9
OPM-148
REV A
CAUTION: PERSONAL DANGER
NEVER dispose a battery in a fire. The battery is
capable of exploding.
DO NOT open or mutilate the battery. Released
electrolyte is known to be harmful to the skin and eyes
and to be very toxic.
These engine-generator sets are all NEGATIVE ground.
Be very careful not to connect the battery in reverse
polarity, as this may short circuit the battery charging
system on the engine.
CAUTION
A battery presents a risk of electrical shock and high
short circuit current. The following precautions must
be observed when working with batteries:
1. Remove watches, rings, and other metal objects.
2. Use tools with insulated handles.
3. Check both the battery cable ends and the battery
posts to be sure they are free of corrosion.
4. Always connect the battery positive cable first
and then connect the battery negative cable. When
removing the battery cables from the battery, reverse
the procedure, disconnect the negative first and then
the positive cable.
5. Be sure all connections are tight and coat the
terminals and cable ends with dialectic grease.
WARNING
The electrolyte is diluted sulfuric acid that is harmful
to the skin and eyes. It is electrically conductive and
corrosive. The following precautions must always be
taken.
1. Always wear full eye protection and protective
clothing.
2. Where electrolyte contacts skin, wash off
immediately with water.
3. If electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush thoroughly and
immediately with water and seek immediate medical
attention
4. Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with an
acid neutralizing agent. A common practice is to use a
solution of one pound of bicarbonate of soda (baking
soda) to one gallon of water. The bicarbonate of soda
solution is to be added until the evidence of reaction
(foaming) has ceased. The resulting liquid is to be
flushed with water and the area dried.
DANGER: EXPLOSIVE FIRE RISK
1. Never smoke when near batteries.
2. Do not cause a flame or spark in the battery area.
3. Always discharge static electricity from your body
before touching batteries by first touching a ground
metal surface.
SERVICING BATTERIES
Batteries used on these units may, over time, lose water.
This is especially true if you are using a trickle charger
to maintain your battery. Different types of batteries
require various types of maintenance. Refer to the battery
manufacturer for specific recommendations.
NOTE: Always make sure that a new battery is fully charged
before installing it on a generator set. Failure to do so
can cause damage to the engine control module in the
generator set.
All connections must be clean and tight. Depending on
your battery type, check the electrolyte in the battery
periodically to be sure it is above the plates. Never allow the
battery to remain in a discharged condition.
CAUTION: EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
Never attempt to jump start this engine. If the battery
should accidentally become discharged, disconnect
the battery cables and recharge the battery before
attempting to start the unit. Boost/jump starting this
unit improperly will result in PERMANENT DAMAGE
TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM).
BATTERY CHARGER &
BLOCK HEATER
A three-stage, 1.5 amp, electronic battery charger is
provided standard on this unit. This charger has three rates
of charging. During the first mode, known as Bulk charging,
the charging current is limited to 2 Amps at a voltage of
up to 14.5 VDC. The green LED will blink during this stage.
During the Absorption mode, the charger holds the battery
voltage at approximately 14.5 VDC, and then gradually
reduces the amount of Amps it delivers to the battery. This
way the battery is able to “absorb” the last 10% of charge
as quickly as possible without becoming overheated. The
green LED will blink during this stage. When the battery
approaches full charge, the charger switches into its third
charging stage, gradually reducing the current fed to the
batteries to as low as 0.1 Amps. At the same time, it reduces
its output to a “Float” or “Maintenance” charging rate of
approximately 13.3 VDC nominal, indicated by the green
LED. This low “Float” or Maintenance” voltage gently “tops
off” the battery, keeping it fully charged and ready until
needed. The green LED will indicate the battery is fully
charged.
See section on the optional solar battery charger.
The block heater on this unit is 1000 watts and should also
be plugged in the Shore Power receptacle. The block heater
is thermostatically controlled and when plugged in will
maintain the engine coolant temperature between 100 and
120 degrees F.
MOUNTING THE AUTOMATIC
TRANSFER SWITCH
For standby applications, an automatic transfer switch (ATS)
will be necessary for automatic starting. A wall mounted
ASCO 300 ATS designed for inside or outside installation.
The transfer switch is UL1008 approved. A fourteen day
electronic exerciser circuit is installed in the ATS as standard
equipment. The ATS also contains the power failure sensing
circuitry necessary to start and stop the engine generator
set. The transfer switch is also equipped standard with a 3
