TM
WATTS
TM
Portable Generator Owner's Manual
Call: Generac Generator Helpline - 1-800-270-1408 M-F 8-5 CT
Web: www.generac-portables.com or www.briggsandstratton.com 0 9
Model No. 1647-0 (8,000 Watt AC Generator) Manual No. 189065GS Revision 4 (08/08/2003)
Questions? Help is just a moment away! I!!!!! !!![1[11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SafetyRules.................................. 2-4
Know Your Generator ........................... 5
Assembly.................................... 6-7
Operation .................................. 8-I1
Maintenance.................................. 12
Storage...................................... 13
Troubleshooting ............................... 14
Notes ....................................... 15
Schematic/Wiring Diagram .................... 16-17
Replacement Parts........................... 18-22
Warranty .................................... 23
EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION
_Read this manual carefully and become familiar
with your generator. Know its applications,its
limitations and any hazards involved.
This generator is an engine-driven, revolving field,
alternating current (AC) generator. It was designedto
supply electrical power for operating compatible electrical
lighting, appliances,tools and motor loads.Thegenerator's
revolving field is driven at about 3,600 rpm by the engine.
SAFETY RULES
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.
The safety alert symbol (_.) isused with a signalword
(DANGER, CAUTION,WARNING), a pictorial and/or a
safety messageto alert you to hazards.DANGER indicates
a hazard which, if not avoided,will result in death or
serious injury. WARNING indicatesahazardwhich, if not
avoided,could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicatesa hazardwhich, if not avoided,might
result in minor or moderate injury. CAUTION, when used
without the alert symbol, indicatesa situation that could
result in equipment damage.Follow safetymessagesto
avoid or reduce the risk of injury or death.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains I
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, b rth defects, or other reproduct ve harm.
CAUTION! DO NOT exceed the generator's
wattage/amperagecapacity.See"Don't Overload
Generator" on page I I.
Every effort has been made to ensure that informationin
this manualis accurate andcurrent. However, we reserve
the right to change,alter or otherwise improve the product
and this document at anytime without prior notice.
The Emission Control System for this generator is
warranted for standards set by the Environmental
Protection Agency.For warranty information refer to the
engine owner's manual.
In the Stateof California a spark arrester is required by lawJ
(Section 4442 of the California PublicResourcesCode).
Other states may havesimilar laws.Federallawsapply on
federal lands.If you equip the muffler with a spark arrester,
it must be maintained in effective working order.
Hazard Symbols and Meanings
Electrocution Electrical Shock Electrical Shock
Toxic Fumes
Explosive Pressure
Explosion Fire
Chemical Burn Hot Surface
/
2
DANGER
, WARNING
Operate generator ONLY outdoors.
Keepat least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of generator for
adequate ventilation.
DO NOT operategenerator insideanybuildingor enclosure,
includingthegenerator compartmentof arecreationalvehicle(RV).
DANGER
When usinggenerator for backup power, notify utility
company.Use approved transfer equipment to isolate
generator from electric utility.
Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCi) in anydamp or
highly conductive area,such as metal decking or steel work.
DO NOT touch bare wires or receptacles.
DO NOT use generator with electrical cords which are worn
frayed,bare or otherwise damaged.
DO NOT operate generator in the rain.
DO NOT handle generator or electrical cords while standing
inwater, while barefoot, or while handsor feet are wet.
DO NOT allow unqualified persons or children to operate or
service generator.
WHEN ADDING FUEL
Turngenerator OFF and let it cool at least 2 minutes before
removing gas cap.Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tanlc
Fill fuel tank outdoors.
DO NOT overfill tank.Allow spacefor fuel expansion.
Keep fuel awayfrom sparks,open flames, pilot lights, heat, and
other ignition sources.
DO NOT light acigarette or smoke.
eVHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
DO NOT tip engine or equipment at angle which causesfuel
to spill.
Thisgenerator isnot for use in mobile equipment or marine
applications.
'HEN TRANSPORTING OR REPAIRING EQUIPMENT
Transportlrepair with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel shutoff
valve OFE
Disconnect spark plugwire.
_HEN STORING FUEL OR EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL
IN TANK
Store awayfrom furnaces, stoves, water heaters, clothes
dryers or other appliancesthat havepilot light or other
ignition source becausethey can ignite fuel vapors.
DANGER
DO NOT allow any open flame,spark, heat,or lit cigarette
during andfor several minutes after charging a battery.
Wear protective goggles,rubber apron, and rubber gloves.
, WARNING
Thisgenerator does not meet U. S.Coast Guard Regulation
33CFR-183 and should not be used on marine applications.
Failure to use the appropriate U. S.Coast Guard approved
generator could result in bodily iniury and/or property
damage.
mm_mm
3
WARNING
;ENERATOR
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place
the wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
, WARNING
CAUTION
See"Don't Overload Generator" on page I I.
Start generator and let engine stabilize before connecting
electrical loads.
Connect electrical loads in OFF position, then turn ON for
operation.
Turn electrical loads OFF and disconnect from generator
before stopping generator.
CAUTION
DO NOT touch hot surfaces.
Allow equipment to cool before touching.
CAUTION
DO NOT tamper with governed speed.Generator supplies
correct rated frequency and voltage when running at governed
speed.
DO NOT modify generator in any way.
Use generator only for intended uses.
tf you have questions about intended use,ask dealer or call
1-800-270-1408.
Operate generator only on levelsurfaces.
DO NOT expose generator to excessive moisture, dust, dirt,
or corrosive vapors.
DO NOT insert any objects through cooling slots.
tf connected devices overheat, turn them off and disconnect
them from generatoc
Shut off generator if.'
-electrical output is lost;
-equipment sparks,smokes,or emits flames;
-unit vibrates excessively.
/
4
KNOWYOUR 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.
Fuel Tank Choke Lever
Circuit Breakers (AC)
Recoil Starter
\
OnlOff Switch
120/240 Volt AC,
30Am
Receptacle
Grounding Fastener
120Volt AC, 20 Amp
Duplex Receptacle
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, Duplex Receptacle -- May be
used to supply electrical power for the operation of
120Volt AC, 20 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical lighting,
appliance, tool and motor loads.
120 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking Receptacle -- May be
used to supply electrical power for the operation of
120Volt AC, 30 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical lighting,
appliance, tool and motor loads.
120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking Receptacle -- May
be used to supply electrical power for the operation of
120 andlor 240 Volt AC, 30 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz
electrical lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads.
1201240 Volt AC, 50 Amp Receptacle -- May be used
to supply electrical power for the operation of 1201240Volt
AC, 50 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical loads.
.'leaner
SparkArrester Muffler
120/240Volt AC,
50 Amp Receptacle
Air Cleaner -- Uses a dry type filter element and foam
pre-cteaner to limit the amount of dirt and dust sucked
into the engine.
Choke Lever -- Usedwhen starting a cold engine.
Circuit Breakers (AC) -- Eachreceptacle is provided
with a "push to reset" circuit breaker to protect the
generator againstelectrical overload.
FuelTank -- Capacity of seven (7) U.S.galtons.
Grounding Fastener -- If required, pleaseconsult a
qualified electrician, electrical inspector, or the local agency
havingjurisdiction.
On/Off Switch -- Set this switch to "On" before starting
unit. Set switch to "Off' to shut clown the engine.
Recoil starter -- Used to start the engine.
Spark Arrester Muffler -- Exhaust muffler lowers
engine noise andis equipped with a spark arrester screen.
/
5
ASSEMBLY
Your generator requires some assemblyand is ready for
use after it has been properly serviced with the
recommended oil and fuel.
If you have any problems with the assembly of your
generator, please call the generator helpline at
1-800-270-1408.
Remove Generator From Carton
• Set the palteted carton on a rigid flat surface.
• Carefully cut bandsaround the shipping carton.
• Lift carton off the generator.
• Remove all packing material, carton fillers, etc.
• Remove the generator from the shipping pallet.
Carton Contents
Check all contents. Ifany parts are missingor damaged,call
the generator helpline at 1-800-270-1408.
The generator
Electric start battery cables
Generator and engineowner's manuals
Locking 30Amp plugs
Battery mounting bracket/hardware
2 bottles engine oil
Wheel kit
INSTALL WHEEL KIT
NOTE: Wheel kit is not intendedfor over-the-road use.
To installyour wheel kit, you needthe following toot:
• Socket wrench with I/2" or 13mm sockets.
• Neddle-nose pliers
InstallWheel Kit as follows: (SeeFigure I)
I. Placegenerator on a hard flat surface.
2. Standat control panel end of generator and gently tilt
generator up,high enough to placewooden blocks
beneath cradle.This will allow you to add wheels.
3. Slide axle through holes in brackets provided on
generator cradle.
4. Slide a wheel spacer,wheel and flat washer on one end
of axle. Make sure air inflationvalve isoutward. Place
e-ring onto groove in axle.
5. Placeone end of needle nose pliers on bottom of axle
and other end of pliers on top of e-ring.Seat e-ring by
pressing pliers closed.
6. Slideaxlethrough until wheel istight againstbracket.
7. Install e-ring on other side in same manner as steps4
& 5. Removewooden blocks.
8. Attach vibration mounts to support leg with a 30mm
capscrew and lock nut.
Wheels
J
Locknut
,_port Leg
Flatwasher
/ Vibration
_ Mount --
J
E-Ring
/
6
_-- Flatwasher
__ Lockwasher
30mm _ 20mm
-Capscrew Capscrew
9. Withwheelson,securesupportlegassemblytocradle
with20mmlongcapscrews,flatwashers,andlock
washers.
10.Checkeachfastenertoensureitissecureandtires
areinflatedbetween15-40PSI.
INSTALLING BATTERY
NOTE: The generator can be started manually.If you
choose not to use the electric start feature of this
generator, you do not need to install the battery.
_ AUTION! If battery is not installed, DO NOT
operate engine without insulatingthe red positive
battery cable with electrical tape, or it could blow a
fuse and causesparks.
We recommend you purchase and install a Briggs &
Stratton 12Volt DC battery (Group U I;Type GT-X).The
battery should be serviced with electrolyte fluid and fully
charged prior to installation.
Install the battery as follows:
I. Find battery fasteners shipped loose in carton.
2. Set battery onto tray.
3. Retainbattery to tray with one battery hold down
bracket,two Jbolts,two fiat washersandtwo hex nuts
(Figure2).
4. Connect red battery cablefrom engine starter switch
to positive (+) terminal on battery with bolt, washer
and nut (Figure 2).
5. Connect black battery cable to negative (-) terminal
on battery with bolt, washer and nut (Figure 2).
6. Double check all connections to ensure they are in
correct locations and secure.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
Add Engine Oil and Fuel
• Place generator on a level surface.
• Refer to engine owner's manualand follow oil and fuel
recommendations and instructions.
CAUTION
• Refer to engine manualfor oil andfuel fill information.
• Damage to equipment resulting from failure to follow this
instructionwill void warranty.
NOTE: Check oil often during engine break-in. Refer to
engine owner's manualfor recommendations.
NOTE: The generator assembly rotates on a pretubricated
and sealed ball bearing that requires no additional
lubricationfor the lifeof the bearing.
/
7
USING THE GENERATOR
System Ground
The generator hasa systemground that connects the
generator frame components to the ground terminals on
the AC output receptacles.The systemground is connected
to theAC neutral wire (the neutral is bonded to the
generator frame).
Special Requirements
There may be Federalor State Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) regulations,localcodes,or
ordinances that apply to the intendeduse of the generator.
Pleaseconsult a qualified electrician, electrical inspector,or
the localagencyhavingjurisdiction.
• In some areas,generators are required to be registered
with localutilitycompanies.
• If the generator is used at a construction site, there may
be additional regulations which must be observed.
Connecting to a Building's Electrical
System
Connections for standby power to a buitding's electrical
system must be made by a qualified electrician.The
connection must isolate the generator power from utility
power, and must comply with all applicable lawsand
electrical codes.
OPERATING THE
G EN ERATO R
CAUTION
See"Don't Overload Generator" on page I I.
Start generator and let engine stabilize before connecting
electrical loads.
Connect electrical loads in OFF position, then turn ON for
operation.
Turn electrical loads OFF and disconnect from generator
before stopping generator.
Starting the Engine
Disconnect altelectrical loadsfrom the generator. Use the
following start instruction steps by numerical order:
I. Make sure unit is on a levelsurface.
IMPORTANT: Failureto start and operate unit on a level
surface will causethe unit not to start or shut down during
operation.
2. Turn the fuel valve to the "On" position (Figure 3).
DANGER
When usinggenerator for backup power, notifyutility
company.Use approved transfer equipment to isolate
generator from electric utility.
Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in anydamp or
highly conductive area,such as metal decking or steel work.
DO NOT touch bare wires or receptacles.
DO NOT use generator with electrical cords which are worn
frayed,bare or otherwise damaged.
DO NOT operate generator in the rain.
DO NOT handle generator or electrical cords while standing
inwater, while barefoot, or while handsor feet are wet.
DO NOT allow unqualified persons or children to operate or
service generator.
Fuel Valve is shown
in the On position
3. Follow start instructions given in engine owner's
manual.
NOTE: If engine starts after 3 pulls but fails to run, or if
unit shuts down during operation, make sure unit is on a
level surface and check for proper oil level in crankcase.
This unit may be equipped with a low oil protection device.
See engine manual.
Connecting Electrical Loads
• Let enginestabilize and warm upfor a few minutes after
starting.
• Plug in and turn on desired 120 and/or 240VottAC,
singlephase,60 Hz electrical loads.
/
8
• DO NOT connect 240Volt loads to 120Volt receptacles.
• DO NOT connect 3-phase loads to generator.
• DO NOT connect 50 Hz loads to generator.
• DO NOT OVERLOADTHE GENERATOR. See
"Don't Overload Generator" on page 1I.
Stopping the Engine
I. Unplug all electrical loads from generator panel
receptacles.NEVER start or stop enginewith electrical
devices plugged in and turned ON.
2. Let engine run at no-load for several minutes to
stabilize internal temperatures of engine and generator.
3. Turn engine off according to instructions given in the
engine owner's manual.
4. Movefuel valveto "Off" position.
_, DANGER
Operate generator ONLY outdoors.
Keep at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of generator for
adequate ventilation.
DO NOT operate generator inside any building or enclosure,
including the generator compartment of a recreational vehicle (RV).
Remove generator from shelter when temperature is above
40°F [4°C].
RECEPTACLES
_, CAUTION
COLD WEATH ER
OPERATION
Under certain weather conditions (temperatures below
40°F [4°C] and a high clew point), your generator may
experience icing of the carburetor and/or the crankcase
breather system.
Build a structure that will enclose three sides and the top
of the generator:
I. Make sure entire muffler-side of generator is exposed.
Note that your generator mayappear different from
that shown in Figure 4.
NEVER attempt to power a device requiring more
amperagethan generator or receptacle can supply.
DO NOT overload the generator. See"Don't Overload
Generator".
120/240 Volt AC, 50 Amp Receptacle
Use a NEMA 14-50 plugwith this receptacle (Figure5).
Connect a 4-wire cord set rated for 250Volt AC loads at
50 Amps to the plug.
_240 Volts AC
F
rame Ground
Y (Hot)
X (Hot)
2. Ensurea minimum of two feet clearance between open
side of box and nearest object.
3. Faceexposed end away from wind and elements.
4. Enclosureshould hold enough heat created by
generator to prevent problems.
I
W (Neutral)
NEMA 14-50
9
Usethisreceptacletooperate240VoltAC,60Hz,single
phaseloadsrequiringupto8,000watts(8.0kW)ofpower.
Theoutletisprotectedbya35Amppush-to-resetcircuit
breaker.
120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp, Locking
Receptacle
Use a NEMA LI4-30 plug with this receptacle.Connect a
4-wire cord set rated for 250Volt AC loads at 30 Amps (or
greater) (Figure 6).You can use the same4-wire cord if you
)lanto run a 120Volt load.
_ire Cord Set NEMA L5-30
Neutral
120V
Hot
4-Wire Cord Set
i
f
(Neutral)
Y (Hot) | X (Hot)
NEMA L14-30 /_ Ground(Green)
This receptacle powers 1201240Volt AC, 60 Hz,single
phase loads requiring up to 3,600 watts of power at
30 Amps for 120Volts;7,200 watts of power (7.2 kW) at
30 Amps for 240Volts.The outlet is protected by a 30 Amp
push-to-reset circuit breaker.
120 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking
Receptacle
Use a NEMA L5-30 plug with this receptacle. Connect a
3-wire cord set rated for 125Volt AC loads at 30Amps to
the plug (Figure 7).
Ground (Green)
Usethis receptacle to operate 120VoltAC, 60 Hz, single
phaseloads requiring up to 3,600 watts (3.6 kW) of power
at 30Amps.The outlet is protected by a 30Amp
push-to-reset circuit breaker.
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, Duplex
Receptacle
Eachreceptacle (Figure 8) is protected against overload by
a 20 Amp push-to-reset circuit breaker.
Use each receptacle to operate 120Volt AC, single-phase,
60 Hz electrical loads requiring up to 2,400 watts (2.4 kW)
at 20Amps of current. Use cord sets that are rated for
125Volt AC loads at 20Amps (or greater).
i
10
DON'T OVERLOAD
G EN ERATO R
Capacity
You must make sure your generator cansupply enough
rated (running) and surge (starting) watts for the itemsyou
will power at the sametime. Follow these simple steps:
I. Select the itemsyou wilt power at the same time.
2. Total the rated (running) watts of these items.Thisis
the amount of power your generator must produce to
keep your itemsrunning. SeeFigure 9.
3. Estimatehow many surge (starting) watts you wilt
need.Surge wattage isthe short burst of power
needed to start electric motor-driven tools or
appliancessuch asa circular saw or refrigerator.
Becausenot all motors start at the sametime, total
surge watts can be estimated by addingonly the
item(s)with the highest additional surge watts to the
total rated watts from step 2.
Example:
Tool or Appliance
Window Air
Conditioner
Refrigerator
Deep Freezer
Television
Light (75 Watts)
Total Rated (Running)Watts = 3075
Highest Additional SurgeWatts = 1800
Total Generator Output Required = 4875
Rated (Running)
Watts
1200
800
500
500
75
3075 Total
Running Watts
Power Management
To prolong the lifeof your generator and attached devices,
it is important to take care when addingelectrical loadsto
your generator.There should be nothing connected to the
generator outlets before starting its engine.The correct
and safeway to managegenerator power is to sequentially
add loadsas follows:
I. With nothingconnected to the generator, start the
engine asdescribed in this manual.
2. Plugin and turn on the first load,preferably the largest
loadyou have.
3. Permit the generator output to stabilize (engine runs
smoothly and attached device operates properly.
Additional Surge
(Starting)Watts
1800
1600
500
1800 Highest
SurgeWatts
4. Plug in and turn on the next load.
5. Again,permit the generator to stabilize.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each additional load.
NEVER add more loadsthan the generator capacity.Take
specialcare to consider surgeloads in generator capacity,
asdescribed above.
Additional
(Starting)
Watts
Tool or Appliance
Essentials
LightBulb - 75 watt
Deep Freezer
SumpPump
Refrigerator/Freezer - 18Cu. Ft.
Water Well Pump- I/3 HP
Heatin_Coolin_
Window AC - 10,000 BTU
Window Fan
FurnaceFanBlower - I/2 HP
Kitchen
Microwave Oven - 1000Watt
Coffee Maker
Electric Stove - SingleElement
Hot Plate
Family Room
DVD/CD Player
VCR
Stereo Receiver
Color Television - 27"
Personal Computer w/I 7" monitor
Other
SecuritySystem
AM/FM Clock Radio
GarageDoor Opener - I/2 HP
Electric Water Heater - 40 Gallon
DIY/Job Site
Quartz Halogen Work Light
Airless Sprayer - I/3 HP
Reciprocating Saw
Electric Drill - I/2 HP
Circular Saw - 7 I/4"
Miter Saw- I0"
Table Planer - 6"
Table Saw/RadialArm Saw- I0"
Air Compressor - I-I/2 HP
Rated*
(Running) Surge
Watts
75
500 500
800 1200
800 1600
1000 2000
1200 1800
300 600
800 1300
1000
1500
1500
2500
100
100
450
500
8O0
180
300
480 520
40O0
1000
600 1200
960 960
1000 1000
1500 1500
1800 1800
1800 1800
2000 2000
2500 2500
*Wattages listedare approximate only.Check toot or
appliancefor actual wattage.
/
II