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If constructing a compartment, line the exterior
(underside) of the compartment floor with 26-
gauge galvanized steel.
All seams, splices and joints of the compartment
walls (unless vapor tight by design) should be
caulked to prevent poisonous, flammable or explo-
sive vapors from entering the vehicle interior.
NOTE:
Caulking must be done so that the caulking mate-
rial will stay in place permanently. Pressing such
materials as putty tape onto joints and seams is
NOT acceptable. A high quality silicone rubber base
sealant is recommended.
Holes and openings made in the compartment
walls to allow for the passage of electrical conduit,
conductors, hoses, cables, etc., into the vehicle liv-
ing area must be sealed vapor tight with silicone
rubber base sealant.
If flexible metal conduit is used, it must be sealed
internally at the end where it terminates inside the
compartment’s electrical junction box.
NOTE:
Flexible metal conduit, due to its unique construc-
tion, is NOT vapor tight along its entire length.
Seams and joints of the galvanized steel (whether
used as a liner or for the compartment itself) must
be lapped and mechanically secured. Such seams
may be manufactured, welded, bolted, riveted or
screwed. Manufactured lock seams are shown in
Figure 2.6. Installer constructed compartments
typically utilize a standard lap joint.
Figure 2.6 – Types of Lock Seams
After the compartment has been metal lined
and vapor sealed, line the compartment interior
walls and ceiling with an approved, nonflammable
sound insulating material (see "Sound Insulating
Materials").
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DANGER
Do not install any flammable material directly
above or around the compartment. Heat, trans-
ferred through the compartment structure, may
be sufficient to ignite, char or discolor seat cush-
ions, fiberboard and other flammable materials.
Use approved nonflammable insulating materi-
als in high temperature areas.
2.2.3 SOUND INSULATING MATERIALS
Once installers have determined that a compartment
is properly constructed and metal lined, they can add
acoustical material. This may include additional seal-
ant or insulating material, to reflect noise away from
the vehicle interior.
Sound insulating materials should be of a nonflam-
mable type. One excellent insulating material is a 1-
inch (25 mm) thick fiberglass having a 2-pound den-
sity. When fiberglass is used, its coated side should
face toward the compartment interior.
DANGER
Do not install sound insulation or any absorbent
material on the compartment floor interior. Such
materials will become soaked with combustible
or explosive vapors and
liquids and will become a fire hazard.
Using a combination of sound insulating materials
can often reduce noise more effectively than a single
material. For example, a sheet of lead or visco-elastic
material, along with a layer of other acoustical mate-
rial, is more effective than when a single material is
used.
2.2.4 ACOUSTICS
For additional noise abatement, the installer may
wish to consider the following:
Using special sound insulating materials.
Construction of a special noise abatement com-
partment.
NOTE:
Any method used to reduce noise must not
adversely affect the flow of cooling and ventilating
air into or out of the compartment.
In addition to the effective use of sound insulating
materials, construction of a special noise abatement
compartment might be considered to reduce noise
levels. Such a compartment might be constructed as
follows (Figure 2.7):
Use 5/8-inch thick or 3/4-inch thick plywood in the
compartment.
Construct the compartment floor of a double thick-
ness of 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch plywood.
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Section 2 – Installation
Recreational Vehicle Generator