---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 120.320"
title: "46"
number: "120.320"
heading: "Generators and motors."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/120.320"
---

# §120.320. Generators and motors.

- (a) Each generator and motor must be:
  - (1) In a location that is accessible, adequately ventilated, and as dry as practicable; and
  - (2) **Mounted above the bilges to avoid damage by splash and to avoid contact with low lying vapors.**
- (b) Each generator and motor must be designed for an ambient temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) except that:
  - (1) If the ambient temperature in the space where a generator or motor will be located will not exceed 40 °C (104 °F) under normal operating conditions, the generator or motor may be designed for an ambient temperature of 40 °C (104 °F); and
  - (2) A generator or motor designed for 40 °C (104 °F) may be used in 50 °C (122 °F) ambient locations provided the generator or motor is derated to 80 percent of the full load rating, and the rating or setting of the overcurrent devices is reduced accordingly.
- (c) A voltmeter and an ammeter, which can be used for measuring voltage and current of a generator that is in operation, must be provided for a generator rated at 50 volts or more. For each alternating current generator, a means for measuring frequency must also be provided.
- (d) Each generator must have a nameplate attached to it containing the information required by Article 445 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) (National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70), and for a generator derated in accordance with [paragraph (b)(2)](#b-2) of this section, the derated capacity.
- (e) Each motor must have a nameplate attached to it containing the information required by Article 430 of the NEC (NFPA 70), and for a motor derated in accordance with [paragraph (b)(2)](#b-2) of this section, the derated capacity.
- (f) Each generator must be protected by an overcurrent device set at a value not exceeding 115 percent of the generator full load rating.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 928, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51352, Sept. 30, 1997]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

### Source

Source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 928, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 928, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51352, Sept. 30, 1997]