Generator Enclosure ideas

[KLF]

I'm installing a backup generator system for my house, and I really don't want to deal with it in the way in the garage, and having to move it outside when I need it. I want it permanently mounted outside in an enclosure, hardwired to a transfer switch. My generator is a Generac GP5500, but at some point I want to upgrade to an electric start unit, running on propane.

Wondering what others have done for an enclosure. I have found these so far, not really impressed:

Gentran Corporation: Generator Transfer switches for home & business

PowerShelter Kit II

I'm concerned about a plastic enclosure taking the heat, and I can't figure out the best way to get the exhaust out safely enough that I'll feel comfortable having it running unattended. I also think those are overpriced, but I'm having trouble sourcing similar parts to make my own.

A place local to me sells this setup:

http://www.generatorconnection.com/PDF/The New Englander Edition Tri-Fuel Brochure 4-13-09.pdf

I can buy just the steel enclosure for $500 (including the concrete pad, but not the solar charger), which also seems steep, but I think it's the safest. I'm not sure what you do about maintaining the generator (changing the oil, etc), seems like a pain to have to take the front of the enclosure off just to do this.

I'm not concerned with noise, I live on 3.5 acres, my closest neighbor is several hundred feet of thick woods away, I'm mostly worried about safety, convenience, and durability.

Any other ideas?

 

[VFRMAN]

Subscribed to this one.

I pre-wired my house for a generator when we built it, but never bucked up for a stand alone generator. Just using a 6000w gas unit when necessary. Luckily no need yet, but down the road I'll be in your shoes. Good luck.

 

[KLF]

We went 6 days back in December with no power, and have lost it a few times since then for a couple of hours. With no real backup heat source and no water, it gets old fast.

 

[eleblanc]

My business do that exactly, but for much larger units.

First post your generator model and data sheet if you have one.

Our enclosure are custom made, but we do have a design for small units.

Obviously you will probably not order a small enclosure from north of the border but i can probably help you in designing one, or deciding what you need.

Most important is cooling of the enclosure, does you generator have a radiator with fan? If not, then you need to find out the rejected BTU when the generator runs at full capacity, and from there i will tell you how many cfm are required to vent a enclosure.

EDIT: do you already own the generator?

 

[KLF]

Thanks.

My generator is a Generac GP5500, here is the spec sheet:

http://www.generac.com/SpecSheets/0180610SBY.pdf

Air cooled engine, but nothing mentioned about rejected heat. Honestly, I would probably leave the door open when it's running, just to be on the safe side. But I also feel it needs a ventilation fan. Yes, I already own it.

 

[eleblanc]

Built a ply wood enclosure, cover it with vinyl if you wish, then get a inlet louver for 750cfm @ 500pi/min not higher or you will suck up water (when raining), and find a 750cfm axial fan @ 1/2'' of water and a back draft damper for the air outlet. Based on 3500 watt heat rejection. Engine must be a G390 from honda 13 hp. Maybe heat rejection for such a engine is less or more.

EDIT: And a 10 deg F temp raise through the enclosure

 

[Weedhopper]

I am not fond of keeping generators outside unless the enclosure is totally waterproof and insulated. Dampness is one enemy of the gen unit itself. I would just keep it in the garage and save the $$$.

I built a lean to shelter for mine. Works fine. When running, the generator produces enough heat to keep things dry... just my .02

 

[KLF]

Generally I agree with you, but I need this final setup to be easy to swap over to backup power, in case my wife needs to do it while I'm not home. There's no way I can expect her to muscle that thing outside and deal with the cord, especially if there's a foot of snow on the ground. Hell, even *I* don't wanna mess with that. She has a bad shoulder already, barely enough strength to pull the cord to start it (which is why I want to upgrade to e-start in the future).

 

[Weedhopper]

Could probably just build a wood water tight box with a sloping roof. Hinge the front to drop down and yer done. Depends on where your exhaust/ muffler is pointed tho.

 

[titanpat57]

I would do a "dog house type enclosure"...pick a few details to match the existing house...than have one whole side or both for that mater, to run or do maint. KISS