Generac 5500XL - Manual (Page 7)

Generac Portable Products 5500XL Extended Life Generator
7
Stopping the Engine
• Unplug all electrical loads from generator panel
receptacles. Never start or stop engine with
electrical devices plugged in and turned on.
• Put the Idle Control switch in the “Off” position.
• Let engine run at no–load for 30 seconds to stabilize
the internal temperatures of engine and generator.
• Move Run/Stop switch to “Stop” position.
• Close the fuel shut–off valve.
Operating Automatic Idle Control
This switch is designed to greatly improve fuel
economy. When this switch is turned “ON”, the
engine will only run at its normal high governed engine
speed when an electrical load is connected. When the
electrical load is removed, the engine will run at a
reduced speed. With the switch “Off”, the engine will
run at a constant high engine speed. Always have
the switch “Off” when starting and stopping the
engine.
Battery Safety
DANGER! Storage batteries give off explosive
hydrogen gas while recharging. An explosive
mixture will remain around the battery for a long
time after it has been charged. The slightest
spark can ignite the hydrogen and cause an
explosion. Such an explosion can shatter the
battery and cause blindness or other serious
injury.
DANGER! Do Not permit smoking, open
flame, sparks, or any other source of heat
around a battery. Wear protective goggles,
rubber apron and rubber gloves when working
around a battery. Battery electrolyte fluid is an
extremely caustic sulfuric acid solution that can
cause severe burns. If spill occurs, flush area
with clear water immediately.
Charging a Battery
Your generator has the capability of recharging a
discharged 12 Volt automotive or utility style storage
battery. Do Not use the unit to charge any 6 Volt
batteries. Do Not use the unit to crank an engine
having a discharged battery.
To recharge 12 Volt batteries, proceed as follows:
• Check fluid level in all battery cells. If necessary,
add ONLY distilled water to cover separators in
battery cells. Do Not use tap water.
• If the battery is equipped with vent caps, make sure
they are installed and are tight.
• If necessary, clean battery terminals.
• Connect battery charge cable connector plug to
panel receptacle identified by the words
“12-VOLTS D.C.”
• Connect battery charge cable clamp with red handle
to the positive (+) battery terminal (Figure 5).
• Connect battery charge cable clamp with black
handle to the negative (–) battery terminal
(Figure 5).
• Start engine. Let the engine run while battery
recharges.
• When battery has charged, shut down engine.
NOTE: Use an automotive hydrometer to test battery
state of charge and condition. Follow the hydrometer
manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Generally, a
battery is considered to be at 100% state of charge
when specific gravity of its fluid (as measured by
hydrometer) is 1.260 or higher.
Figure 5 — Connect Battery Cable
Red
Black