Owner`s manual

Page 5
When connecting battery cables, the negative
(green) cable must not be connected and
should not be touching anything. First connect the positive (red) cable
and then connect the negative (green). When disconnecting battery
cables, first disconnect the negative (green) cable making sure it is not
touching anything and then disconnect the positive (red) cable.
.
Battery installation and service – Be sure battery
connections are of the correct polarity. All
electric start units use negative ground. The Red
cable is positive and the green cable is negative. Battery acid will
cause severe eye damage and skin burns. Safety glasses, gloves and
an apron must be worn when servicing lead acid batteries. Flush
immediately with water and call a physician if contact with battery acid
occurs. When connecting or disconnecting battery cables, the engine
must not be running or cranking. Batteries give off an explosive gas
when being charged. A spark or open flame could result in an
explosion. The charging circuit is operational during engine cranking
and running. The charging circuit is not designed to recharge a dead
battery but only maintain the charge in the battery. Provisions must be
made to keep the battery fully charged if the generator will not be
frequently run as in a permanent installation or if the battery is to be
stored for a long period of time or if it is located in an unheated room to
prevent the battery from freezing. If a trickle charger is going to be
used during periods of no generator operation, be sure to disconnect
the trickle charger before starting the generator set. Check the battery
cells with a hydrometer. The specific gravity reading should be
approximately 1.280 at 80 degrees F. If one or more cells are low on
water, add distilled water, not electrolyte and recharge. Do not use
hydrant or well water. Keep the battery case clean and dry. An
accumulation of moisture will lead to more rapid discharge and battery
failure. Keep the battery terminals clean and tight. After making
connections, coat the terminals with a light application of petroleum
jelly or grease to retard corrosion. Accidental ground out of the battery
terminal by tools, gasoline cans or when installing or removing battery
cables could cause a spark, which might result in a battery gas
explosion or fire. An open flame or lit cigarette will have the same
effect. Battery terminals and connections must be tight. When
installing the battery cables, always connect the negative cable last.
When disconnecting the battery cables, always disconnect the
negative cable first. (Figure 2)
Proper storage and care is necessary to insure proper engine starting.
Never allow the battery to remain discharged.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
For all models gradually remove the load from the generator. To stop
the engine, turn off the key or switch off until the engine comes to a
complete stop. On all diesel models you must keep pressure on the
stop lever until the engine comes to a complete stop.
APPLYING ELECTRIC LOADS
Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature (2 – 3
minutes) before connecting any load to the generator. Connect the
load be inserting the plugs into the proper receptacles. The load
should be applied gradually. If the load consists of large electric
motors, they should be individually started with the largest motor first.
Smaller loads can then be applied.
Keep generator load within the receptacle and
generator nameplate rating. Overloading may
shorten generator life and could cause internal
generator damage. Do not exceed the receptacle ampere rating. The
complete ratings of the generator can be found on the nameplate of
the generator. The total output ampere rating on the generator
nameplate refers to the highest voltage the unit is equipped to
produce. On 120/240 volt units, this would be 240 volts. To determine
the 120 volt amperage rating double the amperage provided in the
nameplate. The nameplate ampere rating on load items to be powered
by this generator can be misleading if they are large power tools or
electric motors. These items will require 2-3 times the ampere rating
shown on their nameplates to get them started. Do not increase
engine speed to get more output from the generator. Engines operate
at 3600 RPM (for 60 hertz) and 3000 RPM (for 50 hertz). Racing the
engine could cause damage to the generator with excessive voltage
and damage to items being powered.
Disconnecting the load
The generator set is inherently self-regulating and
its output automatically adjusts to the load. The
generator will not be damaged if it is operated at no load condition
except air-cooled diesel powered units. The engine governor will
compensate for load variations. It is desirable to gradually reduce the
load if possible. Voltage sensitive items such as TV’s, computers,
amplifiers, etc should be removed first.
RECEPTACLE UTILIZATION
Do not exceed the amperage rating on the outlet
receptacles. This will cause receptacles burnouts
and could cause internal damage to the generator. The operator must
realize that this generator is not an unlimited source of power and heed
generator and receptacles ratings. The nameplate ratings can be
obtained through a combination of the receptacles or a single
receptacle if the generator and/or the receptacle ampere rating is not
exceeded. Some 125 volt plugs on items to be powered from the
generator must be of the 3 prong grounded type. Only 3 wire
extension cords and 3 wire or double insulated power tools should be
used with the generator. Do not overload the generator. Some
straight blade 125 volt receptacles are ground fault circuit interrupter
protected. Twist lock receptacles are not ground fault circuit interrupter
equipped. Consult the National Electrical Code, Underwriters
Laboratories and/or the Canadian Standards Association Code for
ground fault protection requirements for temporary installations or
usage.
FULL POWER SWITCH (LR50/55/60 MODELS)
Always place the full power toggle switch on the control panel in the up
(120 volt) position when only using 120 volt devices to obtain the full
power of the generator. When the full power switch is in the up
position (marked 120 volts), the generator windings are connected in a
parallel mode making
all of the output of the generator 120 volts and
the 240 volt receptacle is not functional. If 240 volts is required, place
the switch in the down position (120 and 240 volts). The 240 volt
receptacle now has the full power of the generator. Each 120 volt
receptacle has only ½ of the normal power. It is recommended to
remove all electrical loads before changing the switch to either
position. The position of the switch affects the reading of the
voltmeter. In the up position the volt-meter will read 120 volts and in
the down position the meter will read 240 volts.
GENERATOR VENTILATION OPERATION
Adequate ventilation must be provided for safe
efficient operation. The exhaust products of the
engine contains invisible carbon monoxide which is poisonous and can
cause death. Operate only outdoors and NEVER indoors. Operation
in small compartments will cause the engine to over heat, generator
windings will over heat and all warranties are voided. Mounting the
generator in an enclosed compartment such as an RV or in the back
end of a truck is prohibited and can cause death and damage to the
equipment.
STARTER BUTTON
*RED WIRE FROM
A
LTERNATOR MUST
BE CONNECTED IN
ORDER TO CHARGE
BATTERY DURING
OPERATION
*RED
12 VOLT DC BATTERY
32 AMPERE HOUR (MINIMUM)
FIGURE 2
CAUTION
!
DANGER
!
CAUTION
!
CAUTION
!
DANGER
!
DANGER
!