Generac
®
Power Systems, Inc.
3
• 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,
disconnect 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 dangerous operating conditions from
leaking exhaust gases, fuel leakage, oil leakage, etc.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
• All generators covered by this manual produce dan-
gerous electrical voltages and can cause fatal electri-
cal shock. Utility power delivers extremely high and
dangerous voltages to the transfer switch as does the
standby generator when it is in operation. Avoid con-
tact with bare wires, terminals, connections, etc.,
while the unit is running. Ensure all appropriate cov-
ers, guards and barriers are in place before operating
the generator. If work must be done around an oper-
ating unit, stand on an insulated, dry surface to
reduce shock hazard.
• Do not handle any kind of electrical device while
standing 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) requires the
frame and external electrically conductive parts of the
generator to be connected to an approved earth
ground and/or grounding 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 elec-
trical current (ampacity) to which they will be sub-
jected to.
• Before installing or servicing this (and related) equip-
ment, make sure that all power voltage supplies are
positively turned off at their source. Failure to do so
will result in hazardous and possibly 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 genrator electric
system from the utility electric system while in oper-
ation. 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 automatically transfer
switch will crank and start automatically when nor-
mal (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, immedi-
ately shut down the source of electrical power. If this
is not possible, attempt to free the victim from the
live conductor.
AVOID DIRECT CONTACT WITH
THE VICTIM.
Use a nonconducting implement, such
as a 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.
FIRE HAZARDS
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator at all
times. DO NOT use any carbon tetra-chloride type
extinguisher. Its fumes are toxic, and the liquid can
deteriorate wiring insulation. Keep the extinguisher
properly charged and be familiar with its use. If there
are any questions pertaining to fire extinguishers,
consult the local fire department.
EXPLOSION HAZARDS
• Properly ventilate any room or building housing the
generator to prevent build-up of explosive gas.
• Do not smoke around the generator. Wipe up any fuel
or oil spills immediately. Ensure that no combustible
materials are left in the generator compartment, or
on or near the generator, as FIRE or EXPLOSION
may result. Keep the area surrounding the generator
clean and free from debris.
• Generac generator sets may operate using one of sev-
eral types of fuels. All fuel types are potentially
FLAMMABLE and/or EXPLOSIVE and should be
handled with care. Comply with all laws regulating
the storage and handling of fuels. Inspect the unit’s
fuel system frequently and correct any leaks imme-
diately. Fuel supply lines must be properly installed,
purged and leak tested according to applicable fuel-
gas codes before placing this equipment into service.
• Diesel fuels are highly FLAMMABLE. Gaseous fluids
such as natural gas and liquid propane (LP) gas are
extremely EXPLOSIVE. Natural gas is lighter than
air, and LP gas is heavier than air; install leak detec-
tors accordingly.
Important Safety Instructions
Guardian Liquid-cooled 40 kW Generator
