Powermate PM3800, Owner'S Manual

Page: 15 / 96

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 13
Section 3 Operation
Operation and Use Questions
Call Powermate Customer Service at 1-800-
445-1805 with questions or concerns about
equipment operation and maintenance.
Before Starting Engine
1. Verify engine oil level is correct.
2. Verify fuel level is correct.
3. Verify unit is secure on level ground, with
proper clearance and is in a well ventilated
area.
Prepare Generator for Use
Grounding the Portable
Generator
See Figure 3-1 . The portable generator is
equipped with a terminal for the connection of
a field grounding electrode conductor where a
grounding electrode system is required by
NEC Article 250.34(A). The equipment
grounding conductor terminals of the genera -
tor receptacles are bonded to the generator
frame. Where the generator supplies power to
cord and plug connected equipment, like
power tools, the frame of the generator is not
required by the NEC to be connected to a field
grounding electrode. The generator neutral
conductor is bonded to the generator frame in
accordance with NEC Article 250.34(C).
• COsense Models - NEUTRAL BONDED
TO FRAME
• THERE IS A PERMANENT CONDUCTOR
BETWEEN THE GENERATOR (STATOR
WINDING) AND FRAME
• CSA MODEL - NEUTRAL FLOATING
The generator (stator winding) is isolated from
the frame and from the AC receptacle ground
pin. Electrical devices that require a grounded
receptacle pin connection will not function if
the receptacle ground pin is not functional.
See Figure 3-1 . Where the generator is con -
nected to a manual transfer switch, the trans -
fer switch must also switch the neutral upon
transfer to be NEC code compliant (3-Pole
switch). A grounding electrode is required to
be connected to the generator frame to prop -
erly ground the generator. The ground wire
connected from the generator terminal/frame
to a field ground electrode shall be of equal or
larger ampacity than the largest conductor
used in the generator.
Figure 3-1. Grounding the Generator
(000103)
Asphyxiation. Running engines produce carbon
monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous
gas. Carbon monoxide, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
DANGER
Asphyxiation. The exhaust system must be properly
maintained. Do not alter or modify the exhaust system
as to render it unsafe or make it noncompliant with
local codes and/or standards. Failure to do so will
result in death or serious injury.
(000179b)
DANGER
(000178a)
WARNING
Asphyxiation. Always use a battery operated carbon
monoxide alarm indoors and installed according to
the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
(000118a)
Risk of fire. Do not use generator without
spark arrestor installed. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury.
(000110)
WARNING
Risk of Fire. Hot surfaces could ignite
combustibles, resulting in fire. Fire could
result in death or serious injury.
(000108)
WARNING
Hot Surfaces. When operating machine, do not
touch hot surfaces. Keep machine away from
combustibles during use. Hot surfaces could
result in severe burns or fire.
(000136)
CAUTION
Equipment and property damage. Disconnect
electrical loads prior to starting or stopping unit.
Failure to do so could result in equipment and
property damage.
000227