Generac 04077-01, 04109-1, 04079-1, 00789-1, 00844-1 manual The Battery

Section 1 — Installation

Guardian Air-cooled Generators

1.17 THE BATTERY

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

When replacing the battery, use the following type of battery: Group 26/26R 12-volt battery with a rating of 350 cold-cranking amps at -17.8º C (0º F) minimum. When using a maintenance-free battery, it is not nec- essary to check the specific gravity or electrolyte level. Have these procedures performed at the intervals specified in the Owner’s Manual “Service Schedule.” A negative ground system is used. Battery connec- tions are shown on the wiring diagrams. Make sure the battery is correctly connected and terminals are tight. Observe battery polarity when connecting the battery to the generator set.

NOTE:

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

Your generator is equipped with a battery trickle charger that is active when your unit is set up for automatic operation. The trickle charger is designed to help extend the life of your battery by maintaining the battery when the unit is not running.

Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The battery is capable of exploding.

A battery presents a risk of electrical shock and high short circuit current. The following precautions are to be observed when working on batteries:

•Remove watches, rings or other metal objects;

•Use tools with insulated handles;

•Wear rubber gloves and boots;

•Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the battery; and

•Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or dis- connecting battery terminals.

Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released electrolyte has been known to be harmful to the skin and eyes, and to be toxic.

The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that is harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electrically conductive and corrosive. The following procedures 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 thoroughly and immediately with water and seek medical attention; and

•Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with an acid neutralizing agent. A common practice is to use a solution of 1 pound (500 grams) bicarbonate of soda to 1 gallon (4 liters) or water. The bicar- bonate 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 following procedures are to be followed:

•DO NOT SMOKE when near the battery;

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

•Discharge static electricity from your body before touching the battery by first touching a grounded metal surface.

Be sure the Auto/Off/Manual switch is set to the OFF position before connecting the battery cables. If the switch is set to AUTO or MANUAL, the generator can crank and start as soon as the battery cables are connected.

Be sure the utility power supply is turned off, or sparking may occur at the battery posts as you attach the cables and cause an explosion.

16 Generac® Power Systems, Inc.