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. 

What surfaces can I install my home standby generator on?

When preparing a mounting surface for an air-cooled home standby generator, there are three commonly used and approved surfaces:

• Compacted, leveled pea gravel or crushed stone.
• Approved composite pad.
• Approved concrete base pad. We recommend GenPad- model numbers 10000007852 (3 in.) and 10000007848 (4 in.).

Environment

This article applies to all air-cooled home standby generators.

All air-cooled home standby generators come with an integrated composite pad. This integrated composite pad elevates the generator and helps prevent water from pooling around the base.

The integrated composite pad allows the generator to be placed on the surface types mentioned above. See local codes to verify if a base is required, and if so, what type. If a base pad is required, all federal, state, and local codes must be followed. For guidance on mounting a generator to a concrete base pad, see What Are the Requirements for Mounting A Home Standby Generator to Concrete? for more information.

 

Surface preparation

Prepare a rectangular area approximately 5 in. (127 mm) thick (A) and approximately 3 in. longer and wider (B) than the footprint of the generator on all sides when using pea gravel or crushed stone.

Note: The surface where the generator is installed must be level within 0.5 in. (13mm) all around.

 

Placement on roofs, platforms, and other supporting structures

Where required to place generator on a roof, platform, deck, or other supporting structure, generator must be placed in accordance with the requirements in NFPA 37, Section 4.1.3. Surface beneath the generator and beyond must be noncombustible to a minimum distance of 12 inches. Contact local building inspection department or fire department to determine which noncombustible materials are approved for installation.

Additional considerations

• It is important to select a non-combustible base type as required by local laws or codes.
• Ensure the surface where the generator is mounted is compacted, leveled, and will not erode over time.
• Concrete or composite base pads must be appropriately sized in accordance with national, state, or local building codes.
• We recommend generators be installed by Generac authorized service dealers. Click here to find a service dealer near you.