Generac 1576-0 Owner’s Manual

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Portable Products

Portable Generator Owner's Manual

Model No. 1576-0 (3,600 Watt AC Generator) Manual No. 188373 Revision0 (5/8/2001)

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A This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.Obey all safety messages

that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

Generac Portable Products 3,600 Watt Generator

EQUIPMENT

DESCRIPTION

The generator is an engine-driven, revolving field,
alternating current (AC) generator. It was designed to
supply electrical power for operating compatible electrical
lighting, appliance,tool and motor loads.This manual
contains information for a generator that operates

120and/or 240 Volt, single phase,60 Hz devicesthat
require up to 3,600 watts (3.6 kW) of power that pull up
to 30.0 Amps at 120Volts or 15.0Amps at 240 Volts.

CAUTION! Do Not exceed the generator's
wattage/amperagecapacity.Add up the rated watts of all

devicesyou are connecting to generator receptacles at one
time. This total should not be greater than 3,600watts.
See"Don't Overload the Generator" on page8.

The 3,600 watt portable generator hasthe following
features:

• 120/240Volt, 20 Amp locking receptacle.

• 120Volt, 20 Amp duplex receptacle.

• Low Oil Shutdown: Automatically shuts down the engine

if oil drops below safe operation level.

• 4 gallonoverhead fuel tank.

• Thegenerator's revolving field isdriven at about

3,600 rpm by a Briggsand Stratton 6.5 h.p. engine.

_, CAUTION! Do Not tamper with engine

governed speed. High operating speedsare
dangerous and increase risk of personal injury or
damageto equipment. The generator supplies
correct rated frequency and voltage only when

running at proper governed speed. Incorrect
frequency and/or voltagecan damagesome
connected electrical loads.Operating at excessively

low speeds imposes a heavy load at such reduced
speeds,when adequate engine power isnot
available,and mayshorten engine life.

The EmissionControl Systemfor this generator is
warranted for standards set by the Environmental
Protection Agency. For warranty information refer to the
engine owner's manual.

SAFETY RULES

This generator set was designed and manufactured for
specific applications. Do Not attempt to modify the unit

or useit for any application it was not designed for. If you
haveanyquestions about your generator's application, ask

your dealer/distributor or consult the factory.
The manufacturer could not possibly anticipate every

circumstance that might involve a hazard. For that reason
warnings in the manual and warnings on tags or decals
affixed to the unit are not all-inclusive. If you intend to
handle, operate or service the unit by a procedure or
method not specifically recommended by the manufacturer,
first makesure that such a procedure or method will not
render this equipment unsafeor pose a threat to you and

others.

Read this manual carefully and become familiar
with your generator set. Know its applications, its

limitations and any hazards involved.

_ ARNING! You must isolatethe generator

from the electric utility by opening the electrical

system'smain circuit breaker or main switch if this
unit isusedfor backup power. Failure to isolate

the generator from the power utility may

result in injury or death to electric utility

workers and damage to the generator due to

a backfeed of electrical energy. Whenever unit is
providing backup power, the electric utility must be

notified.

_IL WARNING! Generator exhaust gases

contain DEADLY carbon monoxide gas.
Carbon monoxide, if breathed in sufficient

concentrations, can cause unconsciousness or
death. Operate this equipment outdoors where

adequate ventilation is available.

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Generac Portable Products 3,600 Watt Generator

• The generator produces a very powerful voltage that can
causeserious injuryor death by electrocution. Never
touch bare wires or receptacles. Never permit a child
or anyunqualified person to operate the generator.

• Never handle any kind of electrical cord or device while
standing in water, while barefoot or while hands or feet
are wet Death or serious injuryfrom electrocution may

result.

• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in anydamp
or highly conductive area (such as metal decking or steel

work).

• Never use worn, bare, frayed or otherwise damaged
electrical cords with the generator. Death, serious injury
and property damage from electrical shock may result.

• Gasoline is highly FLAMMABLE and its vapors

are EXPLOSIVE. Never allow smoking, open
flames, sparks or heat in the vicinity while
handling gasoline. Avoid spilling gasoline on a hot
engine.Comply with all laws regulating storage and

handling of gasoline.

• Do Not overfitl the fuel tank. Always allow room for
fuel expansion. If tank is overfilled, fuel can overflow
onto a hot engine and cause a FIRE or an

EXPLOSION.

• Never store a generator with fuel in the tank where
gasolinevaporsmight reach an open flame, spark or pilot
light(as on afurnace, water heater, clothes dryer). FIRE
or an EXPLOSION may result.

• The unitrequires an adequateflow of cooling air for its
continued proper operation. Never operate the unit

insideanyroom or enclosure where the free flow of
cooling air into and out of the unit might be obstructed.

Allow at least2 feet of clearanceon all sides of generator,
evenwhile operating unitoutdoors, or you could damage

the unit

• Never start, or stop the unit with electrical loads
connected to receptacles with the connected devices

turned ON. Start the engine and let it stabilize before
connecting anyelectrical loads.Disconnect all electrical

loadsbefore shutting down the generator.

• Do Not insertanyobject through cooling slots of the
engine.You could damagethe unit or injureyourself.

• Never operate the generator:

in rain; in any enclosedcompartment;when connected
electricaldevicesoverheat; if electrical output is lost;if

engine or generator sparks; if flame or smoke is
observed while unit is running; if unit vibrates
excessively.

GROUNDING THE

G EN ERATO R

The National ElectricCode requires the frame and
external electrically conductiveparts of the generator be
properly connected to approved earth ground. Local
electrical codes mayalso require proper grounding of the
unit For this purpose, a grounding wing nut (Figure I) is
provided on the cradle.

Generally, connecting a No. 12AWG (American Wire
Gauge) stranded copper wire to the grounding wing nut

and to an earth-driven copper or brassgrounding rod
(electrode) provides adequate protection against electrical

shock. However, localcodes may vary widely. Consult with
a localelectrician for grounding requirements in your area.

Be sure to keep the ground wire attached while you

connect the electrode.

Properly grounding the generator helps prevent electrical
shock ifground fault conditions exists in the generator or
in connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps
dissipate static electricity, which often builds up in
ungrounded devices.

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GeneracPortableProducts3,600WattGenerator

KNOW YOUR GENERATOR

Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your generator.

Compare the illustrations with your generator, to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and
adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

FuelTank

FuelCap

Recoil Starter

120/240Volt AC,

20 Amp Receptacle

120 Volt AC, 20 Amp

Duplex Receptacle

Circuit Breakers (AC)

120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Duplex Receptacle -- May be

used to supply electrical power for the operation of

120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical

lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads.

120/240 Volt AC, 20 Amp Receptacle -- May be used

to supply electrical power for the operation of 120 and/or
240 Volt AC, 20 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical

lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads.

Air Cleaner -- Uses a dry type filter element and foam pre-

cleaner to limit the amount of dirt and dust that gets in the
engine.

Air Cleaner

Grounding Wing Nut

Circuit Breakers (AC) -- Each receptacle is provided
with a push-to-reset circuit breaker to protect the
generator against electrical overload.

Fuel Cap -- Fill tank with regular unleaded gasoline here,

Fuel Tank -- Capacity of 4 U.S. gallons.
Grounding Wing Nut -- Provides a tie-point for

connecting the generator frame to earth ground.
Oil Drain -- Drain engine oil here.

Recoil Starter -- Use for starting the engine manually.

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Generac Portable Products 3,600 Watt Generator

CARTON CONTENTS

Check all contents. Review"Cold Weather Operation" on
page7. Shippedwith your generator are:

• Main unit

• Engineand generator owner's manuals

• Locking 20 Amp plug

BEFORE STARTING THE

ENGINE

Add Engine Oil

• Make sure unit is on a level surface.

• Follow the oit recommendations and oil fill instructions
given in the engine owner's manual.

CAUTION! Any attempt to crank or start the engine
before it hasbeen properly serviced with the

recommended oil results in an engine failure.
NOTE: The generator's revolving field rides on a

pre-lubricated and sealedball bearing that requires no
additional lubrication for the life of the bearing.

Add Gasoline

_ WARNING! Never fillfuel tank indoors.Never

fillfuel tank when engine is running or hot. Do Not

light a cigarette or smoke when filling the fuel tank.

_ WARNING! Do Not overfill the fuel tank.

Always leaveroom for expansion.

• Use regular UNLEADED gasoline in the generator.

Do Not use premium gasoline. Do Not mix oil with

gasoline. Do Not overfill the gas tank.

• Clean area around fuel fill cap; remove cap.

• Fitl fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline. Be
careful not to overfill. Allow 1.5" of tank space for fuel

expansion, as shown in Figure 2.

Tank

Fuel

• Install fuel cap and wipe upany spilled gasoline.

IMPORTANT: It isimportantto prevent gum deposits

from forming in essentialfuel system parts such asthe
carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose or tank during storage.

Also, experience indicatesthat alcohol-blended fuels
(called gasohol, ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture,

which leadsto separation and formation of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damagethe fuel system of an engine

while in storage. To avoid engineproblems, the fuel system
should be emptied before storage of 30 daysor longer.See

"Storage" on page 10.Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage

may occur.

IMPORTANT: When running your unitin cold weather

be sure to shelter the unit from the wind.

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GeneracPortableProducts3,600WattGenerator

OPERATING THE

GENERATOR

_ CAUTION! Never start or stop unit withelectrical loads connected AND with the connected

devicesturned ON.

Starting the Engine

Disconnect all electrical loadsfrom the generator. Use the
following start instructionsteps by numerical order:

I. Turn the fuel valve to the "On" position (Figure 3).

FuelValve is shown
in the On position

2. Placethe choke lever inthe "Choke" position
(Figure4).

5. Move choke leverto "Run" position a short distance
at a time over several seconds in warm weather or

minutes in cold weather. Let engine run smoothly
before each change.Operate with choke in "Run"
position.

NOTE: If engine still fails to start after 3 pulls,check for
proper oil level in crankcase.This unit is equipped with a
Low Oil Shutdown System. Seeengine manual.

Refer to the engine owner's manual for complete
starting instructions.

Connecting Electrical Loads

• Let engine stabilize and warm up for a few minutes after

starting.

• Plug in and turn on the desired 120and/or 240 Volt AC,

singlephase, 60 Hz electrical loads.

• Do Not connect 240 Volt loadsto the 120Volt duplex

receptacles.

• Do Not connect 3-phase loads to the generator.

• Do Not connect 50 Hz loadsto the generator.

• DO NOT OVERLOAD THE GENERATOR. See

"Don't Overload the Generator" on page8.

3. Set the rocker switch to "On" position (Figure 5).

in On i

4. Grasp the recoil handle and pull slowly until slight
resistance is felt Then pull rapidly to start engine.

Stopping the Engine

• Unplug all electrical loadsfrom generator panel
receptacles. Never start or stop engine with electrical
devices pluggedin and turned ON.

• Let engine run at no-toad for several minutes to stabilize
the internaltemperatures of engine and generator.

• Move rocker switch to "Off" position.

• Move the fuel valve to the "Off" position.

Cold Weather Operation

Under certain weather conditions (temperatures below
40°F [4°C] and a high dew point), your Generac generator
may experience problems.

In an emergency, usethe original shipping box as a
temporary shelter:

• Cut off all flaps.

• Cut out one of the long sides of the box to expose
exhaust side of unit. Ensurea minimum of two feet

clearance between open side of box and nearest object.

mm_m

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