TOWN OF MILO, NEWYORK

Department of Code Enforcement and Administration

Tony Validzic, Code Enforcement Officer Telephone No.: 315-531-8042

137 Main Street Facsimile No.: 315-536-9760

Penn Yan, New York 14527 Email: codeofficer@townofmilo.com

Emergency Standby Generator

Construction Guide

Introduction.

Installing an emergency standby generator is an excellent way to ensure that you always have the electrical

power when you need to power your building in case of a weather emergency, power outage or terrorist attack.

There are a number of types of emergency standby generators which you may choose to install, and there are a

number of specific requirements for installing an emergency standby generator that must be considered before

you begin work. Keep in mind that with any new electrical work, you are required to obtain a Building Permit

and employ an independent electrical inspection agency in accordance to the Code of the Town of Milo as well

as the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Lastly, it is highly recommended that you

utilize an electrical contractor to install your emergency standby generator to ensure that it is properly sized for

your desired use but also properly installed to ensure a safe and operational electrical system. The Town of

Milo cannot recommend an electrical contractor but the following contractors have installed such electrical

systems in our community:

Dailey Electric, Inc. Home Power Systems, Inc. Martin’s Electric

(315) 531-8108 (585) 421-0203 (585) 554-6674

Exhaust.

An important consideration when installing an emergency standby generator is to make sure that the genera-

tor's exhaust is as far away from areas of potential ingress into the living space as possible. All fossil fuels cre-

ate carbon monoxide when they are burned, and you do not want this poisonous gas entering your building

through a loose-fitting window or furnace intake pipe while the generator is running.

Location.

In accordance to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), emergency standby generators shall be lo-

cated at least five (5) feet away from openings in walls and at least five (5) feet from structures having com-

bustible walls. (NFPA 37, Section 4.1.2.2.2.) However, this minimum separation distance shall not be required

where any of the following conditions exist:

1. The exposing wall of an adjacent structure has a fire resistance rating of at least one (1) hour; or

2. The adjacent structure is protected by an automatic fire protection system.

Manufacturer’s Instructions.

All emergency standby generators are not built alike and manufacturers have different installation require-

ments. It is important that your emergency standby generator is installed in accordance to the manufacturer’s

instructions to ensure a safe and operational electrical system.

Signage.

In accordance to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the technical bulletin issued by the NYSDOS, Divi-

sion of Code Enforcement and Administration, a sign shall be placed at the service entrance equipment indicat-

ing type and location of on-site emergency power sources. Such a sign is illustrated below.