Guardian Technologies 004722-0, 004725-3 Battery Installation, Preparation Before START-UP

Section 2 — Installation

Guardian Liquid-cooled 15 kW, 20 kW and 25 kW Generators

2.10BATTERY INSTALLATION

DANGER

Standby generators installed with automatic ! transfer switches will crank and start automati-

cally when NORMAL (UTILITY) source voltage is removed or is below an acceptable preset level. To prevent such automatic start-up and possible injury to personnel, do not connect battery cables until the NORMAL source voltage at the transfer switch is correct and the system is ready to be put into operation.

Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas. This gas can form an explosive mixture around the battery for several hours after charging. The slightest spark can ignite the gas and cause an explosion. Such an explosion can shatter the battery and cause blindness or other injury. Any area that houses a storage battery must be properly ventilated. Do not allow smoking, open flame, sparks or any spark producing tools or equipment near the battery.

Battery electrolyte fluid is an extremely caustic ! 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 the fluid is spilled, flush the affected area immediately with clear water.

Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The bat-

tery is capable of exploding.

Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released ! electrolyte can be toxic and harmful to the skin

and eyes.

The battery represents a risk of high short cir- cuit current. When working on the battery, always remove watches, rings or other metal objects, and only use tools that have insulated handles.

‹ 2.10.1 VENTED BATTERIES

•Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with an acid-neutralizing agent. A common practice is to use a solution of one pound (500 grams) bicarbon- ate of soda to one gallon (4 liters) of water. The bicarbonate of soda solution is to be added until the evidence of reaction (foaming) has ceased. The resulting liquid is to be flushed with water and the area dried.

Lead acid batteries present a risk of fire because they generate hydrogen gas. The fol- lowing procedure are to be followed:

•DO NOT SMOKE when near batteries,

•DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area, and

•Discharge static electricity from body before touch- ing batteries by first touching a grounded metal surface.

Servicing of batteries is to be performed or super- vised by personnel knowledgeable of batteries and the required precautions. Keep unauthorized person- nel away from batteries.

The recommended battery is Group 26, 12V negative ground, 525 CCA/75 AH minimum. All batteries must be at 100 percent state-of-charge before they are installed on the generator.

When using maintenance-free batteries, it is not nec- essary to check the specific gravity or electrolyte level. Have these procedures performed at the intervals specified in Section 4, “Maintenance.” A negative ground system is used. Battery connections are shown on the wiring diagrams. Make sure all batter- ies are correctly connected and terminals are tight. Observe battery polarity when connecting batteries to the generator set.

NOTE:

Damage will result if the battery connections are made in reverse.

2.11 PREPARATION BEFORE START-UP

The instructions in this section assume that the standby generator has been properly installed, serv- iced, tested, adjusted and otherwise prepared for use by a competent, qualified installation contractor. Be sure to read the “Safety Rules” on Pages 2 and 3, as well as all other safety information in this manual, before attempting to operate this (and related) equip- ment.

The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that is

!harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electrically conductive and corrosive. The following proce- dures are to be observed:

•Wear full eye protection and protective clothing,

•Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off immediately with water,

•Where electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush thor- oughly and immediately with water and seek med- ical attention, and

‹2.11.1 PRIOR TO INITIAL START-UP

Prior to initially starting the generator, it must

!be properly prepared for use. Any attempt to crank or start the engine before it has been properly serviced with the recommended types and quantities of engine fluids (oil, coolant, fuel, etc.) may result in an engine failure.

Generac® Power Systems, Inc. 11