harmonics from a generator?


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Old 08-10-05, 06:11 PM
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harmonics from a generator?

I must install a foundation for a 900+ lb standby generator. I talked to people at stores that sold "fake decking" and stores that sold 4x4 and
4x6" wood. I asked both if this would be ok for a 900 + generator
and was told yes. They even said how to do it. However;
I got the following from the seller of the generator:


"Hello, the generator will need to be mounted to a concrete pad to handle
the harmonics transferred from the unit to the foundation"

Plllllllllllllease, who is wrong or right? I really don't want cement, but will
do so if I have to. I thought harmonics was melodic. Does the generator sing that loudly?
 
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Old 08-10-05, 06:23 PM
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Is this generator being mounted on the ground away from the house?

They could mean vibration by the term harmonics.
I'm not sure what design you propose for your base out of wood but if on skids it could move.
There is also an issue with code and the flamability of a wooden base.

If it were me I would pour a pad.
 
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Old 08-10-05, 07:04 PM
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Thank you Greg,

The base will be about 15 feet from the house. We thought we would
build it like a little deck with a posts into the ground with cement for the posts to give it stability.

The wood is pressure treated wood. Is there something besides cement or wood for this base? I originally wanted fake decking for the base of the
generator till someone suggested 4x4 or 4x6 wood.

I will do whatever is right for the equipment and safety for me, too.

Sherrie
 
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Old 08-10-05, 07:43 PM
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Harmonics

The seller is correct. If he said concrete, I would use concrete. Remember, he has used it, and you have not. A generator of this size, will set up a set of harmonic waves. These waves set up shock lines and the vibrations over time can just about tear anything up. I am sure he is talking about harmonic rythme (vibrating) and not harmonic's associated with alternating currents of electricity. Good Luck
 
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Old 08-11-05, 06:35 AM
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I do appreciate the response although I wish the answer had been
different.

Thank you.
 
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Old 08-11-05, 01:44 PM
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I vote for concrete too. I have never seen a stationary generator installed on anything else. If a manufacurer/installer recommends doing it, do it. Your warranty could depend on it. If you dont like the look of concrete because of the color, use a dye on it. If its because its smooth, texture the area the generator wont be directly sitting on.

Now back the decking and wood company, of course it will work. Because they want to sell you the product. Expert advice and box store do not belong in the same sentence in 95% of the situations.
 
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Old 08-11-05, 02:49 PM
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The only experience I have with generators being mounted on wood was when they were used in fish camps and needed to be dragged around.
Yours may not be as bad but in a bush camp an old gen set with a single cylinder diesel had dug the 8 x 8 skids into the soft ground.
Had to raise it and put rocks and gravel in the depressions to keep it above ground.
 
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Old 08-12-05, 06:52 AM
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Unhappy

Well Greg,


I live in the Florida sandbox so the soft ground would be an issue.
However, there are ways around that problem.

I'm more concerned with safety than the generator falling into
the ground.

I guess I will just give up and do it right whether I like it or not.

I really do appreciate your help.

Sherrie
 
 

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