Building a berm for a Genset

[Garandman]

we are having a propane fueled Kohler generator installed next week. We are planning on installing it next to the garage, near an existing propane tank install (though we may have to upsize).

Local code requires the generator to be five feet from the building, and therein lies the rub. The land behind the garage slopes away: I probably need 2-3' leveled to the left. The genset is 26" wide and the level area shown is barely over 5 feet.

My neighbor is a contractor and may be able to do some grading. If not, I was just going to fill the area in with some rocks, gravel and dirt (we have all the rocks you could want) for the pad. Is that as simple as it sounds?

 

[bcp]

You didn't say how heavy it is, or if a concrete pad is needed. Pile and pack some rocks and dirt. Retaining wall blocks make it look a little better and stop it from eroding around the edges.

Bad examples:

Bad Generator Installations

Bruce

 

[Garandman]

The genset weighs 430 lbs and now ships with a pad so you don't need to fab one.

 

[s219]

Yeah, that tank is a bit tiny for a typical whole-house generator!

The generator probably has a composite or plastic pad.

I'd probably build a retaining wall/box with 6x6 landscape timbers, anchored into the ground with re-bar driven through drilled holes. Get it up above ground level 4-6". Then fill that with gravel and put the generator and pad on top.

 

[CurlyDave]

we are having a propane fueled Kohler generator installed next week. We are planning on installing it next to the garage, near an existing propane tank install (though we may have to upsize).

Local code requires the generator to be five feet from the building, and therein lies the rub. The land behind the garage slopes away: I probably need 2-3' leveled to the left. The genset is 26" wide and the level area shown is barely over 5 feet.

My neighbor is a contractor and may be able to do some grading. If not, I was just going to fill the area in with some rocks, gravel and dirt (we have all the rocks you could want) for the pad. Is that as simple as it sounds?

No, it isn't as simple as it sounds. I would bet that water runs through that swale during a storm. If you block the drainage, you will create a temporary pond. This will be bad for the generator and for the foundation of the garage.

I would look for a spot where there isn't a drainage issue, or if that isn't possible, put some drainage culvert under the pad for the generator so it won't cause a problem. The big drawback with adding drainage under the pad is that it must be inspected periodically, and you will be unlikely to walk out there in the middle of a rainstorm to be certain the water is flowing correctly.

 

[Garandman]

Just realized there's about a 30' section of stone wall down by the brook we can transplant.

We have plans to put a perimeter drain through that area next summer, looks like I may have to accelerate that plan.

And it's official: first time I wish I'd ordered a backhoe....

 

[Gary Fowler]

I really don't think that propane tank is per code with it setting against the house either. You should look at that also. I haven't looked up the Code in many years but 25 feet seems to be what is in my mind for required space from a dwelling.

 

[MNBobcat]

I would auger 4 holes in a rectangle pattern and drop a 6 x 6 into each hole and back-fill. If you think you need footings, use sonotubes and fill with concrete and set the 6 x 6 on top.

Then build a 2 x 8 frame (I would double them up) at the top of the 6 x 6's....maybe a foot off the ground. Then put down some treated or marine plywood for the generator to sit on. This would eliminate any worries about how the water on your land drains, or the slope, since the generator would be elevated a foot or so off the ground and sitting on the platform.

Also, if it was me I'd say screw local code and I'd put the thing where I want it which would be further away from the house where it wouldn't be so loud. I'd also consider burying a 500 gallon propane tank so you have more fuel for it and would definitely get the dual fuel option so you have options as I'd never want to be limited to one fuel source. Think longer term disasters.

 

[bigtiller]

I really don't think that propane tank is per code with it setting against the house either. You should look at that also. I haven't looked up the Code in many years but 25 feet seems to be what is in my mind for required space from a dwelling.

My book says any tank under 125 gallon is OK beside the building. And it needs to be 10 foot away from any ignition source, so he can't put a window air conditioner in that window. Also, 125 to 500 gallon tanks need to be 10 foot away and 501 to 2000 gallon tanks need to be 25 foot away.

 

[Garandman]

I would auger 4 holes in a rectangle pattern and drop a 6 x 6 into each hole and back-fill. If you think you need footings, use sonotubes and fill with concrete and set the 6 x 6 on top.

Wouldn't I have to take those footings down to the frostline?

We are having a wood stove installed and I have a portable gas powered generator that can run a Rinnai heater that has its own tank.