Generac Power Systems Guardian Series Installation Manual

Emergency

Automatic

Backup Power System

Emergency

Automatic

Backup Power System

www.guardiangenerators.com

This Guide is intended to be

used in conjunction with the

Installation & Owner’s Manual. The

Installation & Owner’s Manual must first be

read thoroughly

prior

to installation of

the home standby generator.

The BASIC “How-To” Installation

Guide For The Do-It-Yourselfer

29



GENERAL HAZARDS



• For safety reasons, Generac recommends that the installation,
initial start-up and maintenance of this equipment is carried out
by a Generac/Guardian Authorized Dealer.

• The engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can

be DEADLY. This dangerous gas, if breathed in sufficient
concentrations, can cause unconsciousness or even death. This
exhaust system must be installed properly, in strict compliance
with applicable codes and standards. Following installation, you
must do nothing that might render the system unsafe or in
noncompliance with such codes and standards.

• Keep hands, feet, clothing, etc., away from drive belts, fans, and

other moving or hot parts. Never remove any drive belt or fan
guard while the unit is operating.

• 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 installed outdoors.

• When working on this equipment, remain alert at all times. Never

work on the equipment when you are physically or mentally
fatigued.

• Inspect the generator regularly, and contact your nearest

Generac/Guardian Authorized Dealer for parts needing repair or
replacement.

• Before performing any maintenance on the generator, disconnect

its battery cables to prevent accidental start up. Disconnect the
cable from the battery post indicated by a NEGATIVE, NEG or (–)
first. Reconnect that cable last.

• 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.

Ꮨ ELECTRICAL HAZARDS Ꮨ

• All generators covered by this manual produce dangerous

electrical voltages and can cause fatal electrical shock. Utility
power delivers extremely high and dangerous voltages to the
transfer switch as does the standby generator when it is in
operation. Avoid contact with bare wires, terminals, connections,
etc., while the unit is running. Ensure all appropriate covers,
guards and barriers are in place before operating the generator. If
you must work around an operating unit, stand on an insulated,
dry surface to reduce shock hazard.

• Do not handle any kind of electrical device while standing in water,

while barefoot, or while hands or feet are wet. DANGEROUS

ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY RESULT.

• The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the frame and

external electrically conductive parts of the generator to be
connected to an approved earth ground. Local electrical codes
also may require proper grounding of the generator electrical
system.

• After installing this home standby electrical system, the generator
may crank and start at any time without warning. When this occurs,
load circuits are transferred to the STANDBY (generator) power
source. To prevent possible injury if such a start and transfer occur,
always set the generator’s Auto/Off/Manual switch to its OFF
position before working on equipment and remove the fuse.

• 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
CONTACT 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.

• Never wear jewelry when working on this equipment. Jewelry can
conduct electricity resulting in electric shock, or may get caught in
moving components causing injury.

 FIRE HAZARDS 

• For fire safety, the generator must be installed and maintained
properly. Installation always must comply with applicable codes,
standards, laws and regulations. Adhere strictly to local, state and
national electrical and building codes. Comply with regulations the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
established. Also, ensure that the generator is installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and
recommendations. Following proper installation, do nothing that
might alter a safe installation and render the unit in
noncompliance with the aforementioned codes, standards, laws
and regulations.

• Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator at all times.
Extinguishers rated “ABC” by the National Fire Protection
Association are appropriate for use on the standby electric
system. Keep the extinguisher properly charged and be familiar
with its use. If you have any question pertaining to fire
extinguishers, consult your local fire department.

Ꮩ EXPLOSION HAZARDS Ꮩ

• Do not smoke around the generator. Wipe up any fuel or oil spills
immediately. Ensure that no combustible materials are left in the
generator compartment, or on or near the generator, as FIRE or
EXPLOSION may result. Keep the area surrounding the generator
clean and free from debris.

• Gaseous fluids such as natural gas and liquid propane (LP) gas
are extremely EXPLOSIVE. Install the fuel supply system
according to applicable fuel-gas codes. Before placing the home
standby electric system into service, fuel system lines must be
properly purged and leak tested according to applicable code.
After installation, you must inspect the fuel system periodically for
leaks. No leakage is permitted.

ITEMS YOU MUST PURCHASE

47

Visit Municipal Office

• Battery - Automotive type group 26/26R negative
ground 350CCA (Model 4389) or 550CCA (Models
4456 and 4390) minimum capacity

• 40 Amp (Model 4389) or 70 Amp (Models 4456 and

4390) double pole circuit breaker (Must be
compatible with your main electrical distribution
panel.)

• Grounding rod with grounding strap

• Crushed stone or pea gravel (approximately 10-12
cubic feet)

• Black poly-film or other vegetation blocking fabric
(5-1/2' x 5')

• Silicone caulk

• Pipe sealant (suitable for gaseous fuel
connections)

• Fasteners (to mount external connection box and
automatic transfer switch with built-in emergency
load center)

1

Fuel Connection

3

PLEASE READ ENTIRE GUIDE BEFORE STARTING THE INSTALLATION

PROCESS TO BE AWARE OF ALL REQUIREMENTS.

TOOLS REQUIRED:

Drill, Drill Bits, Hole Saw (type and length will be determined by the materials you will be drilling
and cutting), Open-End Wrenches or Adjustable Wrenches, Socket Wrenches or Nut Drivers, Standard and Phillips
Screwdrivers, Level, Sledge Hammer, Channel-lock Pliers, Spade Shovel, and

Safety Goggles.

1. It will be necessary to pay a visit to your local
municipal offices to apply for a building permit.
Building permits are necessary to ensure proper
installation, safety and adherence to all local
building code specifications. The location and
phone number can be found in the government
section of your local phonebook.

2. PLAN THE LOCATION OF YOUR GENERATOR.

Note: Do not place the generator directly under
a window.

Select an area outside of your home nearest your
incoming gas service.

3. Arrange for installation of rigid gas piping (per local
code specifications) to the location where you
intend to position your generator. Fuel piping
should include a fuel shut off valve. Optimally, the
termination of the rigid piping should be within 8­10” inches of the fuel inlet of the generator.

C

ee

y

5

ee

d

5

e

d

rndinchesnd

).

a

y

o

ea.

ed

e

acethe

g

ea

y

e

j

.

.

e

o

ded

er

).

akre

e

d

g

)

OOK

S

.

e

l

g

dthe

e

fle

xiblefue

e

t

ab

s

c

s

er

th

e

.

e

d

.

e

ec

s

eak

p

0

.

C

O

O

C

O

erbe

e

use

f

o

eyu

e

yo

veasde

e

a

egeoar

e

0

.g3/

caeee

e

oduo

t

g

.

a.

o

esdeeusetede

f

du

doa

sf

)

g

e

aousde

b.

eoeeeaded

outo

e

du

g

c.

eoeec

eoegr

e

th

er

o

,

c

u

t

d

ooo

ed.

g

-

agd

acodu.esa

u

t

d

g

.

sgs

p

e

d

eraec

n

o

e

e

l

eedce

k

om

usde

dsde

use

)

Site Preparation and Generator Placement

eeddes

O

ode

d

e

er

.

e

a

ocedoyd

o

g.

7

4

5

6

Crushed Stone or Pea Gravel

learan

t

length

L

f

lacpoly-film t

thereatoroundlel with

ton

Pl

ad,

n ther

a

n

-foot

which isttachedtothemountin

ouhav

roundingrodinto theround to

t b

houl

r ther

ust

tofgrassan

ad

48"

ea

repared

ravl

24" W

rad

8a

FUEL H

th

a

P

HECKFOR LEAK

th

igid fue

pipin

n

enerator usingth

supplied

l

ines

lan

h

it

aseou

fuel

he

ayonnection
with t
th

lewi

b.Attach onendf theroundingstrapN

tran

copper wire) toroundingrodndtheoth

ndtotheroundingluglocated

M

ve ground lel.NEC

roundingrodndstrap

odeapplies toroundin

method.

N

enerator m

witch

houl
“off ” position. Generator main line
should be switched to the “off ” or open

t rear

orner

r

laced

it

osition

t

f unit

xpose

reak

th

b

ndisconnect flexibl

n

mount

open fuel supplyndrech

l

till

xistsrepeat ste

lant

flelefuel lin

leak

NOTE: Whether using natural gas or LP gas the
pressure to the fuel inlet on the generator must be 11

- 14” W.C. (0.6 PSI) A primary regulator must be used
if unit is connected to an LP fuel tank (not supplied).

.

O

erxible

e

use

fro

e

yo

ve

e

e

g

e

o

.

use

thend

f

)

de

eaded

g

th

er

,

u

t

d

oto

o

ed.

-

a

d

u

t

e

d

n

o

l

d

elk

om

use

)

Drill Pass Through Hole10a

eed

es

o

g.

11b

Threaded Lock Nut

10a

ho

mall

10b.Usin

NNECTION T

t

m

When your

n insideth

ilot holethrough thell tomarth

Drill Hole Through House10b

1-3/4 inch

ll t

F

onduit

onduit tofitthrough

ndWir

NNECTION

ass th

iameter holeth

11b.Removethethr

Connect Wires11c

11c.Removetheknoc

xt

x

r

n

Pl

ttach

round from

ndtighten.This

lonut from theonduit couplin

Connect Wires

11c

Mount External

Connection Box

t in thelower

rom

ight

orner

f

in

t

r

onduit.Reinstall n

ing is complet

f

locn

t

Plug-n

lugn

11a.rom theinsidef theho

onduit

INCLUDED

ndre-wired from transfr

through thewatooutsi

f the-

witch

11

oth outsidendinsidef ho

lockedt
tamperin

theholen

External

t

safety

.

ndto

xternal

theholeSea

ilicon

onnectio

fr

t

13b. Install the 40 Amp or 70 Amp double pole circuit breaker

that you have purchased into main electrical distribution
panel. This circuit breaker m

ust be compatible with your

main electrical distribution panel. It may be necessary to

reposition remaining circuit breakers or remove circuit
breakers that have been disconnected to accommodate the
insertion of the 40 Amp or 70 Amp double pole circuit breaker.
Connect white wire to the main distribution panel neutral bar.
Connect green wire to main electrical panel ground bar.
Connect the black and red wires to the 40 Amp or 70 Amp
double pole circuit breaker.

Recommended battery is automotive type group 26/26R 12V
negative ground with 350CCA (Model 4389) or 550CCA
(Models 4456 and 4390) minimum capacity. The hold down
clamp is included.

14. CONNECT STARTING BATTERY
NOTE: Dielectric grease should be used on battery posts to

aid in the prevention of corrosion.

Connect positive (+) (red) cable to positive (+) battery post.
Connect negative (-) (black) ground cable to negative (-)
battery post.

:

NOTE: In areas where temperatures regularly fall below

10°F (-12°C) it is recommended that a pad type battery

15. READY THE SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC OPERATION

Switch service main circuit breaker to “on” or closed position.
Switch the circuit breakers in the emergency distribution panel to
the “on” or closed position. Switch the generator main line circuit
breaker to the “on” or closed position. Verify that the 40 Amp or
70 Amp double pole circuit breaker that was inserted in the main
electrical distribution panel is switched to the ”on” or closed
position. Place generator mode switch in the “AUTO” position.
Verify that fuel valve on rigid gas piping is open. P

erform steps

in Sections 2.1 through 2.5 of the Installation & Owner’

s

Manual prior to testing the system.

16. TEST SYSTEM

Switch service main circuit breaker to “off” or open position. This
simulates the loss of utility power. The generator should crank
and start within 20 seconds. Load transfer should occur within
10 seconds of generator start. To return system to automatic
mode, switch service main breaker to “on” or closed position.
This simulates the return of power from the utility. The generator
will run for a short cool down period of several minutes while the
entire system stands ready for the next power outage.

NOTE: When utility voltage source is lost by the generator, the
system set light will flash rapidly.

17. SET EXERCISER

A switch on the control panel allows you to select the day and
time for the system to exercise. To select a time and day of the
week you must perform the following sequence at that time.
Verify that the Auto/Off/Manual switch is set to “AUTO”.

Hold down the “Set Exercise Timer” switch until the generator
starts (approximately 10 seconds) and release. The generator
will start and run for approximately twelve minutes and then
shut down on its own. If the battery is disconnected for any
reason the exercise time must be reset. The generator is now
set to exercise on that day and at that time every week.

NOTE: Until the exerciser is set, all the red LED's will flash in the
Auto or Manual mode.

Set the generator’s Auto/Off/Manual switch to “OFF.”
Turn off utility power supply to the transfer switch.

-------------



WARNING



-------------

If the Auto/Off/Manual Switch is not set to its OFF
position, the generator can crank and start as soon as
the battery cables are connected. If the utility power
supply is not turned off, sparking can occur at the
battery posts and cause an explosion.

Install the appropriate Circuit Breaker

13b

UL approved wire nuts are included with installation kit.

The battery area dimensions are: 8" L x 8" W.

YOUR GUARDIAN EMERGENCY AUTOMATIC BACKUP

POWER SYSTEM IS NOW READY!

Exerciser
Switch

Connect Starting Battery

14

Set Exerciser

17

NOTE: In areas where temperatures regularly fall below
10°F (-12°C) it is recommended that a pad type battery
heater be installed to aid in cold climate starting.

70

70