Generac Power Systems WheelHouse 5500 Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manual
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Call: Generac Generator Helpline - 1-800-270-1408 M-F 8-5 CT
Web: www.generac-portables.com or www.briggsandstratton.com
Model No. 1646-0 (5,500 Watt AC Generator) Manual No. 189628GS Revision 1 (08/24/2001)
Safety Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Know Your Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Product Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 & 19
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Replacement Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-18
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Last Page
• Generator
• Wheel kit
• Locking 30 Amp plug
• Engine oil
• Two packets of fuel stabilizer
• Owner's manual
• Engine manual
*If any parts are missing or damaged, call 1-800-270-1408.
Parts Included* Table of Contents
2
WheelHouse™ 5500 Watt Generator
EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION
This generator is an engine–driven, revolving field,
alternating current (AC) generator. It was designed to
supply electrical power for operating compatible electrical
lighting, appliances, tools and motor loads.This generator
features a Command Central™ control panel which
provides 5 outlets and circuit breakers in one location.
This manual contains information for a generator that
operates 120 and/or 240 Volt, single phase, 60 Hz devices
that require up to 5,500 watts (5.5 kW) of power that pull
up to 45.8 Amps at 120 Volts or 22.9 Amps at 240 Volts.
CAUTION! Do Not exceed the generator’s
wattage/amperage capacity.Add up the rated watts of all
devices you are connecting to generator receptacles at one
time.This total should not be greater than 5,500 watts. See
“Don’t Overload the Generator” on page 9.
The generator’s revolving field is driven at about 3,600 rpm
by a single-cylinder engine.
Every effort has been made to ensure that information in
this manual is accurate and current.However, Generac
reserves the right to change, alter or otherwise improve the
product and this document at any time without prior
notice.
CAUTION! Do Not tamper with engine
governed speed. High operating speeds are
dangerous and increase risk of personal injury or
damage to equipment.The generator supplies
correct rated frequency and voltage only when
running at proper governed speed.Incorrect
frequency and/or voltage can damage some
connected electrical loads. Operating at excessively
low speeds imposes a heavy load.When adequate
engine power is not available engine life may be
shortened.
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.
SAFETY RULES
This generator set was designed and manufactured for
specific applications. Do Not attempt to modify the unit or
use it for any application it was not designed for. If you have
any questions about your generator’s application, ask your
dealer or consult the factory.
The manufacturer could not possibly anticipate every
circumstance that might involve a hazard. For that reason
warnings in the manual and warnings on tags or decals
affixed to the unit are not all–inclusive. If you intend to
handle, operate or service the unit by a procedure or
method not specifically recommended by the manufacturer,
first make sure that such a procedure or method will not
render this equipment unsafe or pose a threat to you and
others.
Read this manual carefully and become familiar
with your generator set. Know its applications, its
limitations and any hazards involved.
WARNING! You must isolate the generator
from the electric utility using approved transfer
equipment if this unit is used for backup power.
Failure to isolate the generator from the
power utility may result in injury or death to
electric utility workers and damage to the
generator due to a backfeed of electrical energy.
Whenever the unit is providing backup power, the
electric utility must be notified.
DANGER! Generator exhaust gases contain
DEADLY carbon monoxide gas. If breathed in
sufficient concentrations, carbon monoxide
can cause unconsciousness or death. Operate
this equipment outdoors where adequate ventilation
is available.
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
WARNING:
WheelHouse™ 5500 Watt Generator
3
• The generator produces a very powerful voltage that can
cause serious injury or death by electrocution. Never
touch bare wires or receptacles. Never permit a child or
any unqualified person to operate the generator.
• Never handle any kind of electrical cord or device while
standing in water, while barefoot or while hands or feet
are wet. Death or serious injury from electrocution may
result.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in any damp
or highly conductive area (such as metal decking or steel
work).
• Never use worn, bare, frayed or otherwise damaged
electrical cords with the generator. Death, serious injury
and property damage from electrical shock may result.
• Gasoline is highly FLAMMABLE and its vapors are
EXPLOSIVE. Never allow smoking, open flames,
sparks or heat in the vicinity while handling
gasoline. Avoid spilling gasoline on a hot engine. 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 overfilled, fuel can overflow
onto a hot engine and cause a FIRE or an
EXPLOSION.
• Never store a generator with fuel in the tank where
gasoline vapors might reach an open flame, spark or pilot
light (as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer). FIRE
or an EXPLOSION may result.
• The unit requires an adequate flow of cooling air for its
continued proper operation. Never operate the unit
inside any room or enclosure where the free flow of
cooling air into and out of the unit might be obstructed.
Allow at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of generator,
even while operating unit outdoors, or you could damage
the unit.
• Never start or stop the unit with electrical loads
connected to receptacles with the connected devices
turned ON. Start the engine and let it stabilize before
connecting any electrical loads. Disconnect all electrical
loads before shutting down the generator.
• Do Not insert any object through cooling slots of the
engine.You could damage the unit or injure yourself.
• Never operate the generator:
in rain; in any enclosed compartment; when connected
electrical devices overheat; if electrical output is lost; if
engine or generator sparks; if flame or smoke is observed
while unit is running; if unit vibrates excessively.
GROUNDING THE
GENERATOR
The National Electrical Code requires that the frame and
external electrically conductive parts of this generator be
properly connected to an approved earth ground. Local
electrical codes may also require proper grounding of the
unit. For that purpose, a GROUNDING WING NUT is
provided on the generator end (Figure 1).
Generally, connecting a No. 12 AWG (American Wire
Gauge) stranded copper wire to the grounding wing nut
and to an earth–driven copper or brass grounding rod
(electrode) provides adequate protection against electrical
shock. Be careful to keep the 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 a ground fault condition exists in the generator or
in connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps
dissipate static electricity, which often builds up in
ungrounded devices.
Figure 1 — Grounding Wing Nut
Grounding Wing Nut
4
WheelHouse™ 5500 Watt Generator
Your generator requires some assembly and 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 carton on a rigid flat surface with “This Side Up”
arrows pointing upward.
• Carefully open the top flaps of the shipping carton.
• Cut carton corners from top to bottom at end of carton
near wheels. Lay that side of carton down flat.
• Remove all packing material, carton fillers, etc.
• Roll the generator out of the shipping carton.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
Secure Handle
Secure the handle using the following steps:
• Loosen knobs of the handle.
• Raise the handle.
• Insert handle pins, if equipped (P/N B4135).
• Hand tighten knobs.
Add Oil
CAUTION! Any attempt to crank or start the engine
before it has been properly filled with the recommended
oil may result in an engine failure.
To fill your engine with oil:
• Place generator on a level surface.
• Use a long neck funnel OR remove the fuel tank as
described in “Fuel Tank”, when adding or changing oil.
• Follow the oil grade recommendations and oil 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 life of the bearing.
Add Gasoline
WARNING! Never fill fuel tank indoors. Never
fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot.Allow unit
to cool for two minutes before refueling. Do Not
light a cigarette or smoke when filling the fuel tank.
WARNING! Do Not overfill the fuel tank. See
decal on tank.
• Use fresh, clean regular UNLEADED gasoline. Do Not
use premium gasoline. Do Not mix oil with gasoline.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the
fuel tank.
• Clean area around fuel fill and remove fuel cap/gauge.
• Slowly add gasoline to fuel tank.Allow about 1.5" of tank
space for fuel expansion (Figure 2).
• Install fuel cap and permit any spilled gasoline to
evaporate.
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits
from forming in essential fuel system parts, such as the
carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose or tank during storage. Be
sure to review “Storage” on page 11.
Fuel Tank
As is common with all plastic fuel containers, the
removable fuel tank supplied with this generator may swell
or expand due to build-up of fuel vapors when the vent
knob is closed.This tank is designed and has been tested to
safely withstand pressure-buildup.The 'ballooning' condition
is relieved by turning the vent knob fully counterclockwise
or loosening and retightening the fuel cap/gauge.When
installing the tank on your generator, relieve tank pressure
before tightening the four large plastic wing nuts.
IMPORTANT:The vent knob should be closed whenever
you move the generator or transport the fuel tank.
Figure 2 — Typical Fuel Expansion Space
Fuel
Tank
1.5” Air Space
WheelHouse™ 5500 Watt Generator
5
1. Turn the vent knob fully clockwise on the fuel gauge to
close it (Figure 3).
2. Turn the fuel shut off valve to the “Off” position
(Figure 4).
3. Disconnect the quick connect on the fuel line by
pushing on the metal tab and twisting apart (Figure 5).
Release the metal tab. Some fuel that is left in the line
will spill out.
4. Remove the four large plastic wing nuts holding the
tank onto the frame by turning them counterclockwise (Figure 6).
5. Lift off the fuel tank by grasping the handle (provided
on the tank) with one hand and putting the other hand
in the finger pocket (Figure 7). Lift the tank straight up.
IMPORTANT:The fuel tank MUST be filled with it lying
flat, not slanted or standing upright (Figure 8). Do Not let
the fuel valve and quick connect come in contact with any
dirt.
To place the fuel tank back on the unit, follow these same
steps in reverse order. Make sure the four large plastic
wing nuts are tightened securely.
IMPORTANT: Remove any dirt found inside the quick
connect before putting the fuel tank back on the unit.
Make sure the vent knob is turned fully counterclockwise to open it. If you don’t open it, fuel will not
flow into the fuel line causing the unit to not start.
Figure 4 — Fuel Shut-off Valve
Fuel Valve is shown in
the “Off” position
Figure 3 — Vent Knob
Figure 5 — Quick Connect
Figure 6 — Plastic Tank Wing Nuts
Figure 7 — Lifting Off Fuel Tank
Vent Knob
Figure 8 — Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank
6
WheelHouse™ 5500 Watt Generator
KNOW YOUR 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.
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp
Duplex Receptacle
Removable Fuel Tank
Choke Lever
Recoil Starter
(not shown)
Rocker Switch
Circuit Breakers (AC)
120/240 Volt AC,
30 Amp Receptacle
Air Cleaner
Grounding Wing Nut
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, Duplex Receptacle — May be
used to supply electrical power for the operation of
120 Volt AC, 20 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 and/or 240 Volt AC, 30 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz
electrical lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads.
Air Cleaner — Uses a dry type filter element and foam
pre–cleaner to limit the amount of dirt and dust sucked
into the engine.
Choke Lever — Used when starting a cold engine.
Circuit Breakers (AC) — Each receptacle is provided
with a "push to reset" circuit breaker to protect the
generator against electrical overload.
Removable FuelTank — Capacity of five (5) U.S.gallons.
Easily removed for convenient refueling.
Grounding Wing Nut — Used for proper grounding of
unit.
Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick — Check and add oil to engine
here.
Recoil starter — Used to start the engine.
Rocker Switch — Set this switch to "On" before using
recoil starter. Set switch to "Off" to switch OFF engine.
Vent Knob — Must be open when generator is running.
Vent Knob
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