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 electrical
shock. Utility power delivers extremely high and dan-
gerous voltages to the transfer switch as well as the
standby generator. Avoid contact with bare wires, ter-
minals, connections, etc., on the generator as well as
the transfer switch, if applicable. Ensure all appropri-
ate covers, guards and barriers are in place before
operating the generator. If work must be done around
an operating 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), Article 250
requires the frame and external electrically conduc-
tive 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 condi-
tion 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.
• 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 generator electric
system from the electric utility distribution system
when the generator is operating. 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 automatic 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 automat-
ic 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 dry 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 FLAM-
MABLE 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 immediately. 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 detectors
accordingly.
Important Safety Instructions
Generac Liquid-cooled 20 kW Generator
