HVAC + PLUMBING Stack Solution Pre-engineered systems solve risky generator exhaust challenges By Mike Liberman Selkirk
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ack-up power, in the form of diesel generators, is an insurance policy to protect people, businesses and critical assets from unexpected failures. The last thing a property manager needs when the power goes out is for this critical back-up system to fail because the generator exhaust system was not properly designed, constructed or installed.
two to four inches of internal insulaOne solution? Factory-built gention included. Insulation thickness erator exhaust systems. will vary depending on what type of For many years, commercial/indusouter skin temperature is desired, but trial diesel generator installations this internal insulation allows reduchave typically included Schedule 40 tions in clearance to combustibles. carbon steel pipe exhaust systems, Factory-built options also allow assembled onsite, which carry hot for protection against rupturing and exhaust gasses away from the genbackfiring by including components erator’s engine. (“Schedule 40” refers like bellows joints and pressure relief to pipe thickness classification as valves. That way, even in the event defined by ANSI standards.) of a backfire, a pressure relief valve Fabricating traditional Schedule can enable the generator to continue 40 carbon steel generator exhaust to operate. These turn-key systems is an involved process that requires can be delivered to the job site withmultiple parties, including welding, out having to fabricate anything insulating, multiple site inspections and fire watch. For decades, this SURE FIT Factor-built ducts clamp together with onsite, including the terminations. has been an accepted standard, minimal effort and an assured, factory-tested fit, This can result in a faster, safer and versus field-welded Schedule 40 systems that are more efficient installation. but in recent years, new UL listed typically custom-assembled onsite. Some of the main advantages technologies and products have of factory-built generator exhaust become available that offer a safer, Generator exhaust stacks that come more efficient way to install generator out of the factory are pre-engineered, systems go beyond the product itself; exhaust without the hassle of welding designed and constructed in a controlled they help to ensure a reliable, wellor insulating the piping. One of the key environment. They will include detailed engineered design. Factory-built ducts benefits of factory exhaust is the ability bills of material and order-of-install draw- clamp together with minimal effort and to achieve reduced clearances compared ings. Typically, these solutions are 304 an assured, factory-tested fit. In contrast, to Schedule 40. stainless inner/304 stainless outer with field-welded Schedule 40 systems are typically custom-assembled onsite and often lack third-party certified listings, meaning they haven’t been tested or approved as a complete system to meet safety and performance standards. Risks of failure are increased if stacks are not Brick + Stone Repair & Replacement supported correctly or if there are no Caulking | Tuckpointing | Sealing backfire provisions. With welded systems, it’s not a question of if a weld will Pressure Washing | Building Cleaning fail, but when. Phone 216-778-9666 | Fax 216-661-4520 With Schedule 40, due to the higher 9449 Brookpark Rd. Unit A, Parma, Ohio 44129 clearance to combustible requirements, mcmahonrest1@att.net the risks of fire, damage and injuries are increased greatly. There are documented Call for Your Free Building Inspection & Assessment cases where Schedule 40 systems, which
Experts In Exterior Masonry Repair & Restoration
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Properties | May 2025
Photo courtesy of Selkirk
McMahon Masonry Restoration