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, getfresh 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
104960
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.
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
RGH11000IE)
• Large fuel tank
• Oil alert system
• Electric starter (models RGH5500IE,
RGH7500IE, and RGH11000IE 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
model RGH5500IE, RGH7500IE,
and RGH11000IE only. These
cables are in a separate bag inside
generator carton. You 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.
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.
104960
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.
ENGINE SW
ON
OFF
Models RGH3000, and RGH5500
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.
Full Power
120 V
ONLY
Selector
120 VOLT ONLY Position
Full Power
120 V
ONLY
Selector
120/240 VOLT Position
120/
240V
120/
240V
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.
Note:
Infants and
HONDA
Models
RGH5500IE,
RGH7500IE, and
RGH11000IE
Figure 2 - Engine Switch Location
OFFONSTART
ENGINE SW
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
FULL POWER SELECTOR
SWITCH
All models except RGH3000, RGH3000PR,
RGH7500IE, and RGH11000IE have a full
power selector switch on the control panel.
The switch has two positions: 120 VOLT
ONLY, and 120/240 VOLT.
Figure 3 - Full Power Selector Switch
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, RGH7500IE, and
RGH11000IE do not have this switch. These
models provide full power to all receptacles.
ELECTRIC START
(Models RGH5500IE,
RGH7500IE, and RGH11000IE)
Models RGH5500IE, RGH7500IE, and
RGH11000IE 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.
6
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
. IMPORTANT:
You
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.
RESET
TEST
Figure 4 - GFCI Receptacle
104960
OWNER’S MANUAL
GENERATOR
FEATURES
Continued
ENGINE CIRCUIT BREAKER
(Models RGH5500IE,
RGH7500IE, and RGH11000IE)
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 RGH11000IE, the fuse is located
inside of the Keyswitch box.
OFFONSTART
ENGINE SW
Engine Circuit
Breaker Button
Figure 5 - Engine Circuit Breaker
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.
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
ON/push OFF
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 RGH11000IE
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 RGH11000IE
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.
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.
20
Normal
Figure 6 - Receptacle Circuit Breaker
Button
Note:
High ambient temperature will cause
nuisance tripping.
104960
20
Tripped
7
®
PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS
BATTERY
(Models RGH5500IE,
RGH7500IE, and RGH11000IE)
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 RGH5500IE, RGH7500IE, and
RGH11000IE 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.
Make sure battery connec-
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.
INSTALLING BATTERY
CABLES TO ENGINE
1. Attach the red, positive (+) battery
cable to the starter solenoid on engine
(see Figure 8). The starter solenoid is
located directly above the starter on
Model RGH11000IE. 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 9.
Secure battery to generator by battery
hold-down system. This system consists
of the battery mounting bracket, hook
bolts, and nut (see Figure 10).
Note:
Model RGH11000IE battery is
located on opposite side as shown (see
Figure 11, page 9).
2. Locate the red, positive (+) battery
cable from starter solenoid. Connect it
to the positive (+) battery terminal (see
Figures 12 and 13, page 9).
3.Locate the black, negative (–) battery
cable attached to engine block. Connect
it to the negative (–) battery terminal
(see Figures 12 and 13, page 9).
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 10 - Battery Hold-Down System
(Model RGH7500IE Shown)
Battery
Hook
Bolt
8
104960
OWNER’S MANUAL
BATTERY
Continued
FUEL
Nut
Battery
Hook
Bolt
Figure 11 - Battery Hold-Down System
(Model RGH11000IE Shown)
FULL POWER
120
ONLY
120
240V
ENM
00000005
HOURS 1/10
Figure 12 - Connecting Positive and
Negative Cables to Battery
(Model RGH7500IE Shown)
F
Battery
Mounting
Bracket
TO ENGINE
BLOCK
TO STARTER
SOLENOID
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 threewire 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 12). 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.
FUEL
F
Ground Lug
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