Emergency Generators

Started by JohnR51 • 11 replies • 2068 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

JohnR51 (MA)
Posts: 3

Posted:

I purchased a condo in 2019 it came with a professionally installed emergency generator. My neighbor in the stand alone condo next to me was on the board and pushed the board to restrict the hours that it could be run. The first step pushed by this asshole was prevent any new emergency generators installed on the property. We discussed with the property manager that we vehemently opposed this restriction he assured us that the association could not restrict the hours which was a white faced lie! Now I have to hire an electrician to add a cut off switch if even feasible at my expense. There are two emergency generators on the complex. Each condo construction is two small one story ranches attached. It’s no like we are on top of each other. The generator was there before this asshole moved into the condos. The board members seem to push their own per personal agendas. I’m one step away from hiring a lawyer to try to fight this....

BillH10 (Texas)
Posts: 1,217

Posted:

John, before calling in an attorney I suggest you review the Declaration of your Association, Rules and other documents which may exist, and any relevant town, county, or state codes or ordinances on the matter.

Back-up generators may be installed in Texas. There are a myriad of restrictions regarding location, noise levels when running, fuel, everything you can think of. Most properties have a generator policy. It is reasonable and not burdensome. The only restriction on use is time of day and frequency of testing to ensure it is functioning properly.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

I understand limiting the hours of running due to noise.

I understand, with automatic generators, it's not always an option to make a schedule when they run.

I also understand that even with gas heat, you need electricity to run the fan or the heat won't work.
Therefore, limiting hours during the winter could be a real issue for some.

There are also medical reasons why one shouldn't restrict hours of running.

Perhaps this link can be of assistance:

How To Quiet A Generator

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

A few years ago we were hit by a massive wave of F5 tornadoes. It knocked out the entire power grid for a week or more in some areas. People went crazy buying up generators and other supplies. I was "lucky" enough to be working during the day at a company with power/generator.

I am not unused to losing electrical power. It's like "camping" in my own home. Look forward to the quiet of the nights at home. Only time it's not that noisy and enjoyable.

Well my neighbor at the corner installed a generator. Only one that did. We are not that close together maybe a football field. That thing was soooooo LOUD!!! It was annoying and ruined the peace and quiet. I couldn't do anything to drown the noise out as had to keep the windows open for air.

Do not believe they are to be run 24/7 for long periods of time. It's not good. Sometimes we need to be a bit considerate of others. I did not mind it running during the day. It was at night when your sleeping didn't need to hear it. What is so wrong with shutting it down from 10 pm to 7 am at night?

Former HOA President

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 02/25/2021 7:44 PM

What is so wrong with shutting it down from 10 pm to 7 am at night?

Since the OP is in NH and it's winter, I suspect warmth might be an issue.

JamesV3 (New Hampshire)
Posts: 50

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TimB4 on 02/25/2021 8:38 PM

Posted By MelissaP1 on 02/25/2021 7:44 PM

What is so wrong with shutting it down from 10 pm to 7 am at night?

Since the OP is in NH and it's winter, I suspect warmth might be an issue.

To The OP if you are from NH By NH you have the absolute right to protect your Property. If a medical issue is involved AND a generator can be safely and properly installed, The board has to let you have it. I would call NHCHR (NH Commission for Human Rights) on this issue.
You have a case here.

Now I my next door neighbor and his wife both have medical issues and we had lost power 3 months ago for 4 1/2 at 10pm and I barely heard his generator. He has A Kohler that is pretty quiet. Runs on gas. We do have sound proofing as we are 4 miles from MHT.

Our association does allow generators but certain conditions and his conditions and NEC and Local codes have been met.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

The "asshole" is only one vote, so why haven't you taken your concerns to the board? If you did, what was the response? Talking to the property manager is fine, but he or she works at the board's direction, so you still need to take this up with them.

Stop and calm down a bit and then go to the next board meeting to express your concerns - minus the name calling (stick to the topic). If there are neighbors who feel the same way, encourage them to attend as well and say what they think. It's harder for a board to ignore several people, so modifying the protocol may be all that's needed - if the "asshole is outvoted, hooray.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

JohnR51 (MA)
Posts: 3

Posted:

My wife has a heart condition and when this came up we were assured by the proper manager that this was not going through. Massachusetts had no laws for emergency generators only for solid panels. You can not just shut a generator down it’s a long process.

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Would appreciate if someone shared the contents of your generator policy.

Our township has strict code requirements if a generator is attached, but not if it's portable.

Our concern is a gasoline engine running in an enclosed space without adequate ventilation.

Thanks.

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

JohnR51 (MA)
Posts: 3

Posted:

This was being finalized when we purchased the condo. I’ve attended board meetings. Most residents who join the board push their personal agenda and the property manager should stand up to these people. And my neighbor is an asshole that’s being kind . If you purchase a condo knowing that there is an emergency generator in the one next to you . Don’t buy the condo right!

BillH10 (Texas)
Posts: 1,217

Posted:

Everyone, the word "gas" in the context of emergency back-up generators can be confusing.

The documents of the association in which we reside specifically state a back-up generator may only be powered by natural gas--which, by the way, was a contributing factor to the issues we had in Texas last week.

The documents further state gasoline powered generators are prohibited for use as a permanently installed back-up generator, as is the storage of gasoline in above or below ground tanks.

I have reviewed the Declaration of 25 HOAs in Texas, those which have a back-up generator policy use the same language regarding the fuel which may be used.

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here