Safety Rules
Recreational Vehicle Generator
•Adequate, unobstructed flow of cooling and ventilating air is critical for expelling toxic carbon monoxide gas and fuel vapors from the generator compartment and for proper genera- tor operation. Without sufficient cooling airflow, deadly carbon monoxide gas can accumulate and the engine/generator may quickly overheat, causing serious damage to the generator. Do not operate the genset in any confined space.
•The exhaust system must be installed in accordance with the genset installation manual. Do not alter the installation or permit even partial blockage of ventilation systems, as this can seri- ously affect the safe and proper operation of the generator.
•Do not operate the generator if the exhaust system is leaking or has been damaged or if you have experienced carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms during use. Shut down the generator and do not operate it until it has been inspected and/or repaired.
•Never sleep in the vehicle while the genset is running unless the vehicle has a working carbon monoxide detector.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS •The generator covered by this manual produces dangerous electrical voltages and can cause fatal electrical shock. Avoid contact with bare wires, terminals, connections, etc., while the unit is running. Ensure all appropriate covers, guards and bar- riers are in place before operating the generator. If work must be done around an operating unit, stand on an insulated, dry surface to reduce shock hazard.
•Do not handle any kind of electrical device while stand- ing in water, while barefoot, or while hands or feet are wet.
DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY RESULT.
•During installation onto the vehicle, properly ground (bond) the generator either by solid mounting to the vehicle frame or chas- sis, or by means of an approved bonding conductor. DO NOT connect the bonding conductor to any generator part that might be removed or disassembled during routine maintenance. If the grounding conductor must be replaced, use only a flexible conductor that is of No. 8 American Wire Gauge (AWG) copper wire minimum.
•If the vehicle electrical circuits can be powered by any other source of electricity (such as a “dockside” power receptacle), there must be no possibility of connecting the different power sources to the vehicle circuits at the same time. The dockside (utility) power source must be positively isolated from the vehicle circuits whenever the generator is operating. Failure to isolate the vehicle circuits from the dockside power supply when the generator is running may result in damage to the generator or serious injury or death to dockside (utility) power workers due to backfeed of electrical energy.
•In case of accident caused by electric shock, immediately shut down the source of electrical power. If this is not possible, attempt to free the victim from the live conductor. AVOID DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE VICTIM. Use a nonconducting implement, such as a rope or board, to free the victim from the live conduc- tor. If the victim is unconscious, apply first aid and get immediate medical help.
•Never wear jewelry when working on this equipment. Jewelry can conduct electricity resulting in electric shock, or may get caught in moving components causing injury.
FIRE HAZARDS •For fire safety, the generator must be installed and maintained properly. Installation always must comply with applicable codes, standards, laws and regulations. Adhere strictly to local, state and national electrical and building codes. Comply with regulations the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established. Also, ensure that the generator is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Following proper installation, do noth- ing that might alter a safe installation and render the unit in noncompliance with the aforementioned codes, standards, laws and regulations.
•Keep a fire extinguisher in the vehicle at all times. Extinguishers rated “ABC” by the National Fire Protection Association are appropriate for use on the recreational vehicle generator electrical system. Keep the extinguisher properly charged and be familiar with its use. If there are any questions pertaining to fire extin- guishers, consult the local fire department.
EXPLOSION HAZARDS •Do not smoke around the generator. Wipe up any fuel or oil spills immediately. Ensure that no combustible materials are left in the generator compartment, or on or near the generator, as FIRE or EXPLOSION may result. Keep the area surrounding the generator clean and free from debris.
•Gasoline is extremely FLAMMABLE and its vapors are EXPLOSIVE. Do not permit smoking, open flame, sparks or any source of heat in the vicinity while handling gasoline. Comply with all laws governing the storage and handling of gasoline.
•Fuel lines must be properly installed and fastened, and free of leaks. There must be no possibility of gasoline vapors entering the vehicle interior.
•It is required that an approved, flexible, nonconductive fuel line between the generator fuel connection point and rigid fuel lines be installed.
•If the generator is equipped with a liquid propane (LP) gas fuel system, install the unit so it complies with all codes, standards and regulations pertaining to such systems. LP gas is highly explosive. The gas tends to settle in low areas where even the slightest spark can ignite it and cause an explosion. Do not allow gas vapors to enter the vehicle.
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