2
Operating Instructions
2. Use of a Ground Fault Interrupter 
(GFI) is strongly recommended. 
Ground Fault Interrupters can 
significantly reduce the possibility of 
injury if an electrical short occurs. In 
order to install a GFI, the generator 
neutral wire must be internally 
grounded to the generator frame, 
and the frame must be properly 
grounded to the earth.
A Ground Fault 
Interrupter may 
not be effective if used on a generator 
that is not grounded! Refer to the 
section entitled Grounding for proper 
steps to ground the generator.
3. When installing a GFI, be sure to
follow all national and local 
regulations. If not sure of 
regulations or procedures, obtain 
assistance from a qualified (licensed 
or certified) electrical technician.
GROUNDING
1. Use the ground terminal and wing
nut on the generator frame to 
connect the unit to a suitable 
ground source. Securely fasten the 
end terminal of the ground wire to 
the ground terminal on the 
generator frame. Tighten the 
washer and wing nut on top of the 
ground wire end terminal. 
2. The ground wire should be made of
#8 gauge wire. Do not use wire with 
a higher gauge number. Higher 
gauge numbers indicate thinner 
wire, which may not provide an 
adequate ground path.
3. The other end of the ground wire
must be securely fastened to an 
approved ground source.
The following are ground sources 
approved by the National Electric Code. 
Other ground sources may be 
acceptable. Refer to the National Electric 
Code and local regulations for further 
ground source information. If not sure 
of regulations or procedures, obtain 
assistance from a qualified (licensed or 
certified) electrical technician.
a. An underground water pipe at
least ten feet in length
b. A non-corrosive underground
pipe at least eight feet in length 
and 3/4 inch diameter
c. A steel or iron underground rod
at least eight feet in length and 
5/8 inch diameter
d. A non-ferrous rod at least eight
feet in length, 1/2 inch in 
diameter, and approved for 
grounding purposes
Any rod or pipe used for grounding 
must be driven to eight feet deep or 
buried in the deepest possible trench. 
STARTING
1. Remove all electrical loads from the 
generator.
2. Rotate fuel shut-off valve counter 
clockwise to enable fuel flow.
3. Rotate the engine switch to the ON 
position.
4. Adjust the choke lever as follows: 
a. For cold engine, move the choke
lever as far as possible to the left, 
choke fully ON, position.
b. For warm/hot engine, move the
choke lever midway between the 
choke and run positions.
5. Pull the starter rope with a brisk, 
smooth motion.
NOTE: Some models may be equipped 
with an electric starter. For models 
equipped with an electric starter, press 
the start button.
6. After each start up, allow the 
engine to run for 2-3 minutes with 
no load.
7. As the engine warms up and 
stabilizes, adjust the choke lever to 
the right, until the lever is 
positioned at the RUN label.
Engine speed is 
preset to provide 
proper output voltage. Never attempt 
to modify or adjust engine speed or 
output voltage.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
After initial start-up, the engine should 
be broken in according to the 
manufacturer's instructions. Refer to 
the engine manual for the proper 
break-in procedure.
GENERATOR SHUT OFF
1. Shut off and remove all electrical
load devices from the generator.
2. Allow the engine to run for 2-3
minutes with no electrical loads.
3. Rotate the engine switch to the OFF
position.
4. Verify that the generator has
completely stopped.
5. Close the fuel supply valve.
6. Allow the unit to cool before
installing any covers.
2.5 300 600 1000 600 375 250 
5 600 1200 500 300 200 125
7.5 900 1800 350 200 125 100
10 1200 2400 250 150 100 50 
15 1800 3600 150 100 65 
20 2400 4800 175  125 75 50 
25 3000 6000 150 100 60 
30 3600 7200 125 65 
40 4800 9600 90
Amps Watts Watts #8 #10 #12 #14 #16 
120 V 240 V Wire Wire Wire Wire Wire
EXTENSION CORDS
MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED LENGTHS (IN FEET)