6
Section 2 – Operation
Portable Generator System
2.3 HOW TO USE THE GENERATOR
If there are any problems operating the generator, please call the
generator helpline at 1-888-436-3722.
2.3.1 GROUNDING
THE
GENERATOR
The National Electrical Code requires that the frame and external
electrically conductive parts of this generator be properly
connected to an approved earth ground (Figure 7)
. Local electrical
codes may also require proper grounding of the unit. For that purpose,
connecting a No. 10 AWG (American Wire Gauge) stranded copper
wire to the grounding lug and to an earth-driven copper or brass
grounding rod (electrode) provides adequate protection against
electrical shock. However, local codes may vary widely.
Consult with
a local electrician for grounding requirements in the area.
Figure 7 - Grounding the Generator
Proper grounding of the generator will help prevent electrical
shock
in the event of a ground fault condition in the generator or in
connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps dissipate
static electricity, which often builds up in ungrounded devices.
2.3.2 CONNECTING ELECTRICAL LOADS
DO NOT
connect 240 Volt loads to 120 Volt receptacles.
DO NOT
connect 3-phase loads to the generator.
DO NOT
connect 50 Hz loads
to the generator.
Let engine stabilize and warm up for a few minutes after starting.
•
Plug in and turn on the desired 120 or 240 Volt AC, single phase,
•
60 Hz electrical loads.
Add up the rated watts (or amps) of all loads to be connected
•
at one time. This total should not be greater than (a) the rated
wattage/amperage capacity of the generator or (b) circuit breaker
rating of the receptacle supplying the power. See "Don't Overload
the Generator".
2.4 DON’T OVERLOAD THE GENERATOR
Overloading a generator in excess of its rated wattage capacity can
result in damage to the generator and to connected electrical devices.
Observe the following to prevent overloading the unit:
Add up the total wattage of all electrical devices to be connected
•
at one time. This total should NOT be greater than the generator's
wattage capacity.
The rated wattage of lights can be taken from light bulbs. The rated
•
wattage of tools, appliances and motors can usually be found on a
data label or decal affixed to the device.
If the appliance, tool or motor does not give wattage, multiply volts
•
times ampere rating to determine watts (volts x amps = watts).
Some electric motors, such as induction types, require about three
•
times more watts of power for starting than for running. This surge
of power lasts only a few seconds when starting such motors.
Make sure to allow for high starting wattage when selecting
electrical devices to connect to the generator:
1. Figure the watts needed to start the largest motor.
2. Add to that figure the running watts of all other connected loads.
The Wattage Reference Guide is provided to assist in determining
how many items the generator can operate at one time.
NOTE:
All figures are approximate. See data label on appliance for
wattage requirements.
2.5 WATTAGE REFERENCE GUIDE
Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Running Watts
*Air Conditioner (12,000 Btu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700
*Air Conditioner (24,000 Btu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3800
*Air Conditioner (40,000 Btu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6000
Battery Charger (20 Amp). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500
Belt Sander (3") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1000
Chain Saw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1200
Circular Saw (6-1/2"). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800 to 1000
*Clothes Dryer (Electric) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5750
*Clothes Dryer (Gas). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 700
*Clothes Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1150
Coffee Maker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1750
*Compressor (1 HP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000
*Compressor (3/4 HP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800
*Compressor (1/2 HP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1400
Curling Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 700
*Dehumidifier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 650
Disc Sander (9") . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1200
Edge Trimmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500
Electric Blanket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Electric Nail Gun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1200
Electric Range (per element) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1500
Electric Skillet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1250
*Freezer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .700
*Furnace Fan (3/5 HP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 875
*Garage Door Opener. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500 to 750
Hair Dryer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1200
Summary of Contents for 005724-0
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