Subsection 4.1.4 of NFPA 37 reads as follows:

“4.1.4 Engines Located Outdoors. Engines, and their weatherproof housings if provided, that are installed outdoors shall be located at least 1.5 m (5 ft) from openings in walls and at least 1.5 m (5 ft) from structures having combustible walls.
A minimum separation shall not be required where the following conditions exist:

(1) The adjacent wall of the structure has a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour.
(2)* The weatherproof enclosure is constructed of noncombustible materials and it has been demonstrated that a fire within the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclosure.”

A4.1.4 (2) Means of demonstrating compliance are by means of full scale fire test or by calculation procedures.
Because of the limited spaces that are frequently available for installation, it has become apparent that exception (2) would be beneficial for many residential and commercial installations. With that in mind, the manufacturer contracted with an independent testing laboratory to run full scale fire tests to assure that the
enclosure would not ignite combustible materials outside the enclosure.

Per Generac Owner's Manual (All 8, 10, 14, 17 & 20kW Air Cooled Automatic Standby Generator):

The criteria was to determine the worst case fire scenario within the generator and to determine the ignitability of items outside the engine enclosure at various distances. The enclosure is constructed of non-combustible materials and the results and conclusions from the independent testing lab indicated that any fire within the generator enclosure would not pose any ignition risk to nearby
combustibles or structures, with or without fire service personnel response.

Based on this testing and the requirements of NFPA 37, Sec 4.1.4, the guidelines for installation of the generators listed above are changed to 18 inches (457mm) from the back side of the generator to a stationary wall or building. For adequate maintenance and airflow clearance, the area above the generator should be at least 4 feet with a minimum of 3 feet at the front and ends of the enclosure.
This would include trees, shrubs and vegetation that could obstruct airflow. See the diagram on the installation drawing within the owner’s manual on under the specs link for details.

Generator exhaust contains DEADLY carbon monoxide gas. This dangerous gas can cause unconsciousness or death. Do not place the unit near windows, doors, fresh air intakes (furnaces, etc.) or any openings in the building or structure, including windows and doors of an attached garage.

When properly connected to a Generac automatic transfer switch this unit will do a weekly maintenance test.

Generac recommends a minimum 200 Gallon tank for proper emergency backup.

Fuel Consumption - LP
50% Load - 1.56 Gal/Hr
100% Load - 2.30 Gal/Hr

Any of the individual Generac home standby generators will work with model 5449 transfer panel.....here are links to the 8kW, 10kW and the 14kW models available.

Generac Guardian Model 5882 - 8kW

Generac Guardian Model 5883 - 10kW

Generac Guardian Model 5884 - 14kW

No, the internal wiring of the switch is not capable of handling the higher amperage rating. If you need a 50A breaker in the switch you need to purchase the generator by itself, model 5884, and then purchase the 16ckt switch, model RTS16EZA1, which has a 50A breaker.

Generac Model 5884

Generac Model RTS16EZA1

You can find the BTU ratings for model 5884 listed in the owner's manual on page 8 which can be found on the product page under the specs section.

156,000 BTU/HR at 50% Load
220,000 BTU/HR at Full Load

Owner's Manual

Pipe diameter is based on the distance the generator is from the fuel source and Generac recommends the following which should be confirmed by your installing plumber.

Max Distance 7/8kW Generac:

Natural Gas -

3/4" - 55 Feet
1" - 200 Feet

Liquid Propane -

3/4" - 165 Feet
1" - 570 Feet

There is a special kit that needs to be added to the switch to accept the 120V connection which provides the power to the internal generator controller for the charger. These kits are available from your local Generac dealer - Part Number: 0H93030SRV.

The manufacturer recommends the back side of the unit to be set no less then 18 inches from any non-combustible surface and the sides of the unit need at least 36 inches for proper intake and exhaust.

Note: It is recommended to check with your city, county and state codes as they may differ from the manufacturers recommendations.

The Generac 5884 generator is specifically designed for emergency backup only and will not be warranted in an off-the-grid application.

Generac did come out with a new model specifically designed for off-the-grid and solar applications.

Off Grid Generator

The Generac standby generators are shipped with 5W30 oil in them and Generac does give the option to use 5W30 Synthetic in needed. The owner's manual covers all oil options and temperature ranges. Oil changes are determined by use and maintenance is also covered in the manual.

Owners Manual

The Generac standby generators are not designed to operate on a 20# propane tank and they recommend a minimum 100 Gal tank for minimum backup availability.

Generac's model 5885, as with all of their standby generators, are anchored to the pallet at all 4 corners with special anchors which can be used to anchor the unit directly to your concrete base using concrete bolts.