Desa RGH3000, RGH5500, RGH3000PR, RGH5500IE User Manual

PORTABLE GASOLINE

GENERATORS

OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL

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Generator Models: RGH3000, RGH3000PR, RGH5500, RGH5500IE,

RGH7500IE, and RGH11000IE

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.

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. Wear protective clothing and face shield when servicing. Keep out of children’s reach.

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OWNER’S MANUAL

SAFETY INFORMATION

Continued

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

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120 Volt Receptacle

Full Power

120 Volt Receptacle (GFCI)

120 Volt Receptacle (Duplex)

Run Lamp

Hour Meter

Choke Lever

Fuel Valve Lever

Starter Grip

Engine

Selector Switch

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120/240 Volt Receptacle

Circuit Breaker

Engine ON/ OFF Switch

120 240V

120/240 VOLTS

RESET

Provision for Auto-Idle Switch

Oil Dipstick

Gas Tank

Alternator

Roll Cage

Ground Lug

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Figure 1 - Portable Generator (Model RGH5500 Shown)

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 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 ap-

plied 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.

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OWNER’S MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

RGH5500

MODEL RGH3000 RGH3000PR RGH5500IE RGH7500IE RGH11000IE 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. 5 gal. 5 gal. 5 gal. Oil Alert System Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Start Method Recoil Recoil Recoil/Elec. Electric Electric Weight (pounds) 92 84 173 247 325

* 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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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

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

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.

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:

Yo u 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

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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.

Oil Level At Top Of Filler Neck

Oil

Figure 7 - Checking Oil Level (Model RGH5500 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.

Normal

Figure 6 - Receptacle Circuit Breaker Button

Note:

High ambient temperature will cause

nuisance tripping.

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Tripped

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.

Starter Solenoid

Red, Positive (+) Battery Cable

Figure 8 - Connecting Red, Positive (+) Battery Cable to Engine Starter Solenoid (Model RGH7500IE Shown)

Black, Negative (–) Battery Cable

Figure 9 - Connecting Black, Negative (-) Battery Cable to Engine Block (Model RGH7500IE Shown)

MOUNTING BATTERY TO GENERATOR

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

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Figure 10 - Battery Hold-Down System (Model RGH7500IE Shown)

Battery

Hook Bolt

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OWNER’S MANUAL

BATTERY

Continued

FUEL

Nut

Battery

Hook Bolt

Figure 11 - Battery Hold-Down System (Model RGH11000IE Shown)

FULL POWER

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Figure 12 - Connecting Positive and Negative Cables to Battery (Model RGH7500IE Shown)

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

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

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

FUEL

TO STARTER SOLENOID

TO ENGINE BLOCK

Figure 13 - Connecting Positive and Negative Cables to Battery (Model RGH11000IE Shown)

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Copper or Brass Grounding Point

Alternator

Ground Wire

Figure 14 - Grounding Generator (Model RGH5500 Shown)

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