Desa PGH7500IE, PGH1100IE User Manual



PORTABLE GASOLINE

GENERATORS

OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL

FUEL

F

120 VOLTS

RESET
TEST

FULL POWER
SELECTOR

120
ONLY

120
240V

120/240 VOLTS

ENM

00000005

HOURS 1/10

RESET

RESET

FUEL

F

120 VOLTS

RESET
TEST

Auto-Idle

ON

OFF

ENM

00000005

HOURS 1/10

R

ESET

240 VO

LTS

RESET

Generator Models: PGH7500IE and PGH11000IE

IMPORTANT: Read and understand this manual before operating or servicing
generator. Improper use of generator can cause serious injury. Keep this
manual for future reference.



PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS

SAFETY
INFORMATION

WARNINGS

IMPORTANT: Read this Owner’s
Manual and the engine Owner’s
Manual carefully. Become famil­iar with this generator before try­ing to operate or service it. Know
its uses, limitations, and any haz­ards involved. Improper use of
generator can cause severe in­jury or death from explosion, fire,
burns, electrical shock, or car­bon monoxide poisoning.

DANGER: Carbon monoxide

poisoning may lead to death!

Engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide gas. Overexposure will cause loss
of consciousness and will lead to death. Use
only in well-vented areas. Make sure area
has plenty of free-moving, fresh, outside
air. Never run generator in an enclosed or
confined area. Never run generator inside
occupied building.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early
signs of carbon monoxide poisoning re­semble the flu, with headaches, dizziness,
and nausea. If you have these signs, get
fresh air at once! Some people are more
affected by carbon monoxide than others.
These include pregnant women, persons
with heart or lung disease or anemia, those
under the influence of alcohol, and those at
high altitudes. Make certain you read and
understand all warnings. Keep this manual
for reference. It is your guide to safe and
proper operation of this generator.

Safety information appears throughout these
instructions. Pay close attention to them.
Below are definitions for the safety infor­mation listed throughout this manual.

DANGER: indicates a hazard which will
cause severe personal injury, death, or substan­tial property damage if you ignore warning

WARNING: indicates a hazard which can
cause severe personal injury, death, or substan­tial property damage if you ignore warning.

CAUTION: indicates a hazard which will
or can cause minor personal injury or prop­erty damage if you ignore warning.

.

1. Gasoline presents a hazard of fire or ex­plosion. Gasoline is flammable. Its va­por is explosive.

• Keep fuel out of children’s reach.

• Refuel generator in a well-vented

area. Do not fill fuel tank in the dark.
Do not refuel while engine is run­ning. Unhook all electrical loads and
shut off engine before refueling.

• Do not overfill fuel tank. Always al-

low room for fuel to expand. If you
overfill tank, fuel can overflow onto
hot generator. This can cause fire or
explosion. After refueling, tightly
close fuel tank cap.

• Do not spill fuel. Fuel or fuel vapor

may ignite. If fuel spills, make sure
area is dry before starting engine.

• Never smoke in refueling area. Never

allow open flames or sparks in area.

• Store fuel in approved container.

Store fuel in a well-vented area free
of open flames or sparks.

2. Guard against fire hazard. Keep opera­tion area well-vented. Keep generator
at least three feet away from any ob­ject. Do not place flammable objects
near generator.

• Do not use generator where flam-

mable vapors are present. Some va­pors are heavier than air. These va­pors settle in low-lying places.

• Do not use generator in enclosed

spaces. This includes motor home or
RV generator compartments.

3.

Guard against electric shock. Generator
produces high voltage. This high voltage
can cause severe electric shock. Only re­sponsible adults should use generator.

• Properly ground generator before

starting.

• Never let anyone operate or service

generator without proper instruc­tions.

• Avoid contact with live terminals or

bare wires.

• Do not use generator outdoors in rain

or snow.

• Do not use generator near standing

water or snow.

• Do not use if generator is wet or

damp.

• Do not use generator in highly con-

ductive areas. These areas include
metal decking and steelwork.

• Only use grounded extension cords.

• Do not use any worn or damaged
electric cords. Electric shock or dam­age to generator may result.

• Do not wear damp clothing or wet
shoes when using generator.

4. Guard against burns. Hot engine parts
can cause severe injury. Use caution
and remain alert when using generator.

• Keep children and animals away

from generator while it is running or
hot.

• Keep all covers and shields in place.

Keep them tightly secured.

• The muffler becomes very hot dur-

ing operation. The muffler remains
hot for a while after shutdown. Do
not touch muffler while it is hot. Do
not let muffler touch anything flam­mable. Let engine cool before trans­porting or storing.

5. Have standby installation to home or
building performed by a licensed elec­trician. Do not let anyone else wire into
a utility circuit. Personal injury , equip­ment damage, or damage to home could
occur.

6. Never connect generator to any exist­ing electrical circuits. The generator
output will back-feed into the utility
power line. This may electrocute a
power company line repair person.
Also, if generator is powering electri­cal circuits, the chance of an electrical
fire exists.

7. Battery gives off explosive gases. Keep
sparks, flames, and cigarettes away. Do
not remove or install battery cables
when engine is cranking or running.
Only service or use battery in a well­vented area.

8. Battery contains sulfuric acid. Battery
acid is poisonous if swallowed. Con­tact with skin or eyes may cause severe
burns. Do not tilt generator with bat­tery installed. Tilting could cause bat­tery acid to spill. W ear protective cloth­ing and face shield when servicing.
Keep out of children’s reach.

2

106746

OWNER’S MANUAL

SAFETY
INFORMATION

Continued

9.

Only a qualified electrical service per­son should service and repair generator.

• Generator produces high voltage.
Use extreme caution when working
on electrical parts.

• Always remove spark plug wire from
spark plug before servicing. This will
prevent accidental starting.

•

When working on generator, avoid hot
muffler, exhaust manifold, and engine
parts. Severe burns may occur.

• Do not work on generator when tired.

• Use only factory approved replace­ment parts.

10. Store generator in a well-vented area.
Make sure fuel tank is empty. Never
store with fuel in tank. Vapors may
reach an open flame or spark. Fire or
explosion may result.

11. Never operate generator

• if engine speed changes greatly

• if engine misfires often

• if powered items overheat

• if electrical output drops

• if it is sparking

• if it produces smoke or flames

• if it vibrates at high levels

• if it has a damaged receptacle

12. Keep generator and nearby areas clean.

• Keep generator free of oil, mud, and

other foreign matter.

• Remove anything that creates slip-

pery areas around generator.

• Remove oily rags and other items

that create fire hazards.

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Make sure it is rated ABC by the
NFPA. They are good for all uses.
Consult your local fire department.

• Keep fire extinguisher well main-

tained. Be familiar with its use.

13. Know how to stop engine quickly.
Know how to use all controls.

14. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can
cause hearing loss.

• When working around generator,

wear approved hearing protection.

• Remember neighbors when using

generator.

PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION

Gas Cap/Fuel Gauge

Control
Panel

FUEL

F

120 Volt
Receptacle

120 Volt
Receptacle
(GFCI)

120 Volt
Receptacle
(Duplex)

Hour Meter

Fuel
Valve
Lever

Starter Grip

Engine

120/240 Volt
Receptacle

Choke
Lever

120 VOLTS

RESET

TEST

Engine ON/
OFF Switch

120/240 VOLTS

ENM

00000005

HOURS 1/10

Circuit
Breaker

RESET

RESET

Auto-Idle Switch

HONDA

OFF

ON

START

ENGINE SW

CIRCUIT
BREAKER

ON/push OFF

Oil Dipstick

Gas Tank

FUEL

F

Alternator

Roll Cage

Ground
Lug

106746

Figure 1 - Portable Generator (Model PGH7500IE Shown)

3



PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS

GENERAL
INFORMATION

Powerfast portable generators are rugged
and compact. These models provide depend­able, trouble-free service. The alternators are
brushless with revolving fields. Honda gaso­line engines provide long life under heavy
use. Honda engines have overhead valves
(OHV). This provides high performance with
lower fuel consumption. These engines are
governed to maintain engine speed of 3600
RPM under load. 3600 RPM engine speed
provides 120/240V, 60 Hz power.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Circuit breaker protection

• Spark-arresting muffler (except model

PGH11000IE)

• Large fuel tank

• Oil alert system

• Electric starter

• 15-Amp ground fault circuit interrupter

(GFCI) receptacle

UNPACKING

1. Remove generator from carton.

2. Remove any protective packaging ap­plied to generator for shipment.

3. Check for loose or missing parts. Check
for shipping damage. If any parts are
missing or damaged, promptly inform
dealer where you bought generator.

4. Battery cables are supplied. These
cables are in a separate bag inside
generator carton. You must install
these cables to engine. See Battery,
pages 7 an d 8, for installation instruc­tions.

VENTILATION

DANGER: Use only in well­vented areas. Make sure area has
plenty of free-moving, fresh, out­side air. Never run generator in
an enclosed or confined area.
Never run generator inside occu­pied building. Engine exhaust
contains poisonous carbon mon­oxide gas. Overexposure will
cause loss of consciousness and
will lead to death.

This generator needs cooling air to run prop­erly. Never block free-flowing, cooling air
to generator. Overheating will occur with­out cooling air. This will damage the gen­erator. Keep generator at least three feet
away from any object.

DUST, DIRT, RAIN,
AND SNOW

WARNING: Do not use gen­erator outdoors in rain or snow.
Do not use generator near stand­ing water or snow. Do not use if
generator is wet or damp. Oper­ating generator in these condi­tions increases the risk of elec­trocution. Severe injury or death
can occur.

Do not use generator in extremely dusty or
dirty conditions. This will severely affect its
life. Keep generator clean. Do not allow
dust, dirt, rain, or snow to collect on it.
Protect generator from outdoor elements.

HIGH AND LOW
TEMPERATURE
OPERATION

Air temperature affects generator output.
Output drops 1% for each 10° temperature
rise above 60° F. Very low temperatures may
make the engine hard to start. See engine
Owner’s Manual for more information.

4

106746

SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL PGH7500IE PGH11000IE
Electrical

Rated Wattage 7000 10,000
Rated Amperage

120 V 57 83.3
240 V 28.3 41.7

Receptacle

120-V Duplex Yes Yes
120-V, 15-A GFCI Yes Yes
120-V Twist-Lock 30 Amp 30 Amp
120/240-V Twist-Lock 30 Amp 30 Amp
120/240-V, 50-A No Yes

General

Honda Engine H.P. 13 20
Honda Model GX390K1VXE GX620VXA3
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity 5 gal. 5 gal.
Oil Alert System Yes Yes
Start Method Electric Electric
Weight (pounds) 247 325

OWNER’S MANUAL

* Single-phase, 1.0 power factor

Note:

Ratings apply to SAE standard conditions. Reduce ratings 3 1/2% for each 1000 feet

above sea level and 1% for each 10° Fahrenheit rise above 60°F.

106746

5



PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS

GENERATOR
FEATURES

OIL ALERT SYSTEM

The oil alert system protects the engine from
low oil damage. This system automatically
shuts down the engine and prevents engine
restarting if the oil level falls too low.

Note:

When this happens, the engine switch
remains in the ON position. The oil alert
system is wired into the ON/OFF Switch.

If this system shuts down the engine, the
engine will not start until you add oil. Add
oil to engine (see Engine Oil, page 7).

Note:

Operate generator on a level surface.
If not level, the oil may flow away from the
oil level sensing device. This will cause the
oil alert system to shut down engine.

See engine Owner’s Manual for more
information.

HONDA

OFFONSTART

ENGINE SW

CIRCUIT
BREAKER

Figure 2 - Engine Switch Location

ELECTRIC START

A battery is not supplied with generator.
You must provide a 12-volt, 32-amp-hour
battery. For more battery information, see
Battery, pages 7 and 8.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER RECEPTACLE

All models have a 120-volt ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. The
GFCI protects you against hazardous elec­trical shock caused when your body be­comes a path through which electricity trav­els to reach ground. This could happen when
you touch an appliance or cord that is ‘live’
through faulty mechanism, damp or worn
insulation, etc.

When protected by the GFCI, you may still
feel a shock, but the GFCI should cut it off
quickly. A person in normal health should
not receive serious injury.
very small children may still be affected.

Test Procedure

Check the GFCI receptacle every month.
This insures it is working right.

1. Push black TEST button. Red RESET
button should pop out. This should trip
GFCI, resulting in no electrical power
at receptacle. Verify this by plugging
test lamp with good bulb into recep­tacle. If lamp does not work, GFCI re­ceptacle is good.

WARNING: If RESET button
does not pop out, do not use the
GFCI receptacle. Contact a quali­fied electrician for repairs.

2. If the GFCI receptacle tests okay, re­store power by pushing the RESET
button back in. The test lamp should
work at this time
must press the RESET button firmly
and fully. It should lock into place. If
the GFCI does not lock into place, do
not use receptacle. Contact a qualified
electrician for repairs.

Note:

Infants and

. IMPORTANT:

RESET

TEST

You

ENGINE CIRCUIT BREAKER

This circuit breaker, or fuse, protects the
battery charging circuit. A short circuit will
trip the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker
will also trip if you install battery wrong.
Push circuit breaker button to reset. On
Model PGH11000IE, the fuse is located
inside of the Keyswitch box.

OFFONSTART

ENGINE SW

Engine Circuit
Breaker Button

Figure 4 - Engine Circuit Breaker

CIRCUIT
BREAKER

ON/push OFF

RECEPTACLE CIRCUIT
BREAKER

The circuit breakers protect the receptacles
and alternator. Overloading generator will
trip circuit breaker. A short circuit in item
being powered will also trip breaker. If this
occurs, unplug electrical load from recep­tacle. Let circuit breaker cool down. Push
circuit breaker button to reset.

Electric motors need higher starting current.
They require up to three-times their rated
wattage to start. The starting current needed
may be too high. This can cause nuisance
circuit breaker tripping. To help prevent
this, start electric motors first. Connect ad­ditional items to generator after starting
motors. If this continues to happen, reduce
the total generator load.

20

Normal

Figure 5 - Receptacle Circuit Breaker
Button

Note:

High ambient temperature will cause

nuisance tripping.

20

Tripped

Figure 3 - GFCI Receptacle

6

106746

OWNER’S MANUAL

ENGINE OIL

We ship the generator without oil in the
engine crankcase. You must add oil before
starting engine. See engine Owner’s Manual
for specific oil type.

CHECKING OIL LEVEL AND
ADDING OIL

Follow steps below to check oil level. Make
sure engine is level and stopped.

1. Remove dipstick (see Figure 6). Wipe
dipstick clean.

2. Insert dipstick into oil filler neck. Do
not screw it in. Oil level should be at
top of filler neck. Oil should cover most
of dipstick. For Model PGH11000IE
only , the oil should be between the two
dots on dipstick.

3. If level is low, fill to top of oil filler neck
(see Figure 6). For Model PGH11000IE
only, fill to top dot on dipstick. Only use
oil recommended in engine Owner’s
Manual.

Note:

If oil level is too low, oil alert system
will shutdown engine and prevent engine
from restarting.

Oil Level
At Top Of
Filler Neck

Oil

Figure 6 - Checking Oil Level (Model
PGH7500IE Shown)

Dipstick

FUEL

WARNING: Gasoline presents
a hazard of fire or explosion.
Gasoline is flammable. Its vapor
is explosive.

• Keep fuel out of children’s

reach.

•

Refuel generator in a well­vented area. Do not fill fuel tank
in the dark. Do not refuel while
engine is running. Unhook all
electrical loads and shut off
engine before refueling.

• Do not overfill fuel tank. Al-

ways allow room for fuel to
expand. If you overfill tank, fuel
can overflow onto hot engine.
This can cause fire or explo­sion. After refueling, tightly
close fuel tank cap.

• Do not spill fuel. Fuel or fuel

vapor may ignite. If fuel spills,
make sure area is dry before
starting engine.

• Never smoke in refueling area.

Never allow open flames or
sparks in area.

• Store fuel in approved con-

tainer. Store fuel in a well­vented area free of open flames
or sparks.

Use clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline. Use
gasoline with octane rating of 86 or higher.
Service station gasoline pumps should dis­play the octane rating. Using gasoline with
lower octane level could damage engine.
Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in fuel
tank. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

See engine Owner’s Manual for more
information.

BATTERY

WARNING: Battery gives off
explosive gases. Keep sparks,
flames, and cigarettes away. Do
not remove or install battery
cables when engine is cranking
or running. Only service or use
battery in a well-vented area.

WARNING: Battery contains
sulfuric acid. Contact with skin
or eyes may cause severe burns.
Do not tilt generator with battery
installed. Tilting could cause bat­tery acid to spill. Wear protective
clothing and face shield when
servicing. Keep out of children’s
reach.

• If battery acid gets on your

skin, wash with water.

• If battery acid gets in your eyes,

flush with water at least 15 min­utes. Call a doctor at once.
Battery acid is poisonous.

• If swallowed, drink large

amounts of water or milk. Fol­low with milk of magnesia or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor at
once.

CAUTION: If you remove bat­tery, insulate the red, positive (+)
battery cable terminal. Insulate
with electrical tape. Exposed ter­minal may spark when generator
runs.

IMPORTANT:

tions are the correct polarity. Electric start
generators use negative ground, 12-volt DC
starting system.

A battery is not supplied with generator.
You must provide a 12-volt, 32-amp-hour
battery. The positive and negative battery
cables are supplied with generator. You
must install these cables before mounting
battery.

Make sure battery connec-

106746

Continued

7



FUEL

F

PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS

BATTERY

Continued

Always wear safety glasses when working
with battery. Make sure battery terminals are
clean. Make sure cable connections are tight.

Always shut down engine before removing
or attaching battery cables. Always remove
the negative (–) cable first. Always attach
negative (–) cable last.

Black,
Negative (–)
Battery Cable

Nut

Battery

INSTALLING BATTERY
CABLES TO ENGINE

1. Attach the red, positive (+) battery
cable to the starter solenoid on engine
(see Figure 7). The starter solenoid is
located directly above the starter on
Model PGH11000IE. This cable is fac­tory installed.

CAUTION: Do not over tighten
positive terminal on starter sole­noid. Positive terminal could ro­tate and cut into negative termi­nal, causing a short.

2. Attach the black, negative (–) battery
cable to the engine block. Use the bolt,
nut, and two washers provided with the
battery cables. Use long mounting
hole on opposite side of engine from
starter solenoid. Attach cable as shown
in Figure 8.

Starter
Solenoid

Red, Positive (+)
Battery Cable

Figure 7 - Connecting Red, Positive (+)
Battery Cable to Engine Starter Solenoid
(Model PGH7500IE Shown)

Figure 8 - Connecting Black, Negative (-)
Battery Cable to Engine Block (Model
PGH7500IE Shown)

MOUNTING BATTERY TO
GENERATOR

1.

Secure battery to generator by battery
hold-down system. This system consists
of the battery mounting bracket, hook
bolts, and nut (see Figure 9).

Note:

Model PGH11000IE battery is
located on opposite side as shown (see
Figure 10).

2. Locate the red, positive (+) battery
cable from starter solenoid. Connect it
to the positive (+) battery terminal (see
Figures 11 and 12).

3. Locate the black, negative (–) battery
cable attached to engine block. Connect
it to the negative (–) battery terminal
(see Figures 11 and 12).

4. Check battery before starting engine.
Make sure fluid levels are full. Make
sure battery is charged.

See engine Owner’s Manual for more
information.

Battery
Mounting
Bracket

Nut

FULL POWER

120
ONLY

120
240V

ENM

00000005

H
O
U

R
S
1

/10

Battery

Battery

Hook
Bolt

Mounting
Bracket

Figure 10 - Battery Hold-Down System
(Model PGH11000IE Shown)

FULL POWER

120
ONLY

120
240V

ENM

00000005

HOURS 1/10

TO ENGINE
BLOCK

TO STARTER
SOLENOID

Figure 11 - Connecting Positive and
Negative Cables to Battery
(Model PGH7500IE Shown)

FUEL

F

TO
STARTER
SOLENOID

TO
ENGINE
BLOCK

Figure 12 - Connecting Positive and
Negative Cables to Battery
(Model PGH11000IE Shown)

Hook
Bolt

Figure 9 - Battery Hold-Down System
(Model PGH7500IE Shown)

8

106746