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 8 gauge wire from the clamp to the generator ground screw. Do not connect to a water pipe or a ground used by a radio system.
OPERATING SPEED
The generator must be run at the correct speed in order to produce the proper electrical voltage and frequency.
The output voltage should be checked to ensure the generator is working properly subsequent to 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 effected if correct RPM is not maintained. See Load vs. Output chart
Load |
| Output |
| |
Percent of | Speed | Frequency |
| Generator |
Generator | (RPM) | (Hz) |
| voltage at |
Output |
|
|
| 120V |
|
|
|
| Receptacle |
0 % | 3780 | 63.0 |
| 125V |
50 % | 3600 | 60.0 |
| 122V |
100 % | 3480 | 58.0 |
| 118V |
Output voltage should be checked periodically to ensure continued proper operation of the generating plant and appliances, it can be checked with a portable meter. Frequency can be checked by using an electric clock with a sweep second hand. Timed against a wrist watch or a stop watch the clock should be correct within +/- 2 seconds per minute. All speed setting adjustments should be done by a qualified technician.
GENERATOR CARE
The generator head is a two pole, 3600 RPM,
60 Hz, brushless, revolving field and synchronous type with two sealed radial bearings.
Proper care and maintenance are necessary to ensure a long trouble free life.
Exercising The Generator - The generator should be operated every four weeks. This is accomplished by starting the engine and applying a load for 15 minutes. This will dry out any moisture that has accumulated in the windings. If left, this moisture can cause corrosion in the winding. Frequent operation of the generator will also ensure that the set is operating properly should it be needed in an emergency.
Generator Maintenance - The generator head is brushless and maintenance free. Any major generator service including the installation or replacement of parts should be performed only by a qualified electrical service technician. USE ONLY NorthStar APPROVED REPAIR PARTS AVAILABLE AT
A. Bearing - The bearings used in this generator are a heavy duty, sealed ball bearing type. They require no maintenance or lubrication.
B. Receptacles - Quality receptacles have been utilized. If a receptacle should become cracked or otherwise damaged, replace it. Using cracked or damaged receptacles can be both dangerous to the operator and destructive to the equipment.
WARNING,
If your generator is to be used as a standby electric power source in case of utility failure, it must be installed by a registered and licensed electrician and in compliance with all applicable state and local electrical codes. Also, local Fire Departments must be consulted concerning proper and safe handling procedures for gasoline. NEVER connect any generator to any existing electrical system without an isolating, UL approved transfer switch, installed by a licensed electrician.
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