Primepact 50 & 50LP RV Owner's Manual D7431 - Electric Generators

Section 2 – InstallationPRIMEPACT 50 Recreational Vehicle Generator2.3 COOLING AND VENTILATING AIRIt is absolutely essential that an adequate flow of airfor cooling, ventilating and engine combustion besupplied to the generator set. Without sufficient airflow,the engine/generator quickly overheats. Suchoverheating can cause serious operating difficultiesand also may cause fire and personal injury. Theinstaller must make sure that sufficient air is availableto the generator for cooling, ventilating and combustion.The installer also must provide for a pathfor exhausting the cooling air to the exterior of a compartment,if so equipped.NOTE:Screening, louvers or expanded metal that cover airopenings restrict airflow. You must compensate forthis by making the actual air opening proportionatelylarger. See Section 2.3.3 (Page 27).Figure 2.10 – Air Inlet in Compartment DoorDANGERNever use discharged cooling air for heating or permitsuch air to enter the vehicle interior. This air containsdeadly carbon monoxide gas and other poisonous, flammableor explosive gases.◆2.3.1 GENERATOR AIRFLOWEngine operation drives cooling fans for the two-stagecooling air system. A pressure fan draws cooling airinto the top of the generator (Figure 2.9). This airflowcools the engine/generator and electronic components.The second part of the cooling system, a suction fan,draws air that is heated from a hot engine into a collectorpan at the base of the unit. This heated air (althoughcooler than exhaust muffler) is then deflected out thebottom toward the ground.Figure 2.9 – Airflow Through Engine/GeneratorNOTE:Be sure to meet the minimum clearances illustratedin Figure 2.4 (Page 23).When the unit is installed on a suspended mountingsystem, one of several different methods of supplyingairflow may be used as follows:• Provide a door in the vehicle skirt having an airinlet opening (Figure 2.11).Figure 2.11 – Suspended Mount: Inlet Door◆ 2.3.2 COOLING AIR INLET OPENINGSThe minimum size of the air inlet opening, whetherthe generator is housed in a conventional compartmentor not, is at least 100 square inches (seeFigure 2.10). This rule applies whether inlet air isbrought in through an opening in the compartmentdoor, an opening in the vehicle skirt, through ductwork,or by any other means.• Using ductwork (Figure 2.12, Page 27). Theinstaller must be sure air is available to thetop of the generator since air inlets are located atthe top.• By providing an opening in the vehicle skirt andspace behind the generator for cooling airflow(Figure 2.13 Page 27). Recommended clearancebehind the back of the generator is at least1/2 inch (13 mm).26 Generac ® Power Systems, Inc.