Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)
Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)
(OP)
We are planning to install the diesel generator in oil refinery plant(standby 185kW) with 350 liter integral tank located on the bottom of generator.
We're gonna install it near substation where 35/6kV transformers are installed nereby.
Now I'm looking for any international code regarding minimum distance needed between Generator & Building / Generator & Substation / Generator & TR. /Generator & Process area
So far, I found some in NFPA37 4.1.4 that engines located outdoors should be at least 1.5m from the building.
But I can't seem to find any code for distance from substation, transformer, process area.
If you know or hit on something, please give me help.
And, can I consider the diesel fuel reservorr in generator as tank so that I apply the regulation for tank on this reservoir?
Thanks.
We're gonna install it near substation where 35/6kV transformers are installed nereby.
Now I'm looking for any international code regarding minimum distance needed between Generator & Building / Generator & Substation / Generator & TR. /Generator & Process area
So far, I found some in NFPA37 4.1.4 that engines located outdoors should be at least 1.5m from the building.
But I can't seem to find any code for distance from substation, transformer, process area.
If you know or hit on something, please give me help.
And, can I consider the diesel fuel reservorr in generator as tank so that I apply the regulation for tank on this reservoir?
Thanks.





RE: Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)
We'll run it once or twice a year in case black out. Once it runs, it will run about 1-2 hour before truck arrives.
RE: Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)
If the substation fence is grounded then in the case of short-circuit it could be considered unguarded live part.
National Electric Safety Code ANSI/IEEE C2
Rule 234. Clearance of wires, conductors, cables, and equipment from buildings, bridges, rail cars, swimming pools, and other installations
C. Clearances of wires, conductors, cables, and rigid live parts from buildings, signs, billboards, chimneys, radio and television antennas, tanks, and other installations except bridges.
“Unguarded or accessible wires, conductors, cables, or rigid live parts may be located adjacent to buildings, signs, billboards, chimneys, radio and television antennas, tanks”
A horizontal clearance, without wind, of 1.50 m (5 ft) for voltages up to 50 kV.
NFPA 30 Class I, II, IIIA stable liquids Table 22.4.1.1 (b):
Minimum distance of a fuel tank to a building 5 ft [if the tank capacity is less than 275 gals].
RE: Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)
Congrats to your local utilities and highway maintenance folks for their confident estimates. You did ask for estimates, right?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)
Thanks for reply.
According to your find, 1.5m should be given between generator and building.
But still not clear about between transformer, process area.
Where I'm carrying out the project is CIS country and they also follow Russian Code (for instance, PUE(Russian Electrical Standard)).
In Table 7.3.13., it says that
'Diestance between [Outdoor explosion-hazardous installations, installations located near walls of buildings (tanks inclusive)] and [Switch-gear, Transformer and Converter Substations] is 12m(indoor) or 25m(outdoor)
I think diesel generator can be applied to this.
Also there is
'Diestance between [Tanks containing HIL] and [Switch-gear, Transformer and Converter Substations] is 30m(indoor) or 60m(outdoor)
In this case, I'm a little bit confused if I can consider sub base tank of diesel generator as Tanks containing HIL. If I do then the distance would go to 60m.
So far, except above and your research, I haven't found other code regarding clearance between deisel generator and TR or Substation in international code such as NFPA, IEC, etc.
Do you think I should give 25m or 60m from outdoor transformer?? This is going to be a problem for now.
<MakeHalloran,>
No. didn't ask them. But considering gas station is located right next this plan, I just assumed it. By the way, I don't get it what does this time do with clearance of tank??
RE: Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)
RE: Distance requirement between Diesel Generator and (Substation or Transformer)
You may want to consider a gradient control mat around the gen-set and possibly also in the area where the fuel truck will be parked.
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter