Installing Generator Under Covered Porch?

[HawkinsHollow]

Good idea? Bad Idea?

I understand there would have to be some special concessions made for this to work right, but I think it is possible. I understand the exhaust will have to be piped outside the block wall. Maybe a fan to help move air over the engine to help with cooling

I have a larger generator that I bought to do work at my property because there is no power out there. This original generator is overkill and I have since got another generator from my father when I cleaned out his garage. I was thinking about installing this generator under the porch to keep it out of the elements and muffle the sound if/when we ever need it. I cannot tell you the last time we have had a blackout lasting longer than a couple of hours. But it can and will happen eventually.

I would like the ability to hit the starter and have power without moving this thing out and running cords etc. Is this possible? Is it a good idea or a fools errand? Just doing some preliminary research before I put too much time effort and money into this endeavor.

 

[TractorTYMe]

I have my generator on my back porch, it's a mobile (barely moveable) 12Kwh. But I have the exhaust pointing out of the back porch when set in ready for operation. Has worked for days like that with no problems. I scooch back under a table and cover it up six feet from its position of operations when done.

 

[oosik]

As long as there is adequate air flow - for cooling and removing exhaust - I think this is a great idea. I'm not too sure you will like the noise though. Under the porch might give more noise and vibration than you like.

I would give it a try. You can always move it to a new location if it's too much.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

As long as there is adequate air flow - for cooling and removing exhaust - I think this is a great idea. I'm not too sure you will like the noise though. Under the porch might give more noise and vibration than you like.

I would give it a try. You can always move it to a new location if it's too much.

Yeah I was thinking about that. The porch is exterior but the crawlspace encompasses that entire half of the house. I was also thinking about sound and possibly might need to create a sound deadening housing for it. Then I would definitely need a fan to introduce cooling and combustion air.

 

[5030]

Certainly am thankful I own 2 standby gensets that require only minimal human intervention as in routine maintenance.

I don't ever want to be fiddling with getting the power back on if there is a utility failure and out here, it fails quite often.

I want my backup power to be as 'hands off' as possible.

Between the 32KW diesel powered unit and the 21KW propane fired house unit, I'm covered 100% for 110-1, 220-1, 220-3 and 440-3 power. Not a cheap date by a long shot but very hands off and turnkey.

 

[grsthegreat]

With generac whole house, any wood cover has to be a minimum 6’ above the generator to protect it from heat and exposure to fire if unit was to catch fire. But honestly, if the generator were to catch fire, the house is a goner.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

With generac whole house, any wood cover has to be a minimum 6’ above the generator to protect it from heat and exposure to fire if unit was to catch fire. But honestly, if the generator were to catch fire, the house is a goner.

That is an excellent point!! Doesn't seem worth it in the case of a what if situation like that. As often as we need it (almost never) maybe just rolling it out and plugging it in is the better play.

 

[deserteagle71]

Out here the remote ranches that don't have commercial power keep their generators underground. That is, in storm cellar or root cellar type compartments, either built into a hillside or if on flat ground with several feet of earth heaped over it. Only air intake and exhaust ported to the outside, and a well-insulated entry door. Essentially silent operation, fireproof, and insulated from extreme weather as well.

Just another option to consider.

 

[5030]

Both of mine have their own Generac supplied cabinets, the house unit I just replaced the original steel corroded enclosure with a new powder coated aluminum one to the tune of 5 grand.

The other one (diesel) has the original suppled aluminum and steel enclosure that has never corroded. It has a built in fuel tank in the bottom I've never used as it's directly plumbed into my diesel bulk tank. Has a turbocharged John Deere engine and like a typical Deere product, it just purrs along and has been for over 10 years now.

 

[ning]

Both of mine have their own Generac supplied cabinets, the house unit I just replaced the original steel corroded enclosure with a new powder coated aluminum one to the tune of 5 grand.

I'm about to buy a 20kW generator with an aluminum enclosure for 5k.
What's so special about the enclosure for your 21kW generac that the new enclosure alone cost 5k?