What Type of Generator?

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mkgrady

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Massachusetts
When a standby generator is installed at a residence there needs to be a sign that warns people that there is a generator, the type of generator and the location of the generator. Obviously this is so emergency and service workers will know there is a second source of power. My question is what are the types of generators? Are they wanting to know the fuel type?
 
code rules for generators are in Art 700-701-702. Your generator is likely a 702 installation. For example the sign would state:
Standby Generator Located Behind House.
 
From 702.7:

702.7 Signs.
(A) Standby. A sign shall be placed at the service-entrance
equipment that indicates the type and location of on-site op-
tional standby power sources. A sign shall not be required for
individual unit equipment for standby illumination.
Click to expand...

So you want to know what the type is that you need to put on the sign. Good question!
 
We use a sticker warning that there is a automatic standby generator installed and it's location. A sticker is placed on the meter can and the main panel. I think they are more concerned about shutting down all power than fuel type. As I would assume gas meters, propane tanks are shut off during a fire.
 
RLyons said:
We use a sticker warning that there is a automatic standby generator installed and it's location. A sticker is placed on the meter can and the main panel. I think they are more concerned about shutting down all power than fuel type. As I would assume gas meters, propane tanks are shut off during a fire.
Click to expand...

Does the utility require a sign at the meter? 702.7 requires a sign at the service equipment of which the meter enclosure is not therefore a sign at the meter is not required by the NEC.
 
tom baker said:
code rules for generators are in Art 700-701-702. Your generator is likely a 702 installation. For example the sign would state:
Standby Generator Located Behind House.
Click to expand...
I agree but in addition to describing it as a standby I must describe the type of generator. I have no idea how to answer what type it is.
 
mkgrady said:
I agree it is a good question based on the amount of views and lack of an answer, it seems nobody (so far) knows how to answer this
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If I had to guess I would say either automatic or portable. Seems like most optional standby generators are either one or the other.
 
infinity said:
Does the utility require a sign at the meter? 702.7 requires a sign at the service equipment of which the meter enclosure is not therefore a sign at the meter is not required by the NEC.
Click to expand...
I agree the sign is only required at the service equipment but I plan to place one on the meter and the service panel. I bought these stickers that indicate a standby generator will automatically start during a power outage. The sticker has a place to indicate where the generator is located and what type of generator it is. So back to my question, what type of generators are there? Since the code requires I indicate the type of generator I feel I must indicate it (not that I think it makes any sense).
 
mkgrady said:
I agree but in addition to describing it as a standby I must describe the type of generator. I have no idea how to answer what type it is.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's exactly what 702.7.A says, "indicates the type and location..."

Considering 702 is about "optional standby systems" - not necessarily "generators". I'd go with Lyons' suggestion,
Automatic (or Manual) generator located at xxxx​

Edit to add: 702 doesn't ask for the type of generator, it asks for the type of "optional standby power source". I still think Lyons nailed it.


ice
 
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infinity said:
If I had to guess I would say either automatic or portable. Seems like most optional standby generators are either one or the other.
Click to expand...

The sticker already indicates that the generator automatically starts but leaves it up to the installer to fill in the space after "type of generator".
 
infinity said:
A portable generator will not start automatically.
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That does make sense except that makes the sticker I bought a poor product. Maybe that is the case but picture this on the sticker:

CAUTION
Standby Generator
Automatically Starts
During Power Outage
Type of Generator (this is where I fill in automatic???)
Generator Location (self explanatory)

So based on the best answer I have so far I indicate the automatic standby generator is "automatic"
 
mkgrady said:
That does make sense except that makes the sticker I bought a poor product. Maybe that is the case but picture this on the sticker:

CAUTION
Standby Generator
Automatically Starts
During Power Outage
Type of Generator (this is where I fill in automatic???)
Generator Location (self explanatory)

So based on the best answer I have so far I indicate the automatic standby generator is "automatic"
Click to expand...

Is it for emergency loads, essential loads, or does it cover the entire demand of the building?

I'm not saying that's what the code is looking for but it's something logical other than "automatic".
 
I don't have a sticker on me but we where told utility requires a sticker on the meter and the panel stating a automatic generator (as that is %99 of out gen installs) has been installed. I have never been called on a portable...so as far as type I would think (assuming again) it would state automatic and not fuel type as gas appliance shut offs are universally required.
 
The few (Generac) generators and ATS that I have installed had the stickers in the package.

IIRC, everything was filled out except fuel type and location. There was a box to check for either propane or NG.
 
702.7 Signs.
(A) Standby. A sign shall be placed at the service-entrance
equipment that indicates the type and location of on-site op-
tional standby power sources. A sign shall not be required for
individual unit equipment for standby illumination.

Along with the other questionable wording that has already been pointed out. I will state that once an AUTOMATIC standby generator is installed on-site it is no longer "optional"..... being "automatic", it's not an "option" and it no longer fits the description of 702.7
 
It is still optional in the sense that if it is not working, or out of service, or abandoned, there is no code violation.
IMHO what is optional about it is whether or not to have it, not whether or not to start it when the power fails.
 
mjf said:
I will state that once an AUTOMATIC standby generator is installed on-site it is no longer "optional"..... being "automatic", it's not an "option" and it no longer fits the description of 702.7
Click to expand...

Of course it remains an optional generator.

702.2 Definition.
Optional Standby Systems. Those systems intended to supply
power to public or private facilities or property where
life safety does not depend on the performance of the system.
Optional standby systems are intended to supply onsite
generated power to selected loads either automatically
or manually.
Click to expand...
 
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