay-out factor post-fire.

One of my town's inspectors was once a fireman, and when we were discussing my generator's [compliant] positioning plan, he asked if I had ever seen one "go up." Evidently, until the gas supply is shut off, a very high plume of fire can result. This establishes house roof overhang rules w.r.t. generator distance from the house.

Given the annual death rate from carbon monoxide leakage into houses, I would also suggest that extreme care be exercised with respect to ways that the exhaust might leak into the house if partly concentrated by a deck.

I am reasonably certain that all generators, or at least gas powered ones, have to be a specified distance from a residence and not have any combustible structures (or trees for that matter) within a specified distance.

If that's the case, it must be a local code. The only restriction on generators in our codes (which are modeled after the various International ones) cover restrictions on placing them indoors.

One source of my generator's distance limitations appears on page 8 of its Installation Manual. However, I recall reading a more detailed description somewhere. I'll have to try to remember. Perhaps the propane company had an opinion. There are also NFPA 37: "Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines" and NFPA 110 "The Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems." NFPA 37 seems consistent with the Installation Manual on distance to combustibles. I haven't looked at NFPA 110.

The manual is probably going to dominate in most jurisdictions. Random NFPA pubs aren't regulatory in most places.

I didn't mean to imply keeping it from the building and other combustible materials wasn't a good idea, just that I fail to see it being a code issue in most places that just parrot the NEC and the IRC (IBC/IFC) codes like most of the states I work in. My generator sits about two feet from the building on a concrete pad that's no bigger than the generator footprint. The lawn comes right up to it. It's a bigger sucker (80KVA) than most home generators.

Heh. 80 KVA; nice. I wouldn't need any load shedding with that monster, although it might be a bit louder than I would like, even 20 ft away.

I recently read of some people in the recent hurricane damage area that died from a generator running in their carport. Evidently the door to the house wasn't fully closed. This could happen with windows on the side of a house under some still air conditions. This is why, even if the generator shell is 1-hr fire rated thereby allowing a two-foot separation, I would want it as far away as practical if the adjacent wall had windows.

I may have assumed that the offsets were in my town's building code when reading literature on-line that was actually from other locations.

It's actually not all that loud. It has a 4.7L V8 engine (Ford I think, though it's not explicitly marked, but the parts are Ford). Don't get me started as to why I have one that big, but it's come in handy over the years. The big-ass Generacs are a different world than the portable guys.

Thanks for the feedback. When I said the generator is under a deck, it is. The generator is on the ground, but the deck is off the kitchen on the second floor. There's 7 or 8 feet of clearance there. :)

mtvhike, I have only been in the house for 3 months, but just recently..about a month, repaired the generator.