Generac Power Systems 00862-1 - Manual (Page 9)

A
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Never operate the recreational vehicle genera­
tor set while the vehicle is parked over dry
leaves, dry grass or any other combustible
substance. The generator's exhaust system
becomes extremely hot and can cause fire it it
is too close to combustible materials.
The generator’s exhaust system gives off
DEADLY carbon monoxide gas. This danger­
ous gas, if breathed in sufficient concentra­
tions, can cause unconsciousness and even
death. Never operate the generator set with
the vehicle inside any garage or other
enclosed area. Never operate the generator if
it has a leaky exhaust system. Close windows
in the vicinity of the generator exhaust outlet
and take any other steps to prevent exhaust
gases from entering rooms or areas occupied
by people or animals. .
SUMMER/WINTER HEAT RISER
SYSTEM
Under certain weather conditions, it is possible for ice
to form in the venturi area of the carburetor. This con­
dition can be very dangerous because it can prevent
the governor system from functioning properly, which
results in a “run-away” engine.
The most common weather-conditions leading to this
problem are temperatures in the range of 25° to 35°F,
along with high humidity. This ice formation can also
be attributed to the load being applied during these
weather conditions. Generators running with no load
or light loads applied usually have the most problems.
The SummerA/Vinter Lever (Figure 3) should be in the
WINTER position for ambient teniperatures below
40°F and in the SUMMER position for arnbieht tem­
peratures above 40°F.
Figure 3 — Heat Riser System
When the heat riser is in the SUMMER (DOWN) posi­
tion (Figure 3), air is drawn into the air cleaner from
the upper intake tube.
When the heat riser is in the WINTER (UP) position,
air is drawn from the lower intake tube, which is posi­
tioned to draw the heated air near the exhaust mani­
fold.
To prevent carburetor icing the owner/operator should
physically position the heat riser to the proper position
dependent on the temperature.
EFFECTS OF MOISTURE AND DIRT
Keep the generator set as clean and dry as possible.
Protect unit against excessive dust, dirt, corrosive
vapors, road splash, etc. Permitting dirt and moisture
to accumulate on generator windings will have an
adverse effect on the insulation resistance of those
windings.
When moisture is allowed to remain in contact with
windings, some of the moisture will be retained in
voids and cracks, in the insulation. This causes a
reduced insulation resistance and will eventually
cause problems. Dirt will make the problem worse,
since dirt tends to hold moisture in contact with wind­
ings. Salt (as from sea air) will also worsen the prob­
lem since it tends to absorb moisture from the air.
Salt and moisture, when combined, form a good elec­
trical conductor.
CAUTION! Do NOT use a forceful spray of water to clean
the generator. Water will enter the generator interior and
cause problems, and may also contaminate the generator
fuel system.
DO NOT OVERLOAD THE
GENERATOR
You can read the rated wattage/amperage,capacity of.
your generator,on the generator data decal (see
“Identification Record” on Page 1). .
Applying electrical loads ,iri excess of the unit’s rated
capacity will cause-the engine-generator to discon­
nect the AC output.
To avoid overloading, add. up the wattage of all con-
hected electrical lighting, appliance, tool and motor
loads. This total should not be greater than thé gener­
ator’s rated wattage capacity.
• Most lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads indicate
their required watts on their nameplate or data plate. For
light bulbs, simply noté the wattage rating of the bulb. '
• If a load does not show its rated wattage, multiply that
load’s rated VOLTS times AMPS to obtain WATTS.
• Induction type motors (such as those that run the vehicle’s
furnace fan, refrigerator, air conditioner, etc.) need about 2-
i/2 times more watts of power for starting than for running
(for a few seconds during motor starting). Be sure to allow
for this when connecting electrical loads to the generator.
First, figure the watts needed to start electric motors in the
system. To that figure, add the running wattages of other
items that will be operated by the generator.
• On a new generator do not apply heavy electrical loads
for the first two or three hours of operation.
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