8
GROUNDING -
All units must be grounded. Drive
a 3/4” or 1” copper pipe or rod into the ground close to
the generator. The pipe/rod must penetrate moist
earth. Connect an approved ground clamp to the pipe.
Run a 10 gauge wire from the clamp to the generator
ground screw. Do not connect to a water pipe or a
ground used by a radio system.
OPERATING SPEED
The generator must be run at the correct speed in
order to produce the proper electrical voltage and
frequency.
The output voltage should be checked to ensure
the generator is working properly subsequent to
connecting a load to the generator. Failure to do so
could result in damage to equipment plugged into the
unit and possible injury to the individual.
All engines have a tendency to slow down when a
load is applied. When the electrical load is connected
to the generator, the engine is more heavily loaded,
and as a result the speed drops slightly. This slight
decrease in speed, together with the voltage drop
within the generator itself, results in a slightly lower
voltage when the generator is loaded to its full capacity
than when it is running with no load. The slight
variation has no appreciable effect in the operation of
motors, lights and most appliances. Electronic
equipment and clocks will be effected if correct RPM is
not maintained. See Load vs. Output chart
Load
Output
Percent of
Generator
Output
Speed
(RPM)
Frequency
(Hz)
Generator
voltage at 120V
Receptacle
0 %
3780
63.0
125V
50 %
3600
60.0
122V
100 %
3480
58.0
118V
Output voltage should be checked periodically to
ensure continued proper operation of the generating
plant and appliances, it can be checked with a portable
meter. Frequency can be checked by using an electric
clock with a sweep second hand. Timed against a
wrist watch or a stop watch the clock should be correct
/- 2 seconds per minute. All speed setting
adjustments should be done by a qualified technician.
GENERATOR CARE
The generator head is a two pole, 3600 RPM, 60
Hz, brushless, revolving field and synchronous type
with two sealed radial roller bearings.
Proper care and maintenance are necessary to
ensure a long trouble free life.
Exercising The Generator -
The generator
should be operated every four weeks.
. This is
accomplished by starting the engine and applying a
load for 10 to 15 minutes. This will dry out any
moisture that has accumulated in the windings. If left,
this moisture can cause corrosion in the winding.
Frequent operation of the generator will also ensure
that the set is operating properly should it be needed
in an emergency.
Generator Maintenance
- The generator head is
brushless and maintenance free. Any major generator
service including the installation or replacement of
parts should be performed only by a qualified electrical
service technician. USE ONLY NorthStar APPROVED
REPAIR PARTS AVAILABLE AT 1-800-270-0810.
A. Bearing - The bearings used in this generator
are a heavy duty, sealed ball bearing type. They
require no maintenance or lubrication.
B. Receptacles - Quality receptacles have been
utilized. If a receptacle should become cracked or
otherwise damaged, replace it. Using cracked or
damaged receptacles can be both dangerous to the
operator and destructive to the equipment.
WARNING, Stand-by Operation
If your generator is to be used as a standby
electric power source in case of utility failure, it must
be installed by a registered and licensed electrician
and in compliance with all applicable state and local
electrical codes. Also, local Fire Departments must be
consulted concerning proper and safe handling
procedures for gasoline.
NEVER
connect any
generator to any existing electrical system without an
isolating, UL approved transfer switch, installed by a
licensed electrician.
