Generac Power Systems 006001-0 Owner's Manual

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Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction and Safety Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Read This Manual Thoroughly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Safety Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

General Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Exhaust & Location Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Electrical Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Fire Hazards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Standards Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Section 2: General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Assembling the Accessory Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Emissions Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Product Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Generator Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Engine Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

High Altitude Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Know The Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Connection Plugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

120 VAC, 20 Amp, Duplex Receptacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

120/240 VAC, 30 Amp Receptacle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Hourmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Section 3: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

How To Use The Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Grounding The Generator When Used As A Portable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Connecting The Generator To A Building’s Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Don’t Overload the Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Wattage Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Before Starting the Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Adding Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Connecting LP Fuel Tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Starting the Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Stopping The Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Low Oil Level Shutdown System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Section 4: Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

General Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Generator Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

To Clean The Generator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Engine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Checking Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Changing The Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Replacing The Spark Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Service Air Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Clean Spark Arrestor Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Valve Clearance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Generator Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Long Term Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Other Storage Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Section 5: Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Troubleshooting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . .17

Section 1

Introduction and Safety Rules

Thank you for purchasing this model by Generac Power Systems, Inc.
This model is a compact, high performance, air-cooled, engine driven
generator designed to supply electrical power to operate electrical
loads where no utility power is available or in place of utility due to a
power outage.

1.1  READ THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY

If any portion of this manual is not understood, contact the nearest
Authorized Dealer for starting, operating and servicing procedures.

The operator is responsible for proper and safe use of the equipment.
We strongly recommend that the operator read this manual and thor­oughly understand all instructions before using the equipment. We
also strongly recommend instructing other users to properly start and
operate the unit. This prepares them if they need to operate the equip­ment in an emergency.

The generator can operate safely, efficiently and reliably only if it is
properly located, operated and maintained. Before operating or ser­vicing the generator:

• Become familiar with and strictly adhere to all local, state and
national codes and regulations.

• Study all safety warnings in this manual and on the product care­fully.

Become familiar with this manual and the unit before use.

The manufacturer cannot anticipate every possible circumstance that
might involve a hazard. The warnings in this manual, and on tags and
decals affixed to the unit are, therefore, not all inclusive. If using a pro­cedure, work method or operating technique that the manufacturer
does not specifically recommend, ensure that it is safe for others. Also
make sure the procedure, work method or operating technique uti­lized does not render the generator unsafe.

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN WAS BASED ON
MACHINES IN PRODUCTION AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION.
GENERAC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THIS MANUAL AT
ANY TIME.

Save these instructions for future reference. If you loan this
device to someone, ALWAYS loan these instructions to the indi­vidual as well.

1.2  SAFETY RULES

Throughout this publication, and on tags and decals affixed to the
generator, DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and NOTE blocks are
used to alert personnel to special instructions about a particular oper­ation that may be hazardous if performed incorrectly or carelessly.
Observe them carefully. Their definitions are as follows:

INDICATES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION OR ACTION WHICH, IF
NOT AVOIDED, WILL RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.

Indicates a hazardous situation or action which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation or action which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTE:

Notes contain additional information important to a procedure

and will be found within the regular text body of this manual.

These safety warnings cannot eliminate the hazards that they indi­cate. Common sense and strict compliance with the special instruc­tions while performing the action or service are essential to preventing
accidents.

Four commonly used safety symbols accompany the DANGER,
WARNING and CAUTION blocks. The type of information each indi­cates is as follows:

This symbol points out important safety information that,
if not followed, could endanger personal safety and/or
property of others.

This symbol points out potential explosion hazard.

5,500 Watt LP Series Portable Generator 1

This symbol points out potential fire hazard.

This symbol points out potential electrical shock hazard.

Introduction and Safety Rules

1.2.1  General Hazards

• NEVER operate in an enclosed area, in a vehicle, or indoors
EVEN IF doors and windows are open.

• For safety reasons, the manufacturer recommends that the main­tenance of this equipment is carried out by an Authorized Dealer.
Inspect the generator regularly, and contact the nearest Autho­rized Dealer for parts needing repair or replacement.

• Operate generator only on level surfaces and where it will not be
exposed to excessive moisture, dirt, dust or corrosive vapors.

• Keep hands, feet, clothing, etc., away from drive belts, fans, and
other moving parts. Never remove any fan guard or shield while
the unit is operating.

• Certain parts of the generator get extremely hot during operation.
Keep clear of the generator until it has cooled to avoid severe
burns.

• Do NOT operate generator in the rain.

• Do not alter the construction of the generator or change controls
which might create an unsafe operating condition.

• Never start or stop the unit with electrical loads connected to
receptacles AND with connected devices turned ON. Start the
engine and let it stabilize before connecting electrical loads. Dis­connect all electrical loads before shutting down the generator.

• Do not insert objects through units cooling slots.

• When working on this equipment, remain alert at all times. Never
work on the equipment when physically or mentally fatigued.

• Never use the generator or any of its parts as a step. Stepping on
the unit can stress and break parts, and may result in dangerous
operating conditions from leaking exhaust gases, fuel leakage, oil
leakage, etc.

1.2.2  Exhaust & Location Hazards

Never operate in an enclosed area or indoors! NEVER use in the
home, in a vehicle, or in partly enclosed areas such as garages,
EVEN IF doors and windows are open! ONLY use outdoors and
far from open windows, doors, vents, and in an area that will not
accumulate deadly exhaust.

• The engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which you
cannot see or smell. This poisonous gas, if breathed in sufficient
concentrations, can cause unconsciousness or even death.

• Adequate, unobstructed flow of cooling and ventilating air is criti­cal to correct generator operation. Do not alter the installation or
permit even partial blockage of ventilation provisions, as this can
seriously affect safe operation of the generator. The generator
MUST be operated outdoors.

• This exhaust system must be properly maintained. Do nothing that
might render the exhaust system unsafe or in noncompliance with
any local codes and/or standards.

• Always use a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm indoors,
installed according to the manufacturers instructions.

• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after the generator has been
running, move to fresh air IMMEDIATELY. See a doctor, as you
could have carbon monoxide poisoning.

1.2.3  Electrical Hazards

• The generator produces dangerously high voltage when in opera­tion. Avoid contact with bare wires, terminals, connections, etc.,
while the unit is running, even on equipment connected to the
generator. Ensure all appropriate covers, guards and barriers are
in place before operating the generator.

• Never handle any kind of electrical cord or device while standing
in water, while barefoot or while hands or feet are wet. DANGER-

OUS ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY RESULT.

• The National Electric Code (NEC) requires the frame and external
electrically conductive parts of the generator be properly con­nected to an approved earth ground. Local electrical codes may
also require proper grounding of the generator. Consult with a
local electrician for grounding requirements in the area.

• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter in any damp or highly con­ductive area (such as metal decking or steel work).

• Do not use worn, bare, frayed or otherwise damaged electrical
cord sets with the generator.

• Before performing any maintenance on the generator, discon­nect the engine starting battery (if equipped) to prevent accidental
start up. Disconnect the cable from the battery post indicated by a
NEGATIVE, NEG or (–) first. Reconnect that cable last.

• In case of accident caused by electric shock, immediately shut
down the source of electrical power. If this is not possible, attempt
to free the victim from the live conductor. AVOID DIRECT CON-
TACT WITH THE VICTIM. Use a non-conducting implement, such
as a rope or board, to free the victim from the live conductor. If the
victim is unconscious, apply first aid and get immediate medical
help.

2 5,500 Watt LP Series Portable Generator

Introduction and Safety Rules

1.2.4  Fire Hazards

• LP gas is highly EXPLOSIVE.

• Flammable gas under pressure can cause a fire or explosion if
ignited.

• LP gas is heavier that air and can settle in low places while dissi­pating.

• LP gas has a distinctive odor added to help detect potential leaks
quickly.

• In any propane gas fire, flames should not be extinguished unless
by doing so the fuel supply valve can be turned OFF.

• If the fire is extinguished and a supply of fuel is not turned OFF, an
explosion hazard greater than the fire hazard could be created.

• When exchanging LP cylinders, be sure the cylinder valve is of the
same type.

• Wipe up any fuel or oil spills immediately. Ensure that no combus­tible materials are left on or near the generator. Keep the area sur­rounding the generator clean and free from debris and keep a
clearance of five (5) feet on all side to allow for proper ventilation
of the generator.

• Do not insert objects through units cooling slots.

• Do not operate the generator if connected electrical devices over­heat, if electrical output is lost, if engine or generator sparks or if
flames or smoke are observed while unit is running.

• Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator at all times.

NOTE:

This generator is equipped with a spark arrestor muffler. The
spark arrestor must be maintained in effective working order by
the owner/operator. In the state of California, a spark arrestor is

required by law (Section 4442 of the Public Resources Code).

Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on

federal lands.

1.2.5  Standards Index

1. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70: The NATIONAL
ELECTRIC CODE (NEC) available from www.nfpa.org

2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 5000: BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY CODE available from
www.nfpa.org

3. International Building Code available from www.iccsafe.org

4. Agricultural Wiring Handbook available from www.rerc.org ,
Rural Electricity Resource Council P.O. Box 309 Wilmington, OH
45177-0309

5. ASAE EP-364.2 Installation and Maintenance of Farm Standby
Electric Power available from www.asabe.org, American Society
of Agricultural & Biological Engineers 2950 Niles Road, St.
Joseph, MI 49085

This list is not all inclusive. Check with the Authority Having Local
Jurisdiction (AHJ) for any local codes or standards which may be
applicable to your jurisdiction.

Model Number

Serial Number

Figure 1: Unit ID Location

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5,500 Watt LP Series Portable Generator 3

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Introduction and Safety Rules

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