Installing a 14KV diesel generator in the cellar.

[Tom Sutton]

Can you offer any advice about installing a 14KV diesel generator in the cellar area of a two storey Georgian listed building used as commercial offices? The cellar has fire and carbon monoxide detection. The building has a L2 fire detection system. The generator is for emergency power in a prolonged power cut. In the cellar area there is a gas fired boiler which is serviced by a corgi registered engineer. The generator is to be assembled in the cellar by an approved company and the exhaust which will be lagged will be routed to outside. Is there any regulation about siting a diesel generator in a cellar or basement area? Or close to a gas fired boiler? What fire prevention measures and precautions should be taken? Any advice would be helpful.

I can see no problems with the above proposal other than I would like more information on the fuel supplies, any observations.

[kurnal]

TW has the issue of inlet combustion air for both boiler and generator been considered?

If the tank is in the cellar it would be best if  bunded and like a boiler should have a fusible link to cut off the oil in case of fire.

What is the state of the ceiling above the cellar? Protection beneath escape routes?

Emergency lighting and heat detector?

[bungle]

Am I right in thinking that the presence of an internal combustion engine turns the area into a place of special fire risk ?

[Tom Sutton]

Thanks Kurnal this was on the lines I was considering but although I do not consider it a serious threat, being a cynic I was wondering why he considered necessary to contact me had I missed something.