USING YOUR GENERATOR
CO SENSOR INFORMATION
The CO Watchdog carbon monoxide monitoring system (Fig.
16 - 1) measures the accumulation of poisonous CO gas
while the generator is running. If the level of CO gas gets too
high, the CO Watchdog system will automatically shut down
the generator.
This system is not a substitute for an indoor
CO alarm.
Whenever the CO Watchdog system shuts down the genera-
tor, the LED on the generator control panel (Fig. 16 - 1) will
blink red
for at least 5 minutes after the generator is shut
down.
If you notice that the LED is blinking red, vacate the
area immediately.
Go to an open, outdoor area. Ventilate
the area around the generator thoroughly before returning.
Let the generator stay shut down for a few minutes before
restarting the engine. This should allow carbon monoxide to
dissipate from the area. If you restart the generator and the
CO Watchdog detects that CO levels are still too high, it will
shut down the generator again. If CO levels are low enough,
the generator will run normally.
1
NOTE:
after the CO Watchdog system shuts down the generator, the generator cannot be started for 15 seconds.
After 15 seconds have passed, the LED on the control panel will blink for 5 minutes. In these 5 minutes, you can
restart the generator using the recoil or electric start, but cannot restart it using remote start. After 5 minutes have
passed, the LED will turn off, and you can use remote start again.
Ensure that the generator is located in an open outdoor area, with the exhaust pointing away from occupied struc-
tures, and pointing away from the prevailing winds, such that those winds do not blow engine exhaust towards the
sensor module. If anyone experiences dizziness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, or other symptoms of CO poisoning,
get to fresh air immediately and seek the attention of a qualified medical professional. Follow all other directions in
this manual regarding the connection and disconnection of electrical devices when starting or shutting down the
generator.
When starting the generator, the CO Watchdog LED on the panel may flash. This indicates that the system is running
a self-test procedure, and does not indicate a problem.
If the CO Watchdog LED on the panel is
yellow
, a system error has occurred, or the CO sensor has reached the end
of its life. Contact WEN customer service (
1-800-232-1195
, M – F 8 – 5 CST, or
for assistance.
When operating your generator, please note the following:
• The CO Watchdog does not discriminate in its input; any source of carbon monoxide in the area around the genera-
tor could cause it to activate. If the CO Watchdog LED is blinking red, safety measures should be taken immediately.
• Tampering with, disconnecting, or bypassing the CO sensor could cause hazardous conditions, including but not
necessarily limited to injury or death, and will void your warranty. The generator will not run with the CO sensor
disconnected or bypassed, or if the CO sensor indicates an error.
• The CO sensor has a lifetime of about 7 years, and is capable of monitoring its lifetime. If your generator shows
an error light several years after purchase, it may be time to replace the CO sensor. Contact WEN customer service
for assistance.
NOTE:
If the generator is oriented so that the
engine exhaust is blown towards the CO sensor,
the generator may shut down.
Fig. 16
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