When installing a generator, there are rules and guidelines to follow. The home standby manufacturers present guidelines that all installers must follow whether you do it yourself or have it professionally done. If these rules are not in place, the manufacturer may void your warranty. Keep these steps in mind when designing where to place your equipment.
First, a whole house or a standby generator runs on natural gas or propane. You must have one of those to run the engine. This may seem obvious, but not everybody realizes it is absolutely necessary. Some people do not have natural gas in their area. Some people do not want a large container of propane in their back yard. If you do not have either of these, then what source do you think you need to run your generator?
Second, the placement of the generator should be close to your house. One customer poured a slab two inches away from their home. If you have trouble or need maintenance performed, you would never be able to have access to it and would not be able to work on it. You may need to move the slab further away from your house before placing the standby.
Third, place the generator within ten feet of your electrical meter. If you place it further away from your house in your back yard, you will will have to pay higher cost. You will need to run wire further to your panel by your meter. The cost of copper wire has risen. By placing the generator close to your meter, the wire costs remain at a minimum.
Installation should be performed by a factory trained dealer. Make sure your installer is a factory trained dealer that not only will sell you something but can also service it, and perform warranty. A factory trained dealer has been trained by the manufacturer of the generator that he is selling to you.