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Maximize Seasonal Power Efficiency | Mid-Atlantic Generators

Joseph Ashby • June 22, 2024

Many times, we receive calls from customers to correct or replace a generator due to poor installation by another company. The 'great deal' or savings they thought they received were compromised by a faulty installation, resulting in problems. Below are some examples.



Advanced Power Generation does not take shortcuts. All of our work strictly adheres to safety codes, ensuring long-lasting equipment. Will you pay a little more for our services? Possibly, but you'll save in the long run. We stand behind our work.

In the photo to the right, the generator is improperly supported, positioned too close to the house and windows (5 feet clearance required by code). Upon closer inspection, we observed that the base was collapsing, causing the shrouding inside to bend and preventing the lid from latching. There is a gap between the base and the housing that should be flush.

  • A white box is sitting on top of a black platform next to a brick wall.

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The photos to the right show how close the generator is to the house. The engine exhaust, which emits carbon monoxide, exits from the back of the generator. They also illustrate that the gas line was improperly installed: wrong material used, lack of support, absence of a drip leg, too close to the gas meter, and no UL listed flex.

  • A yellow hose is attached to a water heater.

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  • A gas meter is attached to a wall next to a generator.

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What the pictures do not show is how improperly the wiring was done. The electrical part of this installation does not meet code and is unsafe. Despite being the lower-priced option, no part of the installation was done correctly. This is unsafe and irresponsible work from a listed dealer.

  • A hose is attached to a gas meter on the side of a building.

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  • A generator is sitting outside of a house next to a window.

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  • There is a meter on the side of a house.

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The photo to the right shows a unit that was installed on stone but has since sunk into the mud, causing stress on the mounts and housing.

  • A gray air conditioner is sitting on a wooden block in front of a house

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The unit to the right speaks for itself: it is too close to the house and too close to the transfer switch. Additionally, the heater vents were not maintained.

  • A generator is sitting in front of a house surrounded by plants.

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To the right is yet another example of a dangerous installation that fails to meet code. The unit is sitting in mulch, sinking into the mud, and now positioned crookedly. This misalignment is detrimental to the engine, as oil can pool to one side, potentially causing low oil pressure and engine damage. Additionally, it is dangerously close to the house and windows. The propane gas line is improperly installed with no support and using incorrect materials.

  • A generator is sitting under a window on the side of a house.

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  • A generator is sitting on the side of a house

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  • A generator is sitting in the grass next to a house.

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  • A plant is growing out of the ground next to a house.

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To the right, we show the electrical wiring from the generator to the transfer switch. The first issue is that the connector used is not rated for outdoor use; it is an indoor connector, making it easy for water to enter the electrical portion of the generator. The wiring method and materials are completely incorrect and unsafe. The cable has only three conductors when it should have four. While the wire itself is rated for outdoor use (direct burial), it cannot be used safely in this manner, especially with that connector and only three conductors. This constitutes an extremely unsafe installation.

  • A close up of a metal pipe attached to a wall.

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This transfer switch is an indoor switch that has been installed outside. This is unsafe, illegal, and will inevitably fail due to water infiltration.

  • A generator transfer switch is attached to a wooden fence

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Finally, this unit is sitting in mud without a concrete or suitable foundation. The gas line lacks a drip leg and proper support. The electrical conduit runs in solid PVC instead of flexible conduit as required. Due to the lack of a proper foundation, the conduit is visibly stressed.

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  • A box with pipes attached to it is sitting in the grass.

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Our installation done right the first time!

These are examples of our installations. They demonstrate a concrete pad with adequate clearance from the house, along with properly installed gas lines featuring a drip leg and UL-listed gas flex.

Here are more examples of our installations, showcasing proper concrete pads with electrical conduits stubbed up through the pad. Everything is properly trench-installed, including the gas lines.

  • A generator is sitting in the dirt in front of a house.

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  • A generator is sitting on top of a concrete block in the dirt.

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  • A generator is sitting on top of a concrete platform in the dirt.

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  • A generator is sitting on top of a concrete platform in the dirt.

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  • A white box with a roof is sitting in the dirt next to a house.

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  • A house with a generator and air conditioner on the side of it.

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  • A generator is sitting on top of a concrete platform in the grass next to a house.

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  • A house with an air conditioner and a generator on the side of it.

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