User Manual
2
Important Safety Instructions
GENERAL HAZARDS
For safety reasons, the manufacturer recommends that this •
equipment be installed, serviced and repaired by an Authorized
Service Dealer or other competent, qualified electrician or
installation technician who is familiar with applicable codes,
standards and regulations. The operator also must comply with
all such codes, standards and regulations.
Installation, operation, servicing and repair of this (and related) •
equipment must always comply with applicable codes, stan-
dards, laws and regulations. Adhere strictly to local, state and
national electrical and building codes. Comply with regulations
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
established. Also, ensure that the generator is installed, operat-
ed and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions and recommendations. Following installation, do nothing
that might render the unit unsafe or in noncompliance with the
aforementioned codes, standards, laws and regulations.
The engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide gas, •
which can be DEADLY. This dangerous gas, if breathed in suf-
ficient concentrations, can cause unconsciousness or even
death. For that reason, adequate ventilation must be provided.
Exhaust gases must be piped safely away from any building or
enclosure that houses the generator to an area where people,
animals, etc., will not be harmed. This exhaust system must be
installed properly, in strict compliance with applicable codes
and standards.
Keep hands, feet, clothing, etc., away from drive belts, fans, •
and other moving or hot parts. Never remove any drive belt or
fan guard while the unit is operating.
Adequate, unobstructed flow of cooling and ventilating air is •
critical in any room or building housing the generator to prevent
buildup of explosive gases and to ensure correct generator
operation. Do not alter the installation or permit even partial
blockage of ventilation provisions, as this can seriously affect
safe operation of the generator.
Keep the area around the generator clean and uncluttered. •
Remove any materials that could become hazardous.
When working on this equipment, remain alert at all times. •
Never work on the equipment when physically or mentally
fatigued.
Inspect the generator regularly, and promptly repair or replace •
all worn, damaged or defective parts using only factory-
approved parts.
Before performing any maintenance on the generator, discon-•
nect its battery cables to prevent accidental start-up. Disconnect
the cable from the battery post indicated by a NEGATIVE, NEG
or (–) first. Reconnect that cable last.
Never use the generator or any of its parts as a step. Stepping •
on the unit can stress and break parts, and may result in dan-
gerous operating conditions from leaking exhaust gases, fuel
leakage, oil leakage, etc.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
All generators covered by this manual produce dangerous elec-•
trical voltages and can cause fatal electrical shock. Utility power
delivers extremely high and dangerous voltages to the transfer
switch, as does the standby generator. Avoid contact with bare
wires, terminals, connections, etc., on the generator as well as
the transfer switch, if applicable. Ensure all appropriate covers,
guards and barriers are in place before operating the generator.
If work must be done around an operating unit, stand on an
insulated, dry surface to reduce shock hazard.
Do not handle any kind of electrical device while stand-•
ing in water, while barefoot, or while hands or feet are wet.
DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY RESULT.
If people must stand on metal or concrete while installing, •
operating, servicing, adjusting or repairing this equipment,
place insulative mats over a dry wooden platform. Work on the
equipment only while standing on such insulative mats.
The National Electrical Code (NEC), Article 250 requires the •
frame and external electrically conductive parts of the generator
to be connected to an approved earth ground and/or ground-
ing rods. This grounding will help prevent dangerous electrical
shock that might be caused by a ground fault condition in
the generator set or by static electricity. Never disconnect the
ground wire.
Wire gauge sizes of electrical wiring, cables and cord sets must •
be adequate to handle the maximum electrical current (ampac-
ity) to which they will be subjected.
Before installing or servicing this (and related) equipment, make •
sure that all power voltage supplies are positively turned off at
their source. Failure to do so will result in hazardous and pos-
sibly fatal electrical shock.
Connecting this unit to an electrical system normally supplied •
by an electric utility shall be by means of a transfer switch so as
to isolate the generator electric system from the electric utility
distribution system when the generator is operating. Failure to
isolate the two electric system power sources from each other
by such means, will result in damage to the generator and may
also result in injury or death to utility power workers due to
backfeed of electrical energy.
Generators installed with an automatic transfer switch will crank •
and start automatically when normal (utility) source voltage is
removed or is below an acceptable preset level. To prevent such
automatic start-up and possible injury to personnel, disable the
generator’s automatic start circuit (battery cables, etc.) before
working on or around the unit. Then, place a “Do Not Operate”
tag on the generator control panel and on the transfer switch.
In case of accident caused by electric shock, immediately •
shut down the source of electrical power. If this is not pos-
sible, attempt to free the victim from the live conductor. AVOID
DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE VICTIM. Use a nonconducting
implement, such as a dry rope or board, to free the victim from
the live conductor. If the victim is unconscious, apply first aid
and get immediate medical help.
Never wear jewelry when working on this equipment. Jewelry •
can conduct electricity resulting in electric shock, or may get
caught in moving components causing injury.