WARNING: Do not use the generator without reading this manual
3500W INVERTER GENERATOR
MODEL NO: IG3700
PART NO: 8877138
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS DL0625
Page 2
INTRODUCTION
Before you use this product, read this manual and follow the instructions carefully. In
doing so you will ensure the safety of yourself and others around you, and you can
also expect your purchase to give you a long and satisfactory service.
GUARANTEE
This product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12 months from
the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt which will be required as proof of
purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is tampered with in any way, or not used for
the purpose for which it was intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can be
returned to us without prior permission. This guarantee does not effect your statutory
rights.
ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING POLICY
Through purchase of this product, the customer is taking on the obligation
to deal with the WEEE in accordance with the WEEE regulations in relation
to the treatment, recycling & recovery and environmentally sound disposal
of the WEEE.
In effect, this means that this product must not be disposed of with general
household waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws governing Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at a recognised disposal facility.
If disposing of this product or any damaged components, do not dispose of with
general waste. This product contains valuable raw materials. Metal products should
be taken to your local civic amenity site for recycling of metal products.
PRODUCT DISPOSAL
DO NOT dispose of used generator or parts with your household waste. This product
contains electrical or electronic components that should be recycled under the WEEE
regulations. Please take this product to your local recycling facility for responsible
disposal to minimise its environmental impact.
DO NOT dispose of used oil or fuel in general waste or down a drain. Please see local
authority recycling for more information.
WARNING: EXHAUST FUMES CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF
INHALED
WORK AREA
1. ALWAYS use in a well ventilated area.
2. ALWAYS position the exhaust outlet away from people.
3. Read these safety instructions before using the equipment.
4. Keep children away from the generator.
POSITIONING THE GENERATOR
1. Keep the generator at least 1 m (3 ft.) from buildings or other equipment, or the
engine may overheat.
2. Place the generator on a solid, flat surface.
3. Make sure the surrounding area is free from any material that could burn or be
damaged by heat.
4. NEVER move or tilt the generator whilst it is switched on.
FIRE PREVENTION
1. ALWAYS switch the engine OFF when refuelling.
2. ALWAYS refuel in a well ventilated area.
3. NEVER overfill the fuel tank, only fill to the level specified.
4. NEVER smoke whilst refuelling and avoid smoking or using a naked flame near
the generator.
5. NEVER start the engine if there is spilled fuel. Any spillage must be wiped clean
and the generator allowed to dry before attempting to start the engine.
PREVENTION OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
1. NEVER use the generator in the rain or wet conditions unless it is well protected/
under cover. Under these conditions, adequate ventilation MUST be provided.
2. NEVER operate the generator with wet hands.
3. NEVER use water or any other liquids to clean the generator.
4. Make sure you ground (earth) the generator (See pages 8-9).
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR GENERATORS
1. ALWAYS make sure the applied load does not exceed the generator rating.
Overloading the generator is dangerous and could cause serious damage.
2. ALWAYS
3. ALWAYS allow the generator to reach operating speed before connecting a load.
4. NEVER allow the generator to run out of fuel when a load is connected.
5. NEVER transport the generator with fuel in the tank.
6. NEVER connect the generator to a commercial or residential power supply; e.g.
ring main.
7. NEVER allow the generator air vents to become blocked.
8. NEVER directly cover the generator while in use.
disconnect the generator when carrying out any maintenance.
SYMBOLS
The following safety symbols are shown on the product or it’s packaging. Please read
all of the safety and operating instructions carefully before using this product.
Read instruction
manual before use.
Hot surface - DO NOT
TOUCH
Dangerous Voltage Risk of Electrocution.
Flammable. DO NOT
refuel when operating.
DO NOT directly cover
the generator while in
use
Caution - high noise
level when in use
Poisonous fumes - DO
NOT use the generator
in an enclosed space.
Caution - The user
should be aware of a
general hazard.
Unpack your generator and check the following items are present. Should there be
any missing or damaged during transit contact your CLARKE dealer.
1 x 3500 Watt Inverter Generator1 x 12 Volt Crocodile Clip Lead Assembly
1 x Spark Plug Box Spanner with
Lever
1 x Oil Funnel
BEFORE USING THE GENERATOR
IMPORTANT: Generators should ALWAYS be earthed. Make sure you
earth the generator.
Before using your generator check that:
•The generator is in good condition and free from any damage.
•The generator is clean and free from fuel or oil spillage.
•The generator is correctly located for use (see page 4).
•There is no fuel leakage.
NOTE: To avoid accidental spillage of fuel, use a funnel to fill the fuel tank. If
fuel is spilled it must be removed from the unit before attempting to
start the engine.
EARTHING
WARNING: IT IS ADVISABLE TO PROPERLY EARTH YOUR
GENERATOR BEFORE STARTING, USING A WIRE AND A SMALL
METAL EARTH SPIKE. THE WIRE AND EARTH SPIKE ARE NOT
SUPPLIED WITH THIS UNIT.
An earth rod and cable can be purchased at your local camping or electrical supplier,
or alternatively an earth rod can be made, and it is suggested you get advice from a
qualified electrician.
The cable used should be insulated and a maximum length of 1 metre and a minimum
of 1.0mm2 to carry a 13amp load.
Attach the cable to the generator at the earthing point
(shown on the right).
Connect the other end of the cable to a steel or
copper earth rod, making sure you connect it in
accordance with the installation instructions supplied
with the rod.
When pushing the rod into the ground the generator
must not be running and it is suggested that the rod is
pushed into the ground by at least 100 mm.
Earthing of generators is covered in BS7430:2011. If
you have any doubts about this subject consult a
qualified electrician.
CHECKING & ADDING ENGINE OIL
1. Place the generator on a level surface and check the oil level as follows.
NOTE: The oil reservoir capacity is 450mm.
2. Unscrew the 2 fixing screws on the top
corners and remove the maintenance panel
shown on the right.
3. Turn the oil filler cap anti-clockwise
and remove from the oil reservoir,
wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick back into the oil
filler tube and then remove it again.
5. If the oil is below the Min. level
on the dipstick, top up the oil
reservoir with fresh oil using
the oil funnel.
•DO NOT fill above the max
level mark.
•We recommend the use of
SAE10W/30 oil in this
generator. (CLARKE part
number 3050852)
•DO NOT tilt the generator when adding engine oil. This could result in
overfilling and damage to the engine.
6. Replace the oil filler cap.
7. Replace the oil cap panel.
CHECKING & ADDING FUEL
WARNING: MAKE SURE THERE IS FUEL IN THE TANK WHEN USING
THE GENERATOR. RUNNING OUT OF FUEL OR STOPPING THE
ENGINE SUDDENLY WITH A LOAD CONNECTED COULD CAUSE
SERIOUS DAMAGE.
WARNING: FUEL IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND POISONOUS.
WARNING: SEE GENERAL SAFETY RULES ON PAGE 4 AND READ
THEM CAREFULLY BEFORE REFUELING.
WARNING: DO NOT FILL ABOVE THE TOP OF THE FUEL FILTER OR IT
MAY OVERFLOW WHEN THE FUEL HEATS UP AND EXPANDS.
WARNING: WIPE UP ANY SPILLED FUEL IMMEDIATELY.
WARNING: AFTER REFUELING, MAKE SURE THE FUEL FILLER CAP IS
TIGHTENED SECURELY.
RECOMMENDED FUEL
Your generator has been designed to use regular unleaded petrol with a octane
number of 86 or higher.
1. Check the fuel level via the maximum fuel level mark on the fuel filter.
NOTE: The fuel tank capacity is 8 Litres (Safe Fuel Level).
5. Move the fuel switch to the right, to
the ‘START’ position.
6. Hold the recoil starter handle firmly
and pull lightly until you start to feel
resistance and then pull up sharply to
start the engine.
NOTE: You may have to do this more
than once.
NOTE: NEVER let the handle snap
back.
7. Once the engine has started, slowly
turn the fuel switch to the ‘RUN’
position.
NOTE: Allow the generator to run for
several minutes before
attempting to connect any
electrical devices. This allows the
generator to stabilize its speed
and temperature.
NOTE: When you first start the
generator, the overload indicator (page 15) may light up for a few
seconds, this is normal. If the overload indicator is still lit after 5
seconds, stop the engine and contact your CLARKE dealer or the
CLARKE Service Department.
Recommended to minimize fuel
consumption and further reduce noise
levels when no load is applied to the
generator. Engine speed varies with the
load.
OFF (HIGH-SPEED MODE):
The engine will run at the rated speed
regardless of whether a load is
connected or not. The switch should be
in the ‘O’ ‘NON-ECO’ position if you are
using electrical devices that require a large starting current, such as compressors or
water pumps.
CAUTION: THE ECONOMY CONTROL DOES NOT WORK EFFECTIVELY
IF THE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE REQUIRES ‘BURSTS’ OF POWER.
CAUTION: TURN THE ECONOMY CONTROL FEATURE OFF WHEN
CONNECTING HIGH LOAD APPLIANCES OR WHEN CONNECTING TO
THE DC OUTPUT.
CONNECTING ELECTRICAL DEVICES
The generator can supply either 5V or
230V AC and 12V DC.
AC POWER
1. Start the engine. See pages 11-12.
2. Make sure the appliance is turned off
before connecting it to the generator.
3. Connect the appliance to the generator using
one of the two 3 Pin 13A 230V AC outlets or
one of the two 5V USB outlets.
CAUTION: MAKE SURE THAT THE APPLIANCE BEING CONNECTED IS
IN GOOD WORKING ORDER, IF IT BEGINS TO ACT ABNORMALLY OR
STOPS SUDDENLY, DISCONNECT IT FROM THE GENERATOR
CAUTION: MAKE SURE THE APPLIANCE DOES NOT EXCEED THE
MAXIMUM RATED LOAD FOR THE GENERATOR.
CAUTION: ANY DEVICE WHICH CONTAINS AN INDUCTIVE LOAD E.G.
DEVICES THAT CONTAIN A MOTOR MAY REQUIRE MORE CURRENT
ON STARTUP.
DC POWER
1. Set the Economy Control Switch to the ‘O’
‘NON-ECO MODE’ position.
2. Start the generator. See pages 11-12.
3. Make sure the appliance is turned off before
connecting it to the generator.
4. Connect the 12V/5A appliance to the generator.
DC POWER (TOPPING UP CAR BATTERIES)
WARNING: FOR YOUR SAFETY PERFORM THE FOLLOWING
INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ORDER SHOWN.
WARNING: YOU SHOULD ONLY USE THIS GENERATOR TO ‘TOP UP’
THE BATTERY AS TRYING TO CHARGE A COMPLETELY FLAT BATTERY
MAY CAUSE THE FUSE TO BLOW.
1. Set the Economy Control Switch to
the ‘O’ ‘NON-ECO’ position.
2. Start the generator. See pages 11-12.
3. Connect the battery charging leads to
the battery.
•Make sure you clamp the red wire
to the positive (+) terminal and
the black wire to the negative (-)
terminal of the battery.
4. Connect the battery charging leads to the generator.
•The battery will begin to charge
5. Using a voltmeter, monitor the voltage across the battery regularly during
charging and disconnect the battery when the voltage reaches 14.4 volts.
CAUTION: WHEN DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, ALWAYS
DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE LEAD FIRST.
CAUTION: DO NOT ALLOW THE RED AND BLACK CLAMPS TO TOUCH
WHILE STILL CONNECTED TO THE GENERATOR.
DC OVER LOAD PROTECTOR
If the overload protector activates (will
activate with at least 8-10 amp load),
wait for a few minutes and then press the
reset switch shown on the right.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
OUTPUT
The output indicator (Green) will remain
on during normal operation.
OVERLOAD
The overload indicator (Red) will light up
if there is an overload or at least 15.6
amps or a short circuit in the connected
appliance.
If this happens, proceed as follows:
1. Turn off any connected electrical
devices and stop the generator.
2. Reduce the total wattage of connected electric devices to within the rated output
of the generator.
3. Check air inlet and around the control unit. If any blockages are found, remove
them.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain the
generator. All service and adjustments should be made at least one time every year. It
is important that the maintenance chart below is followed:
Frequency of Use
ItemAction
Engine Oil
(Page 18)
Air Filter
(Page 19)
Spark Plug
(Page 20)
Spark ArrestorCheck - Clean***
Valve ClearanceCheck - Adjust***
Combustion
Chamber
Fuel TankClean***
Check Level*
Replace*
Check*
Clean **
Replace*
Clean - Adjust****
Replace*
Clean***
Each Time
of Use
Every 3
Months or
50 Hrs
Every 6
Months or
100 Hrs
Every 2
Years or
300 Hrs
Fuel Filter
(page 21)
Fuel Supply
Line
•** = Recommended to be performed more often than in the schedule if
operated in a dusty environment.
•*** = A bi-annual service is recommended to be performed by a CLARKE
authorized dealer.
CAUTION: PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO USED ENGINE OIL IS
DANGEROUS, ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER
HANDLING USED ENGINE OIL.
1. Unscrew the 2 fixing screws on the top
corners and remove the maintenance panel
shown on the right.
2. Turn the oil filler cap anti-clockwise
and remove from the oil tank.
3. Tilt the generator to allow the oil to
drain out of the oil reservoir into a
suitable container via the drain
channel.
NOTE: You may need assistance with
this step as the generator is
heavy.
4. Fill the oil reservoir with fresh oil.
•DO NOT fill above the max level
mark (0.45 litres)
•We recommend the use of
SAE10W/30 oil in this generator.
(CLARKE part number 3050852)
5. Replace the oil filler cap and
maintenance panel.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
One of the most damaging sources of pollution is oil. DO NOT throw away used
engine oil in with your domestic waste or down drains and sinks. Place it in a leak
proof container and dispose of it according to local regulations.
5. Check the spark plug gap (a) with a
feeler gauge, it should be between
0.6 and 0.7 mm.
•Adjust if necessary.
6. Check the overall condition of the
spark plug and replace if damaged.
NOTE: The spark plug is a F6RTC.
Spark plugs are available from
CLARKE Spare Parts department
020 8988 7400.
7. Reinstall the spark plug and replace the spark plug cap and top panel.
CLEAN FUEL TANK FILTER (EVERY 50 HOURS OF USE)
Just inside the fuel tank is a fuel filter. Check this filter periodically and remove any
contaminants which may have accumulated.
1. Remove the fuel tank cap.
2. Lift out the filter inside.
3. Clean the filter with solvent. If the
filter is damaged, contact CLARKE
Spare Parts department 020 8988
7400 for a replacement.
4. Replace the filter and fuel tank cap.
CAUTION: ALLOWING PETROL TO SIT IN THE FUEL TANK FOR LONG
PERIODS OF TIME CAN MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO START THE
GENERATOR IN THE FUTURE. NEVER STORE THE GENERATOR FOR
EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME WITH FUEL IN THE TANK.
1. Using the spark plug spanner, remove
the spark plug, and pour a
tablespoon of clean engine oil into
the cylinder.
2. Crank the engine several times to
distribute the oil.
3. Reinstall the spark plug.
4. Pull the starter grip slowly till
resistance is felt. At this point, the
piston is coming up on its compression stroke and both the intake and exhaust
valves are closed. In this position, it helps to protect the engine from internal
corrosion.
Engine switch in OFF position Set engine switch to CHOKE/START
position
Fuel tank is filled with
contaminated or old fuel
Not enough oil in crankcaseAdd or replace oil
Air filter is dirtyClean or replace air filter
Spark plug is dirtyClean spark plug
Spark plug is brokenReplace spark plug
Generator is not on level
surface
Engine needs maintenanceContact the CLARKE service
Generator was tilted when
adding oil or shipped side
down
Change the fuel in the tank
Move generator to a level surface
to prevent low oil shutdown from
triggering
department for more information
Remove spark plug, turn engine
switch to the OFF position then pull
recoil starter four (4) times to
remove oil from the combustion
chamber. Replace spark plug and
restart engine
Engine StopsFuel tank vacuum relief valve
on OFF position
Not enough oil in crankcaseAdd or change oil
Engine is out of fuelCheck fuel gauge and add fuel if
Generator inclined, oil has
entered combustion chamber
To much oil has been added
to the crankcase
25
Turn fuel tank vacuum relief valve
to the ON position
needed
Move generator to a level position
Drain excess oil
Page 26
PROBLEMCAUSESOLUTION
Generator runs
but does not
support all
electrical devices
connected
DC outlet is
without any
power
Bad connecting wires/cablesIf using an extension cable, try a
different one
Bad electrical device
Try connecting a different device
connected to generator
Generator is overloaded,
(overload light is on).
Perform these steps:
1: Turn off all electrical devices
2: Unplug all electrical devices
3: Shut down the engine
4: Wait several minutes and then
restart the engine
5: Try connecting fewer electrical
loads to the generator
Short circuit in one of the
connected devices
DC circuit protector has
tripped
Try disconnecting any faulty or
short circuited electrical loads
Remove any load on the circuit
firstly, and then reset the protector
after a few minutes.
If this does not solve your problem, please contact the CLARKE Service Department.