Generac 1649-0 Owner’s Manual

TM

WATTS

Portable Generator Owner's Manual

Questions? Help is just a moment away!

Call: Generac Generator Helpline - 1-800-270-1408 M-F 8-5 CT

Web: www.generac-portables.com or www.briggsandstratton.com

Model No. 1649-0 (3250WattAC Generator) Manual No. 189351 Revision4 (I 1/19/2002)

EQUIPMENT

DESCRIPTION

_Read this manual carefully and become familiar

with your generator. Know its applications, its

limitations and any hazards involved.

Thisgenerator isan engine-driven, revolving field,alternating

current (AC) generator. It was designedto supply electrical
power for operating compatible electrical lighting,appliances,

tools and motor loads.The generator's revolvingfield is
driven at about 3,600 rpm by a single-cylinderengine.

DANGER

Operate generator ONLY outdoors.
Keep at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of generator for

adequateventilation.
DO NOT operategeneratorinsideanybuildingor enclosure,

includingthegenerator compartment of arecreationalvehicle(RV).

CAUTION! DO NOT exceed the generator's
wattage/amperage capacity.See"Don't Overload the

Generator" on page 9.

Everyeffort hasbeenmadeto ensure that informationinthis

manualisaccurateand curren_ However,Generacreserves
the right to change,alter or otherwise improvethe product

and this document at anytime without prior notice.
The EmissionControl Systemfor thisgenerator iswarranted

for standardssetby the EnvironmentalProtection Agency.For
warranty informationrefer to the engineowner's manual.

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 (_.) isusedwith asignalword
(DANGER, CAUTION,WARNING), a pictorial and/or a
safety messageto alert you to hazards.DANGER indicates

a hazardwhich, ifnot avoided,will result in death or serious
injury. WARNING indicatesahazardwhich, if not avoided,

couldresult in death or serious injury.CAUTION
indicatesa hazardwhich, ifnot avoided,might result in

minor or moderate injury.CAUTION, when used
without the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could

result in equipment damage.Follow safety messagesto

avoid or reduce the risk of injury or death.

the State of California a spark arrester is required by law

Section 4442 of the California PublicResourcesCode).
)ther states may havesimilar laws.Federallawsapply on

federal lands.Ifyou equip the muffler with a spark arrester,
t must be maintained ineffective working order.

DANGER

National Electric Code requires generator to be properly

grounded to an approved earth ground. Call an electrician for

local grounding requirements.

DANGER

When using generator for backuppower, notify utility
company.Use approved transfer equipment to isolate

generator from electric utility.

Use aground circuit fault interrupter (GFCt) in any damp or
highly conductive area,such as metal decking or steel work.

DO NOT touch bare wires or receptacles.
DO NOT usegenerator with electrical cords which are worn

frayed, bare or otherwise damaged.

DO NOT operate generator in the rain.
DO NOT handlegenerator or electrical cords while standing

in water, while barefoot, or while handsor feet are wet.
DO NOT allow unqualified persons or children to operate or

service generator.

WARNING

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product contains

chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

/

;ENERATOR

Disconnect the spark plugwire from the spark plugand place
the wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

2

, WARNING

, WARNING

WHEN ADDING FUEL

Turn generator OFF and let it cool at least 2 minutes before
removing gascap.Loosen capslowly to relieve pressure intank.

Fill fuel tank outdoors.
DO NOT overfill tank.Allow space for fuel expansion.

Keep fuel away from sparks,open flames,pilot lights, heat,and
other ignition sources.

DO NOT light a cigarette or smoke.

VHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT

DO NOT tip engine or equipment at angle whichcausesfuel
to spill.

fHEN TRANSPORTING OR REPAIRING EQUIPMENT

• Transport!repair with fuel tank EMPTYor with fuel shutoff
valve OFF.

• Disconnect spark plug wire.

WHEN STORING FUEL OR EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL

IN TANK

Store awayfrom furnaces,stoves,water heaters,clothes
dryers or other appliances that havepilot light or other

ignition source becausethey can ignite fuel vapors.

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.

CAUTION

See"Don't Overload Your Generator" on page9.
Start generator and let enginestabilize 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.

DAN(;ER

DO NOT allow any open flame, spark, heat,or lit cigarette
during andfor several minutes after charginga battery.

Wear protective goggles,rubber apron, and rubber gloves.

CAUTION

Use generator only for intended uses.
tf you havequestions about intended use,askdealer or call

the Generac generator helpline at 1-800-270-1408.
Operate generator only on levelsurfaces.
DO NOT exposegenerator 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 generato_

Shut off generator if.'

-electrical outputis lost;

-equipment sparks,smokes,or emits flames;

-unit vibrates excessively.

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3

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.

120Volt AC, 20 Amp

Duplex Receptacles

FuelTank

Rocker Switch
(on engine shroud)

Recoil Starter

Choke Lever

Air Cleaner

Circuit
Breakers (AC)

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

usedto supply electrical power for the operation of

120Volt 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-cteaner to limit the amount of dirt and dust sucked

into the engine.
Choke Lever -- Used when starting a cold engine.

Circuit Breakers (AC) -- Pushto reset circuit breakers
are provided to protect the generator againstelectrical

overload.

/

Grounding Wing Nut

Fuel Tank -- Capacity of four (4) U.S.quarts.
GroundingWing Nut -- Used for proper grounding of

unit (see page 7).

Recoil starter -- Used to start the engine.
Rocker Switch -- Set this switch to "On" before using

recoil starter. Set switch to "OtT' to switch off engine.

4

ASSEMBLY

BEFORE STARTING THE

Your generator requires some assembly andis ready for
use after it hasbeen 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.

IMPORTANT: Any attempt to run the unit before it has

been serviced with the recommended oil will result in an
engine failure.

Remove Generator From Carton

• Set the carton on a rigid fiat surfacewith "This SideUp"

arrows pointing upward.

• Carefully open the top flapsof the shippingcarton.

• Cut down corners from top to bottom at end of carton
near wheels. Laythat side of carton down flat.

• Removeall packing material, carton fillers, etc.

• Roll the generator out of the shipping carton.

Carton Contents

Check all contents. If any parts are missing or damaged,call
the generator helpline at 1-800-270-1408.

• The generator

• Generator and engine owner's manuals

• Bottle of engine oil

• Handle

ENGINE

Attach Handle

NOTE: All assemblyin this section will be as if assembling
from the rear of the generator.

• Placethe handle onto the handle supports already
connected to the main unit. Make sure the holes in the

handle align with the holes on the handle supports
(Figure I).

NOTE: It may be necessaryto move the handle supports
from side to side in order to alignthe handle so it will slide
over the handlesupports.

• Insert the carriage bolts through the holes on the handle
and attach the plastic knobs.Tighten the knobs by hand

(Figure 2).

• Plasticknobs (2)

• Carriage bolts (2)

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5

Add Oil

CAUTION! Any attempt to crank or start the engine

before it hasbeen properly filled with the recommended
oil may result in an engine failure.

To fill your engine with oil:

• Placegenerator on a levelsurface.

• Follow the oil grade recommendations andoil fill
instructions given in the engine owner's manual.

NOTE:The generator's revolving field rides on a

prelubricated and sealed ball bearing that requires no
additional lubrication for the lifeof the bearing.

Add Fuel

A ARNING! NEVERfill fuel tank indoors.NEVER

fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot.Allow
unitto cool for two minutes before refueling. DO

NOT lighta cigarette or smoke when filling the fuel
tank.

A WARNING! DO NOT overfill the fuel tank.

Always allow room for fuel expansion.

• Use regular UNLEADED fuel with the generator
engine.DO NOT usepremium fuel. DO NOT mix oil

with fuel.

• Slowly add unleadedregular fuel to fuel tank. Be careful
not to overfitLAllow about 1.5"of tank spacefor fuel
expansion (Figure 3).

Fuel

• Install fuel capand wipe up any spilled fuel.

IMPORTANT= It is importantto 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 fuel can damagethe fuel system of an enginewhile in
storage.

To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 daysor longer.See"Storage"
on page I I. NEVER use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent damagemay occur.

• Clean area around fuel fill cap,remove cap.

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6

GROUNDING THE

G EN ERATO R

The National Electrical Code requires that the frame and
external electrically conductive parts of this generator be
properly connected to anapproved earth ground. Local
electrical codes mayalso require proper grounding of the
unit. For that purpose, a GROUNDING WING NUT is
provided on the generator end (Figure 4).

Wing Nut

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

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

shock. Be careful to keepthe grounding wire attached after
connecting the stranded copper wire. However, local codes

may vary widely.Consult with a local electrician for
grounding requirements in your area.

Properly grounding the generator helps prevent electrical
shock if aground fault condition exists in the generator or
in connected electrical devices,especiallywhen the unit is
equipped with awheel kit. Proper grounding also helps
dissipate static electricity, which often builds up in
ungrounded devices.

OPERATING THE

G EN ERATO R

A CAUTION! NEVERstart or stop the engine

with electrical loadsconnected to the receptacles
AND with the connected devicesturned ON.

Starting the Engine

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

I. Rotate the fuel valveto the "On" position (Figure 5).

2. Move the choke leverto the "Choke" position
(Figure6).Your unit may appear slightly different from

that shown here.

3. Set the rocker switch to "On" position (Figure 7).

in On

4. Grasp the recoil handleand pull slowly untilslight
resistance isfelt.Then pull rapidly to start engine.

5. Move choke leverto "Run" position a short distanceat
a time over severalseconds in warm weather or

minutes in cold weather.Let enginerun smoothly before
eachchange.Operate with choke in"Run" position.

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

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7

Connecting Electrical Loads

• Let enginestabilize and warm up for a few minutes after

starting.

• Plugin and turn on the desired 120Volt AC, single phase,
60 Hz electrical loads.

• DO NOT connect 240Vott loads to the 120Volt duplex

receptacles.

• DO NOT connect 3-phase loads to the generator.

• DO NOT connect 50 Hz loads to the generator.

• DO NOT OVERLOADTHE GENERATOR. See
"Don't Overload the Generator" on page9.

Stopping the Engine

• Unplug all electrical loads from generator panel

receptacles.NEVER start or stop engine with electrical

devices plugged in and turned ON.

• Let engine run at no-load for several minutes to stabilize
the internal temperatures of engine and generator.

• Move rocker switch to "Off' position.

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

RECEPTACLES

120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, Duplex

Receptacles

Eachpair of receptacles(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 2400 watts (2.4 kW)
at 20Amps of current. Usecord sets that are rated for

125Volt AC loads at 20Amps (or greater).

_ AUTION! Although each receptacle is rated for

120Volts at 20 Amps (2400 watts or 2.4kVV),the

generator is rated for a total of 3,250 watts.

Powering loads that exceed the wattage capacity of

the generator can damageit or causeserious

injuries.The total of loads powered through these
receptacles should not exceed 20Amps.

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8

DON'T OVERLOAD YOUR

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. Estimate how manysurge (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

50O

75

3075 Total

Running Watts

Power Management

To prolong the life of your generator and attached devices,
it is important to take care when addingelectrical loads to
your generator.There should be nothing connected to the
generator outlets before starting it's engine.The correct
and safewayto managegenerator power is to sequentially

add loads as 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

load you have.

3. Permit the generator output to stabilize (engine runs

smoothly andattached device operates properly.

Additional Surge

(Starting) Watts

1800

1600
500

1800Highest

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 loads than the generator capacity.Take

specialcare to consider surge loads in generator capacity,
asdescribed above.

Rated*

Tool or Appliance

Essentials

Light Bulb - 75 watt
Deep Freezer
SumpPump
Refrigerator/Freezer - 18Cu. Ft.

Water Well Pump- I/3 HP

Heating/Cooling

Window AC - I0,000 BTU
Window Fan

FurnaceFanBlower - 1/2HP
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

Security System

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

Reciprocatin_ Saw
Electric Drill - I/2 HP

Circular Saw - 7 I/4"
Miter Saw- 10"

Planer/tointer - 6"

Table Saw/RadialArm Saw- 10"
Air Compressor - I-I/2 HP

*Wattages listed are approximate only. Check toot or
appliance for actual wattage.

(Running)

Watts

75

5O0
8O0

8O0

1000

12O0

3OO
8O0

1000
1500
1500

25O0

100
100

450
5o0

8o0

18o

3O0
480 520

40O0

1000

600 1200

960 960
1000 1000
1500 1500
1800 1800
1800 1800

2000 2000
2500 2500

Additional

Surge

(Starting)

Watts

500

1200
1600

20O0

1800

6O0

1300

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9

SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum SurgeWatts ................. 5000 watts

Continuous Wattage Capacity ............ 3250 watts

Power Factor .............................. 1.0

Rated Maximum Continuous AC LoadCurrent:

At 120Volts ....................... 27.1Amps

Phase................................. I-phase

Rated Frequency ....................... 60 Hertz

FuelTank Capacity ................... 4 U.S.quarts

ShippingWeight ......................... 128 Ibs.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

RECOMMENDATIONS

Generator Maintenance

Generator maintenance consists of keeping the unit clean
and dry. Operate and store the unit in a clean dry
environment where it will not be exposed to excessive
dust, dirt, moisture or any corrosive vapors. Cooling air
slots in the generator must not become clogged with snow,
leaves or any other foreign material.

NOTE: DO NOT use a garden hose to clean generator.
Water can enter engine fuel system and cause problems. In

addition, if water enters generator through cooling air slots,
some of the water wilt be retained in voids and cracks of

the rotor and stator winding insulation.Water and dirt
buildup on the generator internal windings will eventually

decrease the insulation resistance of these windings.

The Owner/Operator is responsible for making sure that
all periodic maintenance tasksare completed on atimely
basis;that all discrepancies are corrected; and that the unit

is kept clean and properly stored. NEVER operate a
damaged or defective generator.

Engine Maintenance

See engine owner's manualfor instructions.

_ii AUTION! Avoid prolonged or repeated skincontact with used motor oil. Used motor oil has

been shown to cause skin cancer in certain
laboratory animals.Thoroughly wash exposed areas

with soap and water.

KEEPOUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DON'T
POLLUTE.CONSERVERESOURCES.RETURN

USED OIL TO COLLECTION CENTERS.

To Clean the Generator

A AUTION! NEVER insert any object or tool

through the air cooling slots, even if the engine is

not running.

• Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfaces clean.

• A soft bristle brush may be used to loosen caked on dirt
or oil.

• A vacuum cleaner may be used to pick up loose dirt and
debris.

• Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be used to
blow awaydirt. Inspect cooling air slots and opening on
generator.These openings must be kept clean and

unobstructed.

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10