Section 3 Operation
Operation and Use Questions
Call Generac customer service at 1-888-GEN-
ERAC (1-888-436-3722) with questions or
concerns about equipment operation and
maintenance.
Before Starting Engine
1. Verify engine oil level is correct.
2. Verify fuel level is correct.
3. Verify unit is secure on level ground, with
proper clearance and is in a well ventilated
area.
Prepare Generator for Use
Asphyxiation. Running engines produce carbon
monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous
gas. Carbon monoxide, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
Asphyxiation. The exhaust system must be properly
maintained. Do not alter or modify the exhaust system
as to render it unsafe or make it noncompliant with
local codes and/or standards. Failure to do so will
result in death or serious injury.
Risk of fire. Do not use generator without
spark arrestor installed. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury.
Asphyxiation. Always use a battery operated carbon
monoxide alarm indoors and installed according to
the manufacturer's instructions. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury.
Risk of Fire. Hot surfaces could ignite
combustibles, resulting in fire. Fire could
result in death or serious injury.
Hot Surfaces. When operating machine, do not
touch hot surfaces. Keep machine away from
combustibles during use. Hot surfaces could
result in severe burns or fire.
Equipment and property damage. Disconnect
electrical loads prior to starting or stopping unit.
Failure to do so could result in equipment and
property damage.
12
DANGER
DANGER
WARNING
(000118a)
WARNING
(000178a)
WARNING
WARNING
CAUTION
Grounding the Generator When
Used as a Portable
See
equipped with a terminal for the connection of
a field grounding electrode conductor where a
grounding electrode system is required by
NEC Article
grounding conductor terminals of the genera-
tor receptacles are bonded to the generator
frame. Where the generator supplies power to
cord and plug connected equipment, like
power tools, the frame of the generator is not
required by the NEC to be connected to a field
grounding electrode. The generator neutral
conductor is bonded to the generator frame in
accordance with NEC Article 250.34(C).
• CSA model - Neutral Floating
• The generator (stator winding) is isolated
from the frame and from the AC receptacle
ground pin. Electrical devices that require a
grounded receptacle pin connection will not
(000103)
function if the receptacle ground pin is not
functional.
• CO Sense model - NEUTRAL BONDED
TO FRAME
• THERE IS A PERMANENT CONDUCTOR
BETWEEN THE GENERATOR (STATOR
(000179b)
WINDING) AND FRAME
See
Figure
nected to a manual transfer switch, the trans-
fer switch must also switch the neutral upon
transfer to be NEC code compliant (3-Pole
switch). A grounding electrode is required to
be connected to the generator frame to prop-
erly ground the generator. The ground wire
connected from the generator terminal/frame
to a field ground electrode shall be of equal or
larger ampacity than the largest conductor
used in the generator. Generac HomeLink
manual transfer switches and kits meet this
requirement and are recommended for use.
(000110)
(000108)
Figure 3-1.Grounding the Generator
(000136)
Figure
3-1. The portable generator is
250.34(A).
3-1. Where the generator is con-
Owner's Manual for Portable Generator
The
equipment
000689