Craftsman 919.679580 Obtaining Electricity from Generator, Before Starting Engine, Extension Cord

•Resistive load appliances such as light bulbs, TV’s and microwaves, have the same starting and running wattage. The wattage used for calculating the capacity can usually be found on each of these appliances.

Some inductive appliances and tools will list on the motor name plate, the starting and running voltage and amperage requirements. Use the following formula to convert voltage and amperage to wattage:

(Volts X Amp = Watts)

Inductive load appliances and tools such as refrigerators, air compressors and washers require approximately 2 to 4 times the listed running wattage for starting the equip- ment. This initial load only lasts for a few seconds on start-up but is very important when figuring your total wattage to be used.

NOTE: Always start your largest electric motor first, and then plug in other items, one at a time.

The guide below is provided to assist you in determining the appliances and tools that can be run with the wattage capacity of your generator.

Extension Cord

When using an appliance or tool at a considerable distance from the generator, a 3-wire extension cord that has a

3-blade grounding plug and 3-slot receptacle that accepts the tool’s plug should be used. A cord of adequate size must be used. A minimum of 12 gauge wire size with at least a 20 amp draw can be used. When amperage ex- ceeds 20 amps a10 gauge wire size should be used.

Connecting Generator To Main Electrical Supply

Potential hazards exist when a electrical generator is con- nected to the main electrical supply coming into the house. It is at that point that the generator could feed back into the utility company’s system causing possible electrocution of workers who are repairing electrical lines. To avoid back feeding of electricity into utility systems, a double-throw transfer switch should be installed between the genera- tor and utility power. This device should be installed by a licensed electrician and in compliance with all local electri- cal codes.

NOTE: When installing a Double-Throw Transfer Switch, a minimum of 10 gauge wiring must be used.

OBTAINING ELECTRICITY FROM GENERATOR

There are basically two ways to obtain electricity form a generator:

•Use of extension cords directly form the generator to the appliance, lights, tools, etc.

•Use of a double-throw transfer switch installed directly to the main electrical supply outside of the house.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

CAUTION: Always check engine oil level before every start. Running engine low of oil or out of oil could result in serious damage to the engine.

Adding Engine Oil

Your generator has been shipped without oil in the engine. Begin by removing the oil dipstick and plug. Start pouring the oil in slowly.

The engine will hold approximately 48 ounces of oil. Before filling engine with oil, make sure the generator is on level ground. Next, pour the oil in slowly until the oil level reaches the second to last thread. Once the oil level reaches this point, the engine will be full of oil.

NOTE: When adding oil to the engine crankcase, use a high quality detergent oil classified “For Service SF,SG,SH” rated SAE 30 weight. Use no special additives. Select the oil’s viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperatures.

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