Installation / Initial Set-
Up (cont’d)
15
4. Set-up either as a BUILDING BACK-UP or PORTABLE Power Source
This generator is designed to provide up to 9,000 watts
of electrical power. It can supply electricity in two
ways:
1.
As a back-up, standby power source for a building.
For this application, you must arrange for a
licensed e
lectrician to connect the generator to your building’s electrical system via the installation of an
UL-listed transfer switch. The transfer switch must be installed in accordance with building electrical
code and guidelines supplied by your power company.
2.
As a portable power source
. You can plug appliances or tools directly into the generator’s electrical
outlets.
Specific requirements for each are given below.
Note: Regardless of whether you use your generator as a back-up power source connected to a building
or as a portable power source, you must not overload the generator. Overloading may cause
serious damage to the generator and attached electrical devices.
Using as a
back-up power
source for a
building
Contact a licensed electrician to install a UL-listed transfer switch
if you want to
use your generator as a back-up power source for a building.
What does a transfer switch do? It:
a) Safely connects the generator to your building’s electrical system by isolating
your generator from your u
tility company’s power lines, AND
b) Connects your generator to a critical subset of your building’s circuits that are
needed for emergency power needs.
If your generator will be connected to your building’s electrical system, it MUST
ALWAYS be isolated from the utility power grid with a
UL-listed transfer switch
installed by a licensed electrician
in compliance with all applicable building and
electrical codes, and in accordance with guidelines supplied by your power company.
DANGER:
A transfer switch must be installed in order to isolate your generator from the
utility power grid. If your generator is NOT properly isolated from the utility
system, serious hazards will arise:
•
When your generator is running, its output will back feed into the utility
power line and transformer that are normally used to provide you with
power. The transformer will step up the current to the normal line voltage.
An unsuspecting utility line worker working on what he thinks is a
deactivated line could be electrocuted.
•
If your generator is connected (running or not) when utility power is restored,
your generator will be destroyed. It could also explode or cause fire.
In addition to isolating your generator from the utility system, the transfer switch
connects your generator to a limited set of circuits in your building that have been
chosen as critical to operate during a power outage.
The generator cannot power your entire home -- you must work with the installing
electrician to determine which devices/appliances you wish to power during an
outage. The electrician can help you determine which circuits and devices can be
powered simultaneously without overloading the generator.
(See the previous section of this manual
entitled “
Planning the Power Load
”
for
more information on load application and selection.)
