Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns.

Clearing the Surrounding Area of Debris and Snow for Home Standby Generators

Ensuring the area around your generator is clear and free of obstructions is essential for optimal performance and safety. This article provides a detailed guide on maintaining space around the generator and managing snow, which is crucial for year-round generator efficiency and safety.

Environment

This article applies to air-cooled home standby generators.

Importance of area maintenance

• The generator's engine, alternator, and exhaust system components become hot during operation. Fire risk increases if the unit is not properly ventilated or operates too close to combustible materials. Additionally, accumulations of flammable debris within or outside the generator enclosure may ignite.
• Clearance requirements are primarily in place for fire prevention and airflow, but also to provide sufficient room for removing front and end panels for maintenance purposes. Note that CO (carbon monoxide) considerations may require greater clearances than required for fire prevention and airflow.
• For more information about clearances, including CO considerations, see What Should I Know About Clearance Requirements When Installing My Generator?
• To mitigate operational issues that may be caused by blowing or drifting snow, jump to Snow Impacts

Clearing surrounding areas of debris, vegetation, and snow 

Regularly scheduled generator maintenance includes the removal of leaves, grass, snow, etc. from the specified clearance areas (A).

Clearance zones

• Front and end clearance (A): Keep a minimum clearance of 3 feet (0.91m) around the generator’s front and ends.
• Rear clearance (B): Fuel and electrical connections are made here. 18 in (457 mm) minimum clearance per SwRI testing, labeling, and listing, unless state or local codes dictate otherwise.
• Overhead space (F): Ensure a 5-foot (1.52 m) vertical distance from overhead structures or tree limbs. 
• A removable barrier (E): may be installed as a visual surround or to mitigate the effects of blowing and drifting snow. Removable fence panels for servicing cannot be placed less than 3 ft (0.91 m) in front of the generator.

Accessibility

Keep pathways to the generator clear for easy access during maintenance or emergencies.

Snow impacts

• Accumulating and/or blowing snow may affect the generator's operation or cause damage to the generator by restricting airflow to the intake and exhaust system: What do I do when I expect a snow storm, or if there is snow building up around the unit?
• Proper snow management, along with installing a snow fence can help mitigate the impact of accumulating snow on a standby generator.
• The 1600 error code may be triggered by an obstructed air intake. See this article for steps on how to resolve: What Does It Mean When My Generator Displays an Error Code: Underspeed, Code 1600

Snow management

• Regular snow removal: When safe to do so, promptly clear snow from around the generator, focusing on air intakes and exhausts to prevent blockages.
• Drift control and snow fences: Consider installing snow fences or barriers to prevent blowing or drifting snow, ensuring they’re placed outside the required clearance zones.

Snow fence installation guide:

1. Location and Orientation: Place the snow fence perpendicular to prevailing wind directions to effectively trap snow (See E in the image above).
2. Distance from Protected Area: The snow fence must be installed at least 3 feet away from the generator. This allows for proper air flow while providing space for technicians to service the generator if needed.
3. Porosity: Choose fence materials that are 40–60% porous. This level of porosity helps protect the generator and the fence, along with reducing wind speed and effectively blocking snow.
4. Length of Fence: Ensure the fence extends well beyond the generator area on both ends to prevent snow from blowing around the fence.