8
Section 2 – Operation
Recreational Vehicle Generator
To start the generator from either the generator con-
trol panel or from the optional remote panel, proceed
as follows:
1. Turn OFF electrical loads using the means pro-
vided in the vehicle (such as a main line circuit
breaker or transfer switch).
NOTE:
If starting from the generator control panel, turn
OFF loads by setting the generator’s main circuit
breaker to the OFF (or open) position. If starting
from a remote panel, turn OFF loads using the
means provided in the vehicle (such as a main
circuit breaker). Electrical load circuits will be
turned ON after the generator has started, stabi-
lized and warmed up.
2. If the engine has not been started in more than
two weeks, press the Fuel Pump Primer switch
and hold it for about 10 to 15 seconds to prime
the fuel system. However, if the engine is warm,
skip Step 2.
3. Hold the engine Start/Stop switch in the START
position to crank the engine. Release the switch
when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after it has been
cranking for 15 seconds, release the Start/Stop
switch, wait one minute and try again. Holding
the switch for longer than 15 seconds can dam-
age the starter motor.
4. Let the engine run at no-load for a few minutes to
stabilize and warm up.
5. Turn ON electrical loads using the means pro-
vided (such as a main circuit breaker or transfer
switch).
2.5 STOPPING THE GENERATOR
1. Turn OFF all electrical loads using the means
provided (such as a main circuit breaker or
transfer switch).
2. Let generator run at no-load for a few minutes, to
stabilize internal engine generator temperatures.
3. Place the Start/Stop switch in its STOP position.
2.6 APPLYING LOADS TO GENERATOR
When applying electrical loads to the generator,
observe these guidelines:
• Before applying electrical loads, let the generator
stabilize and warm up for a minute or two.
• DO NOT overload the generator.
2.6.1 LETTING THE ENGINE STABILIZE
The generator supplies correct rated voltage only at
the proper governed speed. Some electrical appli-
ances may be extremely sensitive to voltage. Incorrect
voltages can damage such appliances.
If electrical loads are applied at reduced operating
speeds, such loads imposed on the engine when suf-
ficient power is not available may shorten engine life.
Never turn ON electrical loads until after the genera-
tor engine has started and stabilized at no-load.
2.7
DO NOT OVERLOAD THE
GENERATOR
Read the rated wattage/amperage capacity of the
generator on the generator data label (see "Generator
Identification").
Applying electrical loads in excess of the unit’s rated
capacity will cause the engine/generator to automati-
cally shut down.
To avoid overloading, add up the wattage of all con-
nected electrical lighting, appliance, tool and motor
loads. This total should not be greater than the
generator’s rated wattage capacity.
• Most lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads
indicate their required watts on their nameplate or
data plate. For light bulbs, simply note the wattage
rating of the bulb.
• If a load does not show its rated wattage, multiply
that load’s rated VOLTS times AMPS to obtain
WATTS.
• Induction type motors (such as those that run the
vehicle’s furnace fan, refrigerator, air conditioner,
etc.) need about 2-1/2 time more watts of power for
starting than for running (for a few seconds during
motor starting). Be sure to allow for this when con-
necting electrical loads to the generator. First, fig-
ure the watts needed to start electric motors in the
system. To that figure, add the running wattages of
other items that will be operated by the generator.
• Do not apply heavy electrical loads for the first two
or three hours of operation.
2.8 PROTECTION SYSTEMS
2.8.1 LOW OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
This switch (Figure 2.2) has normally closed (N.C.)
contacts that are held open by engine oil pressure dur-
ing cranking and operating. Should oil pressure drop
below a preset level, switch contacts close, and the
engine automatically shuts down. The unit should not
be restarted until oil is added.
