Standby generator--what do I need for a base

[Matt Meiser]

We are finally ready to move forward with an automatic standby generator for our house. Electrically it's pretty straight forward and the gas line was stubbed out of the house when we converted to natural gas 2 years ago. Right now the area where it will go is landscaped with some plants and mulch. I'm thinking that won't make a good base for the included plastic pad. For our heat pump with a similar pad they just went to the soil and put down the pad. Is that sufficient or do I really need to dig down a bit and get some stone or more?

[Bob Lloyd]

I would not install it without something under the pad. I have seen them with a concrete pad but generally crushed stone under the plastic pad is sufficient. A 4-6"depth would be what I would aim for.

[Matt Meiser]

Thanks Bob, we picked it up today and that's what the directions say too. Guess I should have waited to ask!