u/IRRMOM

Hi. Bear with me if this is a silly question - I’m a stay at home mom navigating living in a single family home (used to be in a big city) for the first time and anxious about everything ha.

We hired a company to install a Generac 22w generator on the side of our house. We first need to upgrade and relocate the gas meter to accommodate the generator. Two options for placement. Which would you recommend?

We can keep the gas meter out of sight from the street by keeping it in an alcove it’s already in, on side of house, just moving it from the back wall to side of wall further up. (The generator itself would NOT be in the alcove, just the meter. Generator to be along the side wall around corner from it.) If we do this, the generator will be installed above the underground gas lines, which will run pretty directly underneath it. This would be the simpler option in terms of keeping the meter nearby to where it already is and how the plans w gas company are already drafted.

The installer has to dig to level the sloped land with the install, so I’m not sure how much land there will or won’t be between the generator and the gas lines once all is dug and placed. I worry the weight, heat, or vibrations from the pad could be dangerous atop the gas lines underneath.

The sales guy isn’t concerned, but he’s very lax about everything so I want other opinions. (The gas guy doesn’t seem to think it’s of much concern either… but then said something about but maybe it isn’t best practice either. Confused me.)

I can have the larger gas meter relocated to be in front of the generator, cutting off the gas lines underneath prior to the generator spot. There would no longer be active lines underneath. (Idk if they physically remove the remaining portion or if they’re just capped off.) If I do this, you’ll see the meter and long cable afixed along side of house to connect the meter to the house connection (not sure what proper term is). It would be less attractive, but IF it seems safer, I can get over that. Side note: if I do this, the exhaust blows in the direction of gas meter. But I can have 5 + feet between them… even 8 or more ft if deemed best.

I am a very risk adverse individual.

Curious what others in the field would advise? Would love your professional opinions. (Maybe you can include your profession/expertise w the reply?)

I tried to illustrate the two options in included photos. Purple box is generator, blue is gas.

THANK YOU SO MUCH in advance for taking the time to read all this and hopefully offer insights.

I’ve hired a company to install a whole-house Generac standby generator on our property. They will be building a mounting base into sloped land to ensure the machine is level.

Noting all the many safety restrictions re where you can and cannot place a generator, including far enough away from any combustible materials, I am surprised to learn they are building the frame of the base with wood (and small rocks in middle part, under machine).

I have seen this set up done before, but I cannot make sense out of how that wood frame isn’t a fire hazard. Can someone please explain to me if and why this is safe? It seems relatively common so maybe it’s me that’s off base here?

Thank you so much for expertise/insights.

Opinion Re Placement of Generator Above Gas Lines

Question Re Safety of Mounting Base Materials