Siemens SG020 - Manual (Page 19)

MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE
CLEANING THE GENERATOR
Keep the generator as clean and as dry as possible.
Dirt and moisture that accumulates on internal gen-
erator windings have an adverse effect on insulation
resistance.
Periodically clean generator exterior surfaces. A soft
brush may be used to loosen caked on dirt. 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
inspected by a 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 the 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 any bat-
tery fluid is spilled, 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 Scheduled
Maintenance section. 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.
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3. Have the state of charge and condition checked.
This should be done with an automotive-type bat-
tery hydrometer.
DANGER

Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen
gas. This gas can form an explosive mixture
around the battery for several hours after charg-
ing. The slightest spark can ignite the gas and
cause an explosion. Such an explosion can shat-
ter the battery and cause blindness or other
injury. Any area that houses a storage battery
must be properly ventilated. Do not allow smok-
ing, open flame, sparks or any spark producing
tools or equipment near the battery.

Battery electrolyte fluid is an extremely corro-
sive 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 fluid is spilled, 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 generator can crank and start as soon as the
battery cables are connected.

Be sure the 120VAC power supply to the battery
is turned OFF, or sparking may occur at the bat-
tery posts as the cables are attached 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.
REPAIR PARTS
The latter portion of this manual consists of exploded
views, parts lists and electrical data pertaining to this
generator set. The parts lists consist of (a) an item
number, (b) a part number, (c) the quantity required,
and (d) a description of the part. The item number
corresponds to an identical number on the exploded
view drawing.
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Standby Generator Sets
Maintenance
10-4
BCI Group No. CCA
26 525 @ 0 deg. F
Maint011 Rev. B 05/06