Operation Manual

GENERATOR COMPARTMENT SIZE

In planning the size of the generator compartment allow for the minimum clearance of one (1)

inch necessary to adequately cool the generator set. The thickness of insulation and sound deadening

material used to line the compartment must be taken into consideration when planning this clearance. To

maintain minimum clearance it may be necessary to enlarge the compartment.

NOTE: For Gensets mounted inside an enclosure please refer to the section on “Generator Enclosures”

for additional information and mounting requirements.

The generator set must be securely fastened to avoid unwanted movement from vibration and

road shock. If the unit is equipped with a mounting tray the tray is usually supported with structural

framing. Be sure to use all mounting holes in the tray to secure the tray to the structural framing. Units

not equipped with mounting tray are secured by attaching Genset mounts (two front and two rear)

directly to the structural framing. Skid mounted units can either be affixed to a tray for tray mounting or

attached directly to the structural framing. The generator is easily moved in and out of the coach by

incorporating a slide rack carriage with rollers into the structural framing. When designing the

compartment allow sufficient access for routine maintenance and for removal when major service is

required. Also keep in mind that the compartment or door must have an air intake opening equal to or

greater than that specified under the “Air Requirements” section of this manual. Make sure that the

compartment is vapor tight and completely sealed off from the inside of the vehicle to prevent any

hazardous fumes from entering the vehicle. Avoid road splash and the possibility of igniting

combustible materials beneath the coach by enclosing all unnecessary free space beneath the generator

compartment.

Line the compartment with a good sound deadening material. The material selected must be

fireproof or highly fire resistant. 3-layer foam sound mat is very efficient for absorbing generator noise.

This type of material is easily cut to size and can be quickly installed using the appropriate fire resistant

adhesive. Other materials such as fiberglass insulation with heat barrier may also be used.

NOTE: Since a Genset is flexibly mounted the minimum clearance of one (1) inch will assure that the

unit will not rub the sides of the compartment while the unit is in operation or while the vehicle is in

transit.

COMPARTMENT FRAMING

The generator must be bolted to a structural frame, which is either bolted or welded to the frame

of the vehicle. This structural frame must be designed to withstand a minimum force of 5Gs in any

direction. The structural frame must support the entire outer perimeter and center section of the unit’s

base. Additional framing may be required if excessive movement or vibration occurs.

AIR REQUIREMENTS

Each Genset is equipped with a high ambient temperature shutdown switch and a high water

temperature shutdown switch, which will automatically shut down the Genset if the ambient temperature

or water temperature rises too high. To prevent the generator set from shutting down make sure the

compartment openings are large enough to allow adequate circulation of cooling air. The minimum free

air opening into the compartment is 400 sq. in. or 2580 sq. cm. Remember that louvers, screens and

protective grills will restrict airflow. A relatively open mesh screen can restrict airflow by as much as

45%. The intake opening will need to be increased in size to compensate for such restrictions.

NOTE: Ambient temperature is defined as the generators normal operating temperature within its

mounting area. In an RV application this area is referred to as a compartment or enclosure.