1.13 The Battery - Honeywell 10 kW Owner's Manual

1.12.2 INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR STATIONARY
AIR-COOLED 10. 12. 15 AND 20 KW GENERATORS
The National Fire Protection Association has a standard for the
installation and use of stationary combustion engines. That
standard is NFPA 37 and its requirements limit the spacing of an
enclosed generator set from a structure or wall (Figure 1.8).
NFPA 37, Section 4.1.4, Engines Located Outdoors. Engines, and
their weatherproof housings if provided, that are installed outdoors
shall be located at least 5 ft. from openings in walls and at least 5
ft. from structures having combustible walls. A minimum separa
tion shall not be required where the following conditions exist:
1. The adjacent wall of the structure has a fire resistance rating
of at least 1 hour.
2. The weatherproof enclosure is constructed of noncombus-
tible materials and it has been demonstrated that a fire within
the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the
enclosure.
Annex A— Explanatory Material
A4.1.4 (2) Means of demonstrating compliance are by means
of full scale fire test or by calculation procedures.
Because of the limited spaces that are frequently available for
installation, it has become apparent that exception (2) would be
beneficial for many residential and commercial installations. With
that in mind, the manufacturer contracted with an independent
testing laboratory to run full scale fire tests to assure that the
enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclo
sure.
The criteria was to determine the worst case fire scenario within
the generator and to determine the ignitability of items outside the
engine enclosure at various distances. The enclosure is construct
ed of non-combustible materials and the results and conclusions
from the independent testing lab indicated that any fire within the
generator enclosure would not pose any ignition risk to nearby
combustibles or structures, with or without fire service personnel
response.
Based onthis testing and the requirements of NFPA 37, Sec 4.1.4,
the guidelines for installation of the generators listed above are
changed to 18 inches (457mm) from the back side of the gen
erator to a stationary wall or building. For adequate maintenance
and airflow clearance, the area above the generator should be at
least 4 feet with a minimum of 3 feet at the front and ends of the
enclosure. This would include trees, shrubs and vegetation that
could obstruct airflow. See the diagram on the reverse of this page
and the installation drawing within the owner's manual for details.
Generator exhaust contains DEADLY carbon monoxide gas. This
dangerous gas can cause unconsciousness or death. Do not place
the unit near windows, doors, fresh air intakes (furnaces, etc.) or
any openings in the building or structure, including windows and
doors of an attached garage.
General Information
A WARNING!
If the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch is not set
to its OFF position, the generator can crank
and start as soon as the battery cables are
connected. If the utility power supply is not
turned off, sparking can occur at the battery
posts and cause an explosion.
1.13 THE BATTERY
A DANGER!
DO NOT dispose of the battery in a fire. The
battery is capable of exploding.
x A battery presents a risk of electrical shock
iAand high short circuit current. The following
precautions are to be observed when work
ing on batteries:
• Remove the 7.5A fuse from the generator con
trol panel.
• Remove watches, rings or other metal objects.
• Use tools with insulated handles.
• Wear rubber gloves and boots.
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the
battery.
• Disconnect charging source prior to connecting
or disconnecting battery terminals.
A
A WARNING!
DO NOT open or mutilate the battery.
.Released electrolyte has been known to
be harmful to the skin and eyes, and to be
toxic.
The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that
is harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electri
cally conductive and corrosive.
The following procedures are to be observed:
• Wear full eye protection and protective clothing.
• Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off
immediately with water.
• Where electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush thor
oughly and immediately with water and seek
medical attention.
• Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with
an acid neutralizing agent. A common practice
is to use a solution of 1 pound (500 grams)
bicarbonate of soda to 1 gallon (4 liters) of
water. The bicarbonate of soda solution is to
be added until the evidence of reaction (foam
ing) has ceased. The resulting liquid is to be
flushed with water and the area dried.
Lead-acid batteries present a risk of fire
because they generate hydrogen gas. The fol
lowing procedures are to be followed:
DO NOT SMOKE when near the battery.
DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area.
Discharge static electricity from body before
touching the battery by first touching a ground
ed metal surface.
A