Generac
®
Power Systems, Inc.
9
Section 2 – Operation
CENTURION 3500 Home Standby Generator
2.4
THE BATTERY
Servicing of the battery is to be performed or super-
vised by personnel knowledgeable of batteries and
the required precautions. Keep unauthorized person-
nel away from batteries.
When replacing the battery, use the following type of
battery, Group U1 12-volt battery with a rating of 235
cold-cranking amps at 0° C (32° F); 195 cold-crank-
ing amps at -17.8º C (0º F) minimum. When using a
maintenance-free battery, it is not necessary to check
the specific gravity or electrolyte level. Have these
procedures performed at the intervals specified in
the “Service Schedule.” A negative ground system is
used. Battery connections are shown on the wiring
diagrams. Make sure the battery is correctly connect-
ed and terminals are tight. Observe battery polarity
when connecting the battery to the generator set.
Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The bat-
tery is capable of exploding.
A battery presents a risk of electrical shock and
high short circuit current. The following precau-
tions are to be observed when working on bat-
teries:
• Remove watches, rings or other metal objects;
• Use tools with insulated handles;
• Wear rubber gloves and boots;
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the bat-
tery; and
• Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or
disconnecting battery terminals.
Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released
electrolyte has been known to be harmful to
the skin and eyes, and to be toxic.
The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that is
harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electrically
conductive and corrosive. The following proce-
dures are to be observed:
• Wear full eye protection and protective clothing;
• Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off
immediately with water;
• Where electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush thor-
oughly and immediately with water and seek med-
ical attention; and
• Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with an
acid neutralizing agent. A common practice is to
use a solution of one pound (500 grams) bicarbon-
ate of soda to one gallon (4 liters) or water. The
bicarbonate of soda solution is to be added until
the evidence of reaction (foaming) as ceased. The
resulting liquid is to be flu
shed with water and
the area dried.
Lead-acid batteries present a risk of fire
because they generate hydrogen gas. The fol-
lowing procedures are to be followed:
• DO NOT SMOKE when near the battery;
• DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area; and
• Discharge static electricity from body before touch-
ing the battery by first touching a grounded metal
surface.
Be sure the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch is set to
the OFF position before connecting the battery
cables. If the switch is set to AUTO or MANUAL,
the generator can crank and start as soon as
the battery cables are connected.
2.5
BEFORE INITIAL START-UP
Before starting the generator, complete the fol-
lowing:
1. Set the generator's main circuit breakers (located
in generator’s control panel) to their OFF or
OPEN positions by pulling the reset buttons out-
ward. A visible GREEN stripe should appear.
2. Set the generator's AUTO/OFF/MANUAL Switch to
the OFF position.
3. Turn OFF all loads connected to the Power
Transfer Monitor through the GFCI outlets.
4. Check the engine crankcase oil level and, if nec-
essary, fill to the dipstick full mark with the rec-
ommended oil. Do not fill above the oil FULL
mark.
5. Check the fuel supply. Both tanks should be full.
6. The changeover valve tank indicator should be
GREEN.
2.5.1 INITIAL START UP - PURGING THE
FUEL SYSTEM
To purge the air that is in the lines of the fuel
system, perform the following:
1. Connect the LP tanks and open both tank valves.
Make sure that the selector lever on the
changeover regulator is pointing at one of the two
tanks. Also verify that the Full/Empty indicator on
top of the changeover regulator is GREEN.
2. Set the generator's main circuit breakers to their
OFF or OPEN positions by pulling the reset but-
tons outward. A visible Green stripe should
appear.
3. Move the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch to the MAN-
UAL position.
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DANGER
