1250W INVERTER
GENERATOR
Model #56125i
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IMPORTANT:
Your new tool has been engineered and manufactured to WEN’s highest standards for dependability,
ease of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, this product will supply you years
of rugged, trouble-free performance. Pay close attention to the rules for safe operation, warnings,
and cautions. If you use your tool properly and for intended purpose, you will enjoy years of safe,
reliable service.
NEED HELP? CONTACT US!
Have product questions? Need technical support?
Please feel free to contact us at:
800-232-1195
(M-F 8AM-5PM CST)
techsupport@wenproducts.com
WENPRODUCTS.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Generator Identification
Service Record
Introduction
Safety Information
Generator Components
Generator Preparation
Starting the Generator
Stopping the Generator
Subsequent Starting of the Generator
Using the Generator
Maintenance & Care
Specifications
Troubleshooting
Storage & Transport
Exploded View and Parts List
Wiring Diagram
Warranty Statement
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GENERATOR IDENTIFICATION
If assistance for information or service is required, please contact the Customer Service Help Line by calling
800-232-1195; customer will be asked to provide generator information when calling.
Refer to the illustration below for the location of the serial number. Record generator information in the spaces
provided below.
DATE OF PURCHASE: ______________________________________________
PURCHASED FROM: ______________________________________________
GENERATOR MODEL NUMBER: ____________________________________
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER: _________________________________________
SERIAL NUMBER
SERVICE RECORD
Record Service Dates:
Date Date Date Date Date Date
Change Oil
Change Spark Plug
Clean Fuel Tank
Clean Air Cleaner
NOTE: WE SUGGEST RUNNING YOUR GENERATOR AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH FOR 15 TO
30 MINUTES IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE THE LIFESPAN OF THE GENERATOR.
PLUG A SMALL LOAD IN TO MAKE SURE THE OUTLETS ARE PRODUCING ELECTRICITY.
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a WEN Generator. This manual provides information regarding the safe operation and
maintenance of this product. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this manual. WEN reserves the right to change this product, manual and specifications at any time without prior notice.
Please keep this manual available to all users during the entire life of the generator.
This manual contains special messages to bring attention to potential safety
concerns and generator damage as well as helpful operating and servicing
information. Please read all the information carefully to avoid injury and
machine damage.
QUESTIONS? PROBLEMS?
In order to answer questions and solve problems in the most efficient and speedy manner, contact Customer
Service at (800) 232-1195, M-F 8-5 CST
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engines that are certified to comply with U.S. EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment),
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems:
(EM) Engine Modifications and (TWC) Three-Way Catalyst (if so equipped).
SAFETY INFORMATION
Before operating this generator read and observe all warnings, cautions, and instructions both on the generator and
in this owner’s manual.
NOTE: The following safety information is not meant to cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur.
This safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards that can result in personal injury.
A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) is used with the alert
symbol to indicate the likelihood and the potential severity of injury. In addition,
a hazard symbol may be used to represent the type of hazard.
DANGER indicates a hazard, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazard, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazard, which, if not avoided, might result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION when used without the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could result in damage to the engine or
generator.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
For any questions regarding the hazard and safety notices listed in this manual or on the product, please
call (800) 232-1195 M-F 8-5 CST before using the generator.
DANGER: CARBON MONOXIDE
Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO). This is a poison gas you cannot see or smell. If you can smell the generator exhaust, you are
breathing CO. But even if you cannot smell the exhaust, you could be breathing CO.
NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawl spaces, or other partially enclosed areas. Deadly
levels of carbon monoxide can build up in these areas. Using a fan or opening windows and doors does
NOT supply enough fresh air. ONLY use a generator outside and far away from windows, doors, and
vents. These openings can pull in generator exhaust.
Even if you use a generator correctly, CO may leak into the home. ALWAYS use a battery-powered or
battery-backup CO alarm in the home. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after the generator has been
running, move to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
WARNING: The exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: This generator may emit highly flammable and explosive gasoline vapors, which
can cause severe burns or even death if ignited. A nearby open flame can lead to explosion even
if it isn’t directly in contact with gasoline.
GENERATOR SAFETY RULES:
1) Do not operate near open flame.
2) Do not smoke near generator.
3) Always operate on a firm, level surface.
4) Always turn generator off before refueling. Allow
generator to cool for at least 2 minutes before removing fuel cap. Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tank.
5) Do not overfill fuel tank. Gasoline may expand
during operation. Do not fill to the top of the tank.
Allow for expansion.
6) Always check for spilled fuel before operating.
9) ALWAYS ground the generator before using it (see
the “Ground the Generator” portion of the “Generator Preparation” section).
10) Generator should only be plugged into electrical devices, either directly or with an extension cord.
NEVER connect to a building’s electrical system without a qualified electrician. Such connections must
comply with local electrical laws and codes. Failure to
comply can create a back-feed, which may result in
serious injury or death to utility workers.
11) Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in
highly conductive areas such as metal decking or steel
work. GFCIs are available in-line with some extension
cords.
7) Empty fuel tank before storing or transporting the
generator.
8) Do not use in rainy conditions.
12) Do not touch bare wires or receptacles (outlets).
13) Do not allow children or non-qualified persons to
operate the generator.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERATOR SAFETY RULES (CONTINUED):
14) Do not touch hot surfaces. Pay attention to warning labels on the generator identifying hot parts of
the machine.
15) Allow generator to cool down after use before
touching engine or areas of the generator that become hot during use.
16) Only use generator for its intended purposes.
17) Operate only on dry, level surfaces.
18) Allow generator to run for several minutes before connecting electrical devices.
19) Shut off and disconnect any malfunctioning devices from generator.
WARNING: This generator produces heat when running. Temperatures
near exhaust can exceed 1500 F (650 C).
20) Do not exceed the wattage capacity of the generator
by plugging in more electrical devices than the unit can
handle.
21) Do not turn on electrical devices until after they are
connected to the generator.
22) Turn off and then unplug all connected electrical
devices before stopping the generator.
23) Turn the engine switch to “OFF” position when the
engine is not running.
CAUTION: Misuse of this generator can damage
it or shorten its life and void the warranty.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important instructions for the WEN generator that
should be followed during installation and maintenance of the generator.
Generators vibrate in normal use. During and after the use of the generator, inspect both the generator as well as
extension and power supply cords for damage resulting from vibration. Have damaged items repaired or replaced
as necessary. Do not use plugs or cords that show signs of damage such as broken or cracked insulation.
For power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for providing backup power to the
home. Even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded. This may result in overheating or
stressing of the components, possibly leading to a generator failure.
WARNING: If this generator is used as a supply for a building’s wiring system, the generator must be installed by a qualified electrician and
connected to a transfer switch as a separately derived system in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70. The generator shall
be connected to a transfer switch that switches all conductors excluding
the equipment grounding conductor. The frame of the generator shall
be connected to an approved grounding electrode.
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GENERATOR COMPONENTS
Use the illustrations below to become familiar with the locations and functions of the various components and
controls of this generator.
Indicator Lights
3-in-1 Switch
Eco-Mode
Pressure Relief
Valve
Gas Cap
Spark Plug
120V Duplex Receptacle
Parallel Connection Ports
Recoil Starter
USB Charger
Grounding Nut
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GENERATOR PREPARATION
USING THE GENERATOR FOR THE FIRST TIME
CAUTION: The following section describes the necessary steps to prepare the generator for use. If after reading
this section, you are unsure about how to perform any of the steps please call (800) 232-1195 M-F 8-5 CST for
customer service. Failure to perform these steps properly can damage the generator or shorten its life.
STEP 1 - ADD OIL
The generator is shipped without oil. User must add the proper amount of oil before operating the generator for
the first time. The max oil capacity of the engine crankcase is 0.27 quarts (310 mL). For general use (above 40° F),
we recommend SAE 30 or 10W-30 (30W oil), 4-stroke engine oil.
To add oil, follow these steps:
Note: make sure the generator is on a level surface. Tilting the generator to assist in filling will cause oil to flow
into the engine areas and will cause damage. Keep the generator level!
A funnel is recommended for easy installation.
1. Remove the panel on the lefthand side of
the generator by removing the five screws
along the outside edge of the panel.
2. Remove the oil plug from the engine
(Fig. 2).
3. Add oil slowly, being careful not to
overfill the unit. Continue adding oil until
the oil mark reaches the second thread
from the lip of the oil fill opening (Fig.
2 - Upper Fill Line). Do not overfill the
crankcase. The generator is equipped with
a low-oil sensor and will not start without a
sufficient amount of oil.
4. Check for oil leaks before firmly
tightening the oil plug. Replace the side
panel and screws upon completion.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Select good quality detergent oil bearing the American Petroleum Institute (API) service classifications SJ, SL, or SM (synthetic oils may be used). Use the ASE viscosity grade of oil from
the following chart (Fig. 1) that matches the starting temperature
anticipated before the next oil changes.
Fig. 1 - Engine Oil Temperature Recommendation
CAUTION: Air cooled engines run hotter than automotive
engines. The use of non-synthetic multi-viscosity oils (5W-30,
10W-30, etc.) in temperatures above 40° F will result in higher
than normal oil consumption. When using a multi-viscosity oil,
check the oil level more frequently than you would otherwise.
Oil Plug
Lower Level
Fill Line
Fig. 2 - Oil Fill Opening, Oil plug and Oil Level
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Upper Level
Fill Line
Oil Plug
GENERATOR PREPARATION
WARNING: This generator may emit highly flammable and explosive gasoline vapors,
which can cause severe burns or even death if ignited. A nearby open flame can lead to
explosion even if not directly in contact with gasoline.
Step 2 - ADD GASOLINE
Use fresh (within 30 days from purchase), lead-free gasoline
with a minimum of 87 octane rating. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Adding a fuel stabalizer will help prolong the storage life
of the gasoline.
To add gasoline, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the generator is on a level surface.
2. Unscrew gas cap and set aside.
NOTE: The fuel cap may be tight and hard to unscrew.
3. Slowly add unleaded gasoline to the fuel tank. Be careful not to overfill. The capacity of the fuel tank is .69 gallons (2.6 L).
NOTE: Do not fill the fuel tank to the very top. Gasoline will expand and
spill over during use even with the fuel cap in place.
• Never use an oil/gasoline mixture.
• Never use old gasoline.
• Avoid getting dirt or water into the fuel
• Gasoline can age in the tank and make
IMPORTANT:
tank.
starting difficult. Never store generator
for extended periods of time with fuel
in the tank.
Fig. 3
4. Reinstall fuel cap and wipe clean any spilled gasoline with a dry cloth.
STEP 3 - GROUND THE GENERATOR
Ground the generator by tightening the grounding nut on the front
control panel against a grounding wire (Fig. 3). A generally acceptable
grounding wire is a No. 12 AWG (American Wire Gauge) stranded copper wire. This grounding wire should be connected at the other end to a
copper, brass, or steel-grounding rod that is driven into the earth. Wire
and grounding rods are not included with the generator.
Grounding codes can vary by location. Contact a local electrician to
check the area codes.
NOTE: After completing the above preparation, the generator is ready to be started.
WARNING: Failure to properly ground the generator increases your risk of electric
shock.
Eco-Mode
Switch
Grounding Nut
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