Safety Tips

Table of contents:   

• Critical Points
• Keep the Generator in Original Condition
• Operate the Generator in the Open
• Operate in Dry Conditions
• Operate on Firm, Level Surfaces
• Proper Handling of Fuel
• Filling Fuel Cans
• Stopping the Generator
• Turning the Fuel Valve OFF
• Storing the generator properly

Critical Points

• Read the owner's manual.
• Instruct inexperienced persons on safe operation of the generator.
• Keep children and pets away from the generator while it is running.

Operate the Generator Safely

• Always run your generator in a ventilated area outdoors.
• DO NOT operate your portable generator in an enclosed area indoors, such as in a basement or garage. This can create exhaust fumes that could cause injury or death.
• DO NOT connect your generator directly to an electrical panel. This can cause serious injury and damage if the main power is restored while the generator is operating.
• Use a UL-Listed Transfer Switch between the electrical panel and the portable generator. If you do not use a UL-Listed transfer switch, your generator installation could cause wiring hazards and serious injury.
• Exercise your generator and transfer switch once a month to ensure operation when actually needed.
• Follow the instructions provided by your portable generator manufacturer for safe operation.

Keep the Generator in Original Condition

• Use approve parts and supplies only.
• Do not modify or re-engineer equipment
• Maintain the fuel system as original equipment.
• Maintain the exhaust system as original equipment.
   

Keep The Generator Original

Don't make modifications to the fuel or exhaust system. (This will void your warranty)

Exhaust modifications can add stress to the original equipment exhaust system which can cause breakage resulting in exhaust leaks. Elbows in the modified exhaust system will create back pressure on the engine which reduces performance and shortens the engine service life.

Modifications to the original equipment may result in generator malfunction and personal injury.

Larger auxiliary tanks added to the system will create more pressure on the inlet needle valve which may cause the inlet needle to lose its ability to regulate the fuel flowing into the carburetor. This may cause the crankcase engine oil to become diluted with fuel, spark plug and spark arrestor carbon build-up, and possible external fuel leaks which may result in fires.

Operate the Generator in the Open

• Operate in open space.
• Aim exhaust outlet AWAY from working areas.
• Keep the area around the generator unobstructed for cooling and exhaust.

Operate in open space

Don't operate the generator inside a building, vehicle, or an enclosure. The engine's exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide.

If you run the generator in an area that is confined, even partially enclosed, or if the exhaust is pointed toward a partially enclosed work area, the air you breathe could contain a dangerous amount of exhaust gas. To keep exhaust from building up, operate only in open areas and provide adequate ventilation.

The generator must also breathe fresh air. Intake air for generator and engine cooling, and combustion air must no be contaminated with engine exhaust.

Operate in Dry Conditions

• Avoid operating the generator in rain or snow.
• Avoid operating the generator near a pool.
• Avoid operating the generator near a sprinkler system.
• Avoid operating the generator with wet hands, feet or clothing.

Operate In Dry Conditions

The generator produces enough electric power to cause a serious shock or electrocution if used in wet conditions.

Water decreases the resistance between the appliance, the operator, and earth which increases the likelihood of electrical shock.

Using a generator or electrical appliance in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, or near a pool or sprinkler system, or when your hands are wet, could result in electrocution.

If the generator is stored outdoors unprotected from the weather, check the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle and all other electrical components on the control panel before each use. Moisture or ice can cause a malfunction or short circuit in electrical components which could result in electrocution.

Operate on Firm, Level Surfaces

• Operate on a level surface.
• Operate on a firm surface.
• Operate away from dusty or sandy conditions.
• Operate in dry conditions.

Operate On Firm, Level Surfaces

Operate the generator on a level surface. If the generator is operated at an angel, the lubrication system may fail causing a lack of lubrication to the critical moving parts of the engine.

The carburetor fuel level may be changed to cause the float to stay open to allow fuel to flow into the carburetor bowl unrestricted. This could cause spark plug fouling, piston/cylinder washing, and crankcase oil dilution.

Generator may tip-over or malfunction resulting in generator damage and/or personal injury.

If the generator is operating on soft ground such as sand or soft soil, the generator will "dig in" creating an angle that will produce the same symptoms described above. If the angle becomes extreme, the generator may tip over.

If the generator is operated in sandy, dusty conditions, the discharged air from the generator end will stir up dust. The dust will be sucked up into the air cleaner, shortening its service interval. Dust will also be drawn in with the generator cooling air, sandblasting the windings of the rotor and stator.

If the generator must be operated in loose or sandy surface conditions, place it on a piece of plywood or a stable platform.

Proper Handling of Fuel

Always check the fuel level before starting your generator

Most portable generator engines are engineered, designed and certified to run on unleaded fuel. Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. Unleaded fuel will reduce deposit build-up on valves, spark arrestor, muffler and spark plug.

Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.

Gasoline blended with alcohol or ether is referred to as "oxygenated" fuel. Before using oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel's contents (refer to the owner's manual). Some states (provinces of Canada) require the information to be posted on the pump. If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.

Refuel when the engine is off. Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions. Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not over fill. Make sure that any spilled fuel has been wiped off before starting the generator.

The fuel tank cap vents to the atmosphere. Don't store the generator below the deck of a boat. Gasoline fumes can collect and ignite. Store the generator in a well-ventilated area.

Do not smoke or allow sparks in the area when refueling.

• Never refuel while the engine/generator is running. Refuel the generator with the engine stopped and the engine cool. 
• Wipe up spilled fuel before starting the generator. The engine produces enough heat at the exhaust system, and the generator produces sufficient static electricity, to ignite the fuel vapors.

Generator may tip-over or malfunction resulting in generator damage and/or personal injury.

If the generator is operating on soft ground such as sand or soft soil, the generator will "dig in" creating an angle that will produce the same symptoms described above. If the angle becomes extreme, the generator may tip over.

If the generator is operated in sandy, dusty conditions, the discharged air from the generator end will stir up dust. The dust will be sucked up into the air cleaner, shortening its service interval. Dust will also be drawn in with the generator cooling air, sandblasting the windings of the rotor and stator.

If the generator must be operated in loose or sandy surface conditions, place it on a piece of plywood or a stable platform.

Filling Fuel Cans

FILL GASOLINE CANS ON THE GROUND, NOT IN THE BED OF YOUR PICKUP OR SUV. It is a known fact that static electricity builds up on plastic bed-liners in trucks which then builds up on your gasoline cans. Put your gasoline cans on the ground, touch a bare metal spot on the can with the gas nozzle to discharge any static electricity, then open the can and fill it.

The very act of pouring gasoline generates static electricity. If you transfer gasoline from cans to drums, use metal drums and metal cans. Touch a bare metal area of the can to a bare metal area of the drum to discharge any static electricity before you open them. If possible, make a short jumper cable that you can attach to a bare metal part of each container before you open them and start transferring the fuel.

Stopping the Generator

• Turn OFF the circuit breaker before starting the engine.
• Turn OFF the circuit breaker before stopping the engine.
   

Stopping The Generator

The generator starts producing power immediately after the engine starts. Start the generator and wait 15 seconds to let it come up to speed and generate the proper voltage, then turn the loads on. If there is a heavy load connected to the generator, it may be strong enough to make the engine hard to start.

If the engine does not start, a heavy load may not allow the engine to reach operating speed. Continuous operation of the generator below normal operating speed may damage the load or the generator.

Turn circuit breaker OFF when stopping or starting the generator.

The circuit breaker should be switched OFF before stopping the engine. The generator will produce power until the engine comes to a complete stop. AVR generators will try to produce steady output as the generator winds down. This may overload the AVR circuits, which could damage the AVR.

Turning the Fuel Valve OFF

• Turn OFF the fuel valve when transporting the generator.
• Turn OFF the fuel valve when the generator is not in use.
   

Turn The Fuel Valve OFF

Turn the fuel valve OFF when transporting or storing the generator. When the generator is being transported, the carburetor inlet needle may unseat allowing fuel to enter the engine crankcase. Gasoline will dilute the engine oil reducing the lubrication properties and cause severe engine damage.

Storing the generator properly

• Refer to the appropriate owner's manual.
   

Store the generator properly.

The majority of the generator problems occur after the generator is removed from prolonged storage. Gasoline has a very short shelf life. The fuel in the carburetor bowl is vented to the atmosphere. Evaporation of the fuel occurs quicker and will leave the heavier additives and water to plug and corrode the carburetor passages.

Store the generator in a well-ventilated area. Gasoline fumes can collect and ignite.

If the generator is to be stored for more than 2 months:

• Drain the fuel from the carburetor float bowl.
• Drain the fuel from the sediment cup.
• Add the correct proportion of fuel conditioner to the tank and top it off.

In addition, it is also recommended:

Add a tablespoon of oil through the spark plug hole. Lubricating the valves and piston rings will help prevent corrosion during extended storage periods.

Change the engine oil. Engine oil oxidizes and breaks down like gasoline. Fresh engine oil will ensure the oil will provide proper lubrication when the engine is started after the storage period.

Don't store the generator below the deck of a boat. Gasoline fumes can collect and ignite.