Generac 004188-1 - Manual (Page 19)

Generac ® Power Systems, Inc. 17
MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
CLEANING THE GENERATOR
Keep your generator as clean and as dry as possible.
Dirt and moisture that accumulates on internal genera-
tor windings have an adverse effect on insulation resist-
ance.
Periodically clean generator exterior surfaces. A soft
brush may be used to loosen caked on dirt. You can use
a vacuum system or dry, low pressure air to remove any
accumulations of dirt. The generator is housed inside
an all-weather enclosure, clean the enclosure with a
soft, damp cloth or sponge and water.
Once each year have the generator cleaned and inspect-
ed by an Authorized Service Dealer. That dealer will use
dry, low pressure air to clean internal windings. Parts
inside the control console should be cleaned and
inspected at this time as well.
Finally, have the insulation resistance of stator and
rotor windings checked. If insulation resistances are
excessively low, the generator may require drying.
BATTERY
All lead-acid storage batteries discharge when not in
use. Refer to specific instructions and warnings that
accompany your battery. If such information is not
available, observe the following precautions when
handling a battery:
• DO NOT use jumper cables and a booster battery to
crank or start the generator engine.
• DO NOT recharge a weak battery while it is installed
in the generator. Remove battery from generator and
recharge in a well-ventilated area, away from fuel
vapors, sparks, heat or flames.
• Battery electrolyte fluid is an extremely caustic
sulfuric solution that can cause severe burns. DO
NOT permit fluid to contact eyes, skin, clothing,
painted surfaces, wiring insulation, etc. If you spill
any battery fluid, flush the affected area with clear
water immediately.
• Always wear safety glasses, rubber apron and gloves
when handling a battery.
• Batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas while
charging. The gas can form an explosive mixture
around the battery for several hours after charging.
Any spark, heat or flames can ignite the gas and
cause an explosion which can shatter the battery,
causing blindness or other serious injury.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
The battery should be inspected per the “Service
Schedule,” Section 6. The following procedure should
be followed for inspection:
1. Inspect the battery posts and cables for tightness
and corrosion. Tighten and clean as necessary.
2. Check the battery fluid level of unsealed batteries
and, if necessary, fill with DISTILLED WATER
ONLY. DO NOT USE TAP WATER IN BATTERIES.
3. Have the state of charge and condition checked.
This should be done with an automotive-type bat-
tery hydrometer.
Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas.
This gas can form an explosive mixture around
the battery for several hours after charging. The
slightest spark can ignite the gas and cause an
explosion. Such an explosion can shatter the bat-
tery and cause blindness or other injury. Any area
that houses a storage battery must be properly
ventilated. Do not allow smoking, open flame,
sparks or any spark producing tools or equipment
near the battery.
Battery electrolyte fluid is an extremely caustic
sulfuric acid solution that can cause severe burns.
Do not permit fluid to contact eyes, skin, clothing,
painted surfaces, etc. Wear protective goggles,
protective clothing and gloves when handling a
battery. If you spill the fluid, flush the affected
area immediately with clear water.
Do not use any jumper cables or booster battery
to crank and start the generator engine. If the
battery has completely discharged, remove it from
the generator for recharging.
Be sure the Auto/Off/Manual switch is set to the
OFF position before connecting the battery cables.
If the switch is set to AUTO or MANUAL, the gen-
erator can crank and start as soon as the battery
cables are connected.
Be sure the utility power supply is turned off, or
sparking may occur at the battery posts as you
attach the cables and cause an explosion.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
When replacing batteries, use the same number and the
type of battery that follows:
Note:
The BCI number should be located directly
on the battery.
Section 4 — Maintenance
Guardian Liquid-cooled 15 kW, 20 kW and 25 kW Generators
BCI Group No. CCA
26/26R 525 @ 0 deg. F