Generators & Temporary Power

Generator Regulatory Requirements

Generators used as temporary power sources on UAE construction sites are subject to requirements from multiple authorities. The Abu Dhabi DoE EWR 2020 covers the electrical installation aspects. The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (Civil Defense) covers fuel storage and fire safety. ADOSH-SF CoP 15.0 covers occupational safety. Local municipality building permits are required for permanent or semi-permanent generator installations.

• Electrical installation

  DoE EWR 2020 (Abu Dhabi) / Dubai Building Code 2021

  critical

• Fire safety / fuel storage

  UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice

  critical

• OSH requirements

  ADOSH-SF CoP 15.0

  critical

• Noise limits

  Local municipality requirements — typically 55 dB(A) daytime

  standard

• Permit

  Municipality building permit required for semi-permanent installation

  critical

Generator Siting and Installation

Generators must be sited to minimise fire risk, noise impact, and exhaust fume exposure to workers. On UAE construction sites, generators must be positioned at least 3 m from any building, combustible material, or fuel storage. Exhaust outlets must be directed away from occupied areas and air intakes. Anti-vibration mounts must be used to prevent structural damage.

• Minimum distance from buildings

  3 m (5 m from fuel storage)

  critical

• Exhaust direction

  Away from occupied areas, air intakes, and openings

  critical

• Ventilation

  Adequate air supply for combustion and cooling — no enclosed spaces

  critical

• Anti-vibration mounts

  Required to prevent structural transmission

  standard

• Bunded fuel tank

  110% containment bund required for diesel storage

  critical

• Fire extinguisher

  CO₂ or dry powder extinguisher within 5 m of generator

  critical

Transfer Switching

Where a generator is used as a standby or alternative supply alongside a utility (DEWA/ADDC) supply, a proper automatic or manual transfer switch (ATS/MTS) must be installed to prevent back-feeding the utility network. Back-feeding is a serious safety hazard for utility workers and is illegal under DEWA and ADDC regulations. The transfer switch must provide a mechanical and/or electrical interlock preventing simultaneous connection of both supplies.

• Transfer switch type

  ATS or MTS with mechanical interlock — no parallel operation

  critical

• Back-feed prevention

  Mandatory — illegal to back-feed DEWA/ADDC network

  critical

• Neutral switching

  4-pole transfer switch required (switches neutral)

  critical

• DEWA/ADDC notification

  Generator installation must be notified to supply authority

  critical

Back-feeding the utility network can kill utility workers working on what they believe to be a dead line. This is a criminal offence under UAE law. Always use a properly interlocked transfer switch.

Fuel Storage

Diesel fuel storage for generators on UAE construction sites is regulated by the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice. Fuel must be stored in approved containers or tanks with secondary containment bunding. Quantities above 450 litres require a Civil Defense permit in most emirates.

• Approved fuel containers

  UN-approved containers only — no improvised storage

  critical

• Bunding

  110% of tank capacity — impermeable bund

  critical

• Civil Defense permit

  Required for >450 litres storage (most emirates)

  critical

• No smoking

  No smoking within 10 m of fuel storage

  critical

• Earthing of fuel tanks

  Static earthing required for metal fuel tanks

  critical