Pre-start preparations – North Star 5500 User Manual
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7
Hedge Trimmer
450
Home Computer
150 (a)
Impact Wrench
500
Jet Pump
800 (b)
Lawn Mower
1200
Light Bulb
100
Microwave Oven
700
Milk Cooler
1100 (b)
Oil Burner on Furnace
300
Oil Fired Space Htr (140,000 Btu)
400
Oil Fired Space Htr (85,000 Btu)
225
Oil Fired Space Htr (30,000 Btu)
150
Oven
4500
Paint Sprayer, Airless (1/3 HP)
600 (b)
Paint Sprayer, Airless (handheld)
150
Radio
200 (a)
Refrigerator
600 (c)
Slow Cooker
200
Submersible Pump (1-1/2 HP)
2800 (b)
Submersible Pump (1 HP)
2000 (b)
Submersible Pump (1/2 HP)
1500 (b)
Sump Pump
600 (b)
Table Saw (10”)
2000 (b)
Television
500 (a)
Toaster
1000
Vacuum cleaner
250
VCR
70 (a)
Water Heater
3000
Weed Trimmer
500
(a) Always use a voltage surge protector between
the generator and these voltage sensitive loads. To
order a surge protector call customer service at 1-
800-270-0810 and ask for item # 30793.
(b) Hard-starting motors require 3 to 5 times the
rated running watts.
(c) These loads may require up to 15 minutes to
restart due to its normal build up of compressor head
pressure.
NOTE: For extremely hard to start loads such as
air conditioners and air compressors, consult the
equipment dealer to determine the maximum wattage.
PRE-START PREPARATIONS
Your generator has been thoroughly tested prior to
shipment from the factory. A factory test report has
been included with this manual. However, damage
can occur during shipping, so be sure to check for
damaged parts or loose or missing nuts and bolts. If
the aforementioned problems occur, call customer
service at 1-800-270-0810.
GROUNDING - All units must be grounded. Drive
a 3/4” or 1” copper pipe or rod into the ground close to
the generator. The pipe/rod must penetrate moist
earth. Connect an approved ground clamp to the pipe.
Run a no. 12 Ga. wire from the clamp to the generator
grounding post located on the control panel. Do not
connect to a water pipe or a ground used by a radio
sy stem.
CAUTION: The engine has been shipped without
oil. Fill the crankcase with oil before trying to start.
Low oil shut-down prevents your generator from
starting without sufficient oil.
OPERATING SPEED
The generator must be run at the correct speed in
order to produce the proper electrical voltage and
frequency. The speed of the engine was carefully
adjusted at the factory so that the generator produces
the proper voltage and frequency.
The output voltage should be checked to ensure
the generator is working properly before connecting a
load to the generator. Failure to do so could result in
damage to equipment plugged into the unit and
possible injury to the individual.
All engines have a tendency to slow down when a
load is applied. When the electrical load is connected
to the generator, the engine is more heavily loaded,
and as a result the speed drops slightly. This slight
decrease in speed, together with the voltage drop
within the generator itself, results in a slightly lower
voltage when the generator is loaded to its full capacity
than when it is running with no load. The slight
variation has no appreciable effect in the operation of
motors, lights and most appliances. Electronic
equipment and clocks will be affected if correct RPM is
not maintained. See Load vs. Output chart.
Load
Output
Percent of
Generator
Output
Speed
(RPM)
Frequency
(Hz)
Generator
Voltage at 120V
Receptacle
0 %
3750
62.5
129V
50 %
3600
60.0
120V
100 %
3540
59.0
112V
Output voltage should be periodically checked to
ensure continued proper operation of the generating
plant and appliances, it can be checked with a portable
meter. Frequency can be checked using an electric
clock with a sweep second hand. Timed against a
wristwatch or a stopwatch the clock should be correct
within +/- 2 seconds per minute. Engine speed
adjustments should be done by a qualified technician.
BEFORE STARTING
1. Make sure the generator is positioned on firm
level surface.
2. Check the crankcase for oil and maintain at a
proper level.
3. Check fuel level and fill tank 7/8 full with fresh
unleaded automotive gasoline. Never fill fuel tank
completely to the top. Always wipe up and remove
any spilled gasoline.
4. Make sure that the exhaust fumes are directed
away from people.