What Does the "SwRI" Logo Mean on My Home Standby Generator Housing?

The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is a nationally recognized third-party testing and listing agency. SwRI testing demonstrated that a fire within the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclosure. 

  • Feb 7, 2024
  • Knowledge

Title
What Does the "SwRI" Logo Mean on My Home Standby Generator Housing?
URL Name
What-Does-the-SwRI-Logo-Mean-on-My-Home-Standby-Generator-Housing

Public Answer
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The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is a nationally recognized third-party testing and listing agency. SwRI testing has approved an 18" installation minimum from the rear panel of the generator to an adjacent structure for fire protection.


What Did the Testing Focus On?

The criteria were to determine the worst-case fire scenario within the generator and to determine the ignitability of items outside the engine enclosure 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.
 

What Requirements Did Testing Determine?

Based on this testing and the requirements of NFPA 37, Sec 4.1.4, the guidelines for installation of generators listed in NFPA 37 are changed to 18" from the back side of the generator to a stationary wall or building for adequate maintenance and airflow clearance, the area above the generator should be at least 5 ft. with a minimum of 3 ft. at the front and ends of the enclosure. This includes trees, shrubs, and bushes. Vegetation not in compliance with these clearance parameters could obstruct airflow. In addition, exhaust fumes from the generator could inhibit plant growth.

For more information about generator clearance requirements, reference the What Should I Know About Clearance Requirements When Installing My Generator? article for more information.
 
Note: Always verify and follow local codes when performing a home standby generator installation.

Where can I find the SwRI logo on my generator?

The logo is present on the data label. The data label also contains the serial number for the generator. The location of this label can vary, see the Where Can I Find the Serial Number on My Air or Liquid-Cooled Standby Generator? article for instructions to locate the label. 

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