Desa Rgh3000, Rgh3000pr, Rgh5500a, Rgh5500aie, Rgh7500aie User Manual
...
®
PORTABLE GASOLINE
GENERATORS
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
Generator Models: RGH3000, RGH3000PR, RGH5500A, RGH5500AIE,
RGH7500AIE, and RGH11000AIE
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:
severe personal injury, death, or substantial
property damage if you ignore warning
WARNING:
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.
indicates a hazard which will cause
.
indicates a hazard which can cause
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 conductive 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 during
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 well-vented 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
106815
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
120 Volt
Receptacle
Full Power
Selector
120 Volt
Receptacle
(GFCI)
120 Volt
Receptacle
Switch
120 VOLTS
RESET
TEST
FULL POWER
120
ONLY
120
240V
ENM
00000005
HOURS 1/10
(Duplex)
Run Lamp
Hour Meter
120/240 Volt
Receptacle
Circuit
Breaker
Choke
Lever
Fuel
Valve
Lever
Starter Grip
Engine
Engine ON/
OFF Switch
Figure 1 - Portable Generator (Model RGH5500A Shown)
FUEL
F
120/240 VOLTS
RESET
RESET
Provision for
Auto-Idle Switch
FUEL
F
Oil Dipstick
Roll Cage
Gas Tank
Ground
Lug
Alternator
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3
®
PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Reddy 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
RGH11000AIE)
• Large fuel tank
• Oil alert system
• Electric starter (models RGH5500AIE,
RGH7500AIE, and RGH11000AIE only)
• 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 for models
RGH5500AIE, RGH7500AIE, and
RGH11000AIE only. These cables are
in a separate bag inside generator carton. Y ou must install these cables to engine. See Battery, page 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.
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106815
OWNER’S MANUAL
SPECIFICATIONS
RGH5500A
MODEL RGH3000 RGH3000PR RGH5500AIE RGH7500AIE RGH11000AIE
Electrical
Rated Wattage 2500 2500 5000 7000 10,000
Rated Amperage
120 V 20.8 20.8 41.7 57 83.3
240 V –– –– 20.8 28.3 41.7
Receptacle
120-V Duplex –– –– Yes Yes Yes
120-V, 20-A Duplex –– –– –– –– ––
120-V, 15-A GFCI Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
120-V Twist-Lock No No 30 Amp 30 Amp 30 Amp
120/240-V Twist-Lock No No 20 Amp 30 Amp 30 Amp
120-V Full-Power Switch No No Yes No No
120/240-V, 50-A No No No No Yes
General
Honda Engine H.P. 5.5 5.0 9 13 20
Honda Model GX160K1VX GC160VXA GX270VA GX390K1VXE GX620VXA3
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity 3.9 qt. 3.9 qt. 8 gal. 8 gal. 13 gal.
Oil Alert System Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Start Method Recoil Recoil Recoil/Elec. Electric Electric
Weight (pounds) 85.5 84 206 247 347
* 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.
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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.
Model
RGH3000PR
ENGINE SW
ON
Models RGH3000
and RGH5500A
Models
RGH5500AIE,
RGH7500AIE, and
RGH11000AIE
Figure 2 - Engine Switch Location
OFF
HONDA
OFFONSTART
ENGINE SW
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
ON/push OFF
FULL POWER SELECTOR
SWITCH
All models except RGH3000, RGH3000PR,
RGH7500AIE, and RGH11000AIE have a
full power selector switch on the control
panel. The switch has two positions: 120
VOLT ONLY, and 120/240 VOLT.
120 VOLT ONLY: This position sends full
power to the 120V receptacles only. 240V
power is not available. Use this position
when powering 120V items only.
120/240 VOLT: This position sends full power
to the 120/240V receptacle. It also powers the
120V receptacles at reduced wattage capacity.
IMPORTANT:
Do not move the full power
selector switch while powering electrical
items. Unplug all items before moving switch.
Failure to do so can damage switch. Models
RGH3000, RGH3000PR, RGH7500AIE, and
RGH11000AIE do not have this switch. These
models provide full power to all receptacles.
120 VOLT ONLY
Position
Figure 3 - Full Power Selector Switch
120/240 VOLT
Position
AUTO-IDLE SYSTEM
The Auto-Idle System allows the engine to
idle down or run at a slower speed when the
generator is not being used to supply power.
The Auto-idle system can be turned ON or
OFF by a rocker switch on the control panel.
When the switch is in the OFF position, the
engine runs at full speed all of the time. When
the switch is in the ON position, the engine
slows down to idle speed until an electrical
load is applied. When a load is applied to the
generator (an electrical item is plugged in and
turned on) the engine speeds up to the preset
speed required to produce the correct voltage.
IMPORTANT:
1 Amp is required to disengage the auto idle
solenoid and cause the engine to come up to
speed for correct voltage. Powering items at
reduced engine speed will damage generator and powered items.
A minimum current load of
ELECTRIC START
(Models RGH5500AIE,
RGH7500AIE, and RGH11000AIE)
Models RGH5500AIE, RGH7500AIE, and
RGH11000AIE have electric starters. A battery is not supplied with generator. You
must provide a 12-volt, 32-amp-hour battery. For more battery information, see Bat-
tery, page 8.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER RECEPTACLE
All models have a 120-volt ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. The
GFCI receptacle is on the control panel or top
cover of alternator (models RGH3000 and
RGH3000PR only). 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.
Note:
Infants and
6
106815
OWNER’S MANUAL
GENERATOR
FEATURES
Continued
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.
Figure 4 - GFCI Receptacle
ENGINE CIRCUIT BREAKER
(Models RGH5500AIE,
RGH7500AIE, AND RGH11000AIE)
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 RGH11000AIE, the fuse is located
inside of the Keyswitch box.
Engine Circuit
Breaker Button
Figure 5 - Engine Circuit Breaker
. IMPORTANT:
RESET
TEST
OFFONSTART
ENGINE SW
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
ON/push OFF
You
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.
Normal
Figure 6 - Receptacle Circuit Breaker
Button
Note:
20
Tripped
20
High ambient temperature will cause
nuisance tripping.
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 7). 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 RGH11000AIE
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 7). For Model
RGH11000AIE 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 7 - Checking Oil Level (Model
RGH5500A 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.
106815
7
®
PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS
HANDLES AND
TOP COVER
(Model RGH11000AIE)
Follow the steps below to attach the handles
and top cover to Model RGH11000AIE:
1. Remove the two bolts, lock nuts, and
washers holding side panels to control
panel end of roll cage. Insert bolts with
washers through two holes in the
handle and then back through roll cage
and side screen panels (See Figure 8).
Tighten the lock nuts against the side
screen panels.
2. Place top cover on top of generator roll
cage with notch on control panel side.
Use four #8 sems screws provided to
attach cover to roll cage (See Figure 9).
Roll Cage
FUEL
F
Bolts
Washers
Handle
Figure 8 – Attaching Handles to Roll Cage
Top Cover
FUEL
F
SEMS
Screws
Figure 9 – Attaching Top Cover to Roll
Cage
Lock Nuts
SEMS Screws
BATTERY
(Models RGH5500AIE,
RGH7500AIE, and RGH11000AIE)
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.
Models RGH5500AIE, RGH7500AIE, and
RGH11000AIE have an electric starter. 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.
Always wear safety glasses when working
with battery. Make sure battery terminals are
clean. Make sure cable connections are tight.
Make sure battery connec-
Always shut down engine before removing
or attaching battery cables. Always remove
the negative (–) cable first. Always attach
negative (–) cable last.
INSTALLING BATTERY
CABLES TO ENGINE
1. Attach the red, positive (+) battery
cable to the starter solenoid on engine
(see Figure 10). The starter solenoid is
located directly above the starter on
Model RGH11000AIE. 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 11.
Starter
Solenoid
Red, Positive (+)
Battery Cable
Figure 10 - Connecting Red, Positive (+)
Battery Cable to Engine Starter Solenoid
(Model RGH7500AIE Shown)
Black,
Negative (–)
Battery Cable
Figure 11 - Connecting Black, Negative (-)
Battery Cable to Engine Block (Model
RGH7500AIE Shown)
8
106815
OWNER’S MANUAL
BATTERY
Continued
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 12).
Note:
Model RGH11000AIE battery is
located on opposite side as shown (see
Figure 13).
2. Locate the red, positive (+) battery
cable from starter solenoid. Connect it
to the positive (+) battery terminal (see
Figures 14 and 15).
3. Locate the black, negative (–) battery
cable attached to engine block. Connect
it to the negative (–) battery terminal
(see Figures 14 and 15).
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
Figure 12 - Battery Hold-Down System
(Model RGH7500AIE Shown)
Nut
FUEL
F
Hook
Bolt
Figure 13 - Battery Hold-Down System
(Model RGH11000AIE Shown)
Battery
Hook Bolt
Battery
Mounting
Bracket
Battery
FULL POWER
120
ONLY
120
240V
ENM
00000005
HOURS 1/10
TO ENGINE
BLOCK
TO STARTER
SOLENOID
Figure 14 - Connecting Positive and
Negative Cables to Battery
(Model RGH7500AIE Shown)
TO STARTER
SOLENOID
TO ENGINE
FUEL
F
BLOCK
Figure 15 - Connecting Positive and
Negative Cables to Battery
(Model RGH11000AIE Shown)
EXTENSION
CORDS
Only use grounded extension cords. Be sure
to use extension cord with proper wire gauge
size. See chart below.
Recommended Minimum Wire
Gauges (AWG) for Extension
Cords
Ampere AWG for Length of
Load Cord in Feet
50' 100' 150'
2181818
3181818
4161616
5161616
6161614
8161412
10 16 14 12
12 14 14 12
14 14 12 10
16 12 12 10
20 10 10 8
GENERATOR
GROUNDING
WARNING: You must properly earth-ground generator before starting. This will help guard
against deadly electric shock.
Only use grounded plugs with
generator. Only use grounded extension cords. Only use three-wire
or double-insulated power tools.
Grounding generator helps prevent electric
shock from a ground fault condition. Locate
ground lug on end of generator housing (see
Figure 16). Attach a #10 stranded-copper
ground wire to ground lug. Drive grounding
point into ground. Grounding point can be a
stake, grounding rod, or pipe. Grounding
point should be copper or brass. Attach
ground wire to grounding point. You must
supply the ground wire and grounding point.
These do not come with generator. Follow
the National Electrical Code and all state
and local codes. Consult your power company or a licensed electrician.
WARNING: For a grounding
point, do not use metal pipe being used to carry combustible
materials or gases.
Ground Lug
Copper or Brass
Grounding Point
Ground Wire
Alternator
Figure 16 - Grounding Generator
(Model RGH5500A Shown)
106815
9
®
PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS
STANDBY
INSTALLATION TO
HOME OR
BUILDING
WARNING: Have standby installation performed by a skilled,
licensed electrician. Do not let
anyone else wire into a utility
circuit. Personal injury, equipment damage, or damage to home
could occur.
IMPORTANT:
power your entire home. Most home utility
electric service is more than 60 amps. This
will exceed generator output. Only power
needed items during a power outage. Make
sure total wattage of electrical load does not
exceed rated wattage of generator.
You may need to use this generator as a
standby power source. During a power outage, the generator will power selected items
in a building. Have generator and additional
wiring installed by a skilled, licensed electrician. This is not a do-it-yourself job. Follow all local codes.
WARNING: The electrician
must install a double-throw transfer switch. This isolates existing
electrical circuits from the utility
power line. If not isolated, generator output will back-feed into
utility power line. This may electrocute a power company line
repair person.
This generator will not
DETERMINING
ELECTRICAL LOAD
FOR GENERATOR
You must decide what electrical load your
generator can power. Do this before using
generator. Use the following four-step
method. It will help you select a load that is
not too large. Make sure total wattage of all
electrical loads does not exceed rated wattage of generator. For rated wattage of your
generator, see Specifications, page 5. Electric motors present a special problem when
figuring load. Read Step 3 carefully.
1. Make two lists of items you want powered by generator. List all motors and
motor powered appliances in one. List
all lights, small appliances, etc. in the
other. For standby service to home or
building, only include items you must
power.
2. Enter running watts of each item except motors. The light bulb or appliance nameplate lists its wattage. Remember, 1KW = 1000 watts.
nameplate may not list wattage. It may
only list volts and amps. The formula
for finding wattage is: Volts x Amps =
Watts. For example: An appliance
nameplate states 3 amps at 120 volts. 3
amps x 120 volts = 360 watts.
3. Electric motors present a special problem. They require up to three-times
their rated wattage to start. Chart 2,
below, shows starting watts for differ-
Note:
The
ent size motors. For example: an electric motor nameplate states 5 amps at
120 volts. 5 amps x 120 volts = 600
watts running. Multiply this figure by
3. This will show the starting watts
needed. 600 watts x 3 = 1800 watts to
start. When figuring the generator load
for motors, you must use the starting
watts figure. Do not use the running
watts figure.
quire nearly the same wattage to run as
to start. These items include saws,
drills, hair dryers, and food mixers. See
Chart 1 for typical appliance wattage
examples.
4. Add watts and starting watts of all
items. This total must not be larger than
the rated wattage of your generator. It
is a good idea to have up to 25% extra
capacity for future needs or extra
equipment.
Note:
Some motors re-
Chart 1 - Typical Electric Appliance Wattages
Running Starting
Equipment Watts Watts
Light bulb (100W) 100 100
Radio 150 150
Fan 200 600
Television 400 400
Furnace fan
with blower 600 1800
Vacuum cleaner 600 750
Sump pump
Refrigerator/freezer 800 2400
6" Circular saw 800 1000
Floodlight 1000 1000
(1/3 hp)
(1/3 hp)
700 2100
Equipment Watts Watts
1/2" Drill 1000 1250
Toaster 1200 1200
Coffee maker 1200 1200
Skillet 1200 1200
14" Chain saw 1200 1500
Water well pump
(1/2 hp) 1000 3000
Hot plate/range
(per burner) 1500 1500
10" Table saw 2000 6000
Water heater
(storage-type)
Running Starting
5000 5000
Chart 2
Approximate Starting Watts*
Motor Approximate Universal Repulsion Split
HP Running Motors Induction Capacitor Phase
Rating Watts (small appliance) Motors Motors Motors
1/8 275 400 600 850 1200
1/4 400 500 850 1050 1700
1/3 450 600 975 1350 1950
1/2 600 750 1300 1800 2600
3/4 850 1000 1900 2600 x
1 1000 1250 2300 3000 x
1 1/2 1600 1750 3200 4200 x
2 2000 2350 3900 5100 x
3 3000 x 5200 6800 x
* – Always use starting watts, not running watts, when figuring correct electrical load.
x – Motors of higher horsepower are not generally used.
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