Generac 5500EXL - Manual (Page 3)

Generac Portable Products 5500EXL Extended Life Generator
3
• Do Not use worn, bare, frayed or otherwise
damaged electrical cord sets with the generator.
• Operate the generator only on level surfaces and
where it will not be exposed to excessive moisture,
dirt, dust or corrosive vapors.
• Gasoline is highly FLAMMABLE and its vapors are
EXPLOSIVE. Do Not permit smoking, open flames,
sparks or heat in the vicinity while handling gasoline.
Avoid spilling gasoline on a hot engine. Comply with
all regulations requiring storage and handling of
gasoline.
• Do Not overfill the fuel tank. If overfilled, fuel can
contact the hot engine and cause FIRE or an
EXPLOSION.
• Never store the generator with fuel in its 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 might result.
• Generator exhaust gases contain DEADLY carbon
monoxide gas. This dangerous gas, if breathed in
sufficient concentrations, can cause
unconsciousness or even death. Operate this
equipment only in the open air where adequate
ventilation is available.
• 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. Without sufficient cooling air flow, the unit
quickly overheats, damaging the generator or nearby
property.
• Allow at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of the
generator or you could damage the unit. Review
“Cold Weather Operation” on page 8.
• Never start or stop the unit with electrical loads
connected to receptacles AND with the connected
devices turned ON. Start the engine and let it
stabilize before connecting electrical loads.
Disconnect all electrical loads before shutting the
unit down.
• Do Not insert any object through the unit’s cooling
slots. You could damage the unit or injure yourself.
• Never operate this 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 running; if unit vibrates
excessively.
GROUNDING THE
GENERATOR
The National Electric Code requires the frame and
external electrically conductive parts of generator be
properly connected to approved earth ground.
Local electrical codes may also require proper
grounding of this unit. For that purpose, a
GROUNDING WING NUT (Figure 1) is provided on the
frame of your unit.
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.
However, local codes may vary widely. Consult with a
local electrician for grounding requirements in your
area. Be sure to keep the ground wire attached while
you connect the electrode.
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 to dissipate the static electricity
which may build up in ungrounded devices.
Figure 1 — Location of Grounding Wing Nut
Grounding Wing Nut