Generac Power Systems Portable Generator, GP SERIES Reference

General Reference

Portable Generator

For reference only!! Not a complete manual. Please refer to your owners
manual for specific information.

DEADLY EXHAUST FUMES! ONLY use OUTSIDE far away

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from windows, doors and vents!
NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN CRITICAL LIFE SUPPORT

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APPLICATIONS.
SAVE this Manual. Provide this manual to any operator of

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the generator.

www.generac.com or 1-888-436-3722

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................. 1

Read this Manual Thoroughly ................................. 1

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

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

Operation ................................................................ 4

1.1 How to Use the Generator ..............................................4

1.1.1 System Ground ..................................................4

1.1.2 Grounding the Generator ....................................4

1.1.3 Connecting Electrical Loads ...............................4

1.2 Overload Prevention .......................................................5

1.3 Wattage Reference Guide ...............................................5

1.4 Before Starting the Generator .........................................5

1.4.1 Adding Engine Oil ..............................................5

1.4.2 Adding Gasoline .................................................6

1.5 Starting the Engine (Electric Start Only) ..........................6

Troubleshooting ...................................................... 7

2.1 Troubleshooting Guide .................................................... 7

INTRODUCTION

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.

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. Save

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

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.

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.

Introduction

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

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information that, if not followed, could
endanger personal safety and/or property of
others.

This symbol points out potential explosion
hazard.

$

This symbol points out potential fire hazard.

!

This symbol points out potential electrical

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shock hazard.

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 fans and other
moving parts. Never remove any fan guard or shield while the
unit is operating.

• Cer tain par ts 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 star t 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 inser t objects through unit’s cooling slots.

1

Safety Rules

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

• Lifting Warning Hazard: A falling generator can result in death,
bodily injury, and/or property damage. Stand clear of generator.
Lift is designed to carry only the weight of the generator. DO
NOT overload lifting bracket. Apply lifting strap or hook through
lift bar hole(s) only. DO NOT lift while generator is running.

• Never use the generator or any of its par ts 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.

• On electric star t models, disconnect the POSITIVE (+) battery
cable from the engine starter OR the NEGATIVE (-) battery
cable from the battery terminal, whichever is easier, before
transporting the generator.

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 California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws.

Federal laws apply on federal lands.

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.

• 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 manufacturer's instructions.

• If you star t 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.

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.

DANGEROUS 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 per forming 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 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.

• 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.

2

FIRE HAZARDS

• Gasoline is highly FLAMMABLE and its vapors are EXPLOSIVE.
NEVER permit smoking, open flames, sparks or heat in the
vicinity while handling gasoline.

• Never add fuel while unit is running or hot. Allow engine to cool
completely before adding fuel.

• Never fill fuel tank indoors. Comply with all laws regulating
storage and handling of gasoline.

• Do not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow room for fuel
expansion. If tank is over-filled, fuel can overflow onto a hot

engine and cause FIRE or an EXPLOSION. Never store generator
with fuel in tank where gasoline vapors might reach an open
flame, spark or pilot light (as on a furnace, water heater or
clothes dryer). FIRE or EXPLOSION may result. Allow unit to
cool entirely before storage.