Use and Care Manual

13
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Connections to a Building Electrical System
Connections for standby power to a building electrical system must be made by a qualified electrician.
The connection must isolate the generator power from utility power, and must comply with all applicable
laws and electrical codes. A transfer switch, which isolates generator power from utility power, is
prerequisite.
Improper connections to a building electrical system can allow electrical current from the generator to
back feed into the utility lines. Such back feed may electrocute utility company workers or others who
contact the lines during a power outage, and the generator may explode, burn, or cause fires when utility
power is restored. Consult the utility company or a qualified electrician.
Ground System
The portable generators have a system ground that connects generator frame components to the
ground terminals in the AC output receptacles. The system ground is not connected to the AC neutral
wire.
AC Applications
Before connecting an appliance or power cord to the generator:
 Make sure that it is in good working order. Faulty appliances or power cords can create a
potential for electrical shock.
 If an appliance begins to operate abnormally, becomes sluggish or stops suddenly, turn it off
immediately. Disconnect the appliance, and determine whether the problem is the appliance, or if the
rated load capacity of the generator has been exceeded.
 Make sure that the electrical rating of the tool or appliance does not exceed that of the generator.
 Never exceed the maximum power rating of the generator. Power levels between rated
and maximum may be used for no more than 30 minutes.
Substantial overloading will open the circuit breaker. Exceeding the time limit for maximum power
operation or slightly overloading the generator may not switch the circuit breaker or circuit protector
OFF, but will shorten the service life of the generator.