34 Generac®Power Systems, Inc.
6.8 BATTERY INSTALLATION

2.8.1 R ECOMMENDED BATTERY

Install a battery that meets the following
requirements:
• The battery must be a 12-volt, automotive type
storage battery.
• For prevailing ambient temperatures above 32° F (0°
C), use a battery rated 70 amp-hours and capable of
delivering 400 cold-cranking amperes.
• For prevailing ambient temperatures below 32° F (0°
C), use a battery rated 95 amp-hours and capable of
delivering 400 cold-cranking amperes.
NOTE:
If the battery is to be used to power other vehicle
accessories, as well as start the generator, you may
need a battery with a larger capacity.

6.8.2 BATTERY CABLES

Using battery cables that are too long or too small in
diameter may cause a drop in voltage, which causes
starting problems. For the best cold weather starting,
the voltage drop between battery terminals and the gen-
erator connection point should not exceed 0.12 volts
per 100 amperes of cranking current.
PRIMEPACT generators are rated at about 100 DC
amperes of cranking current.
Select battery cables based on (a) cable length and (b)
prevailing ambient temperatures. Generally, the longer
the cable and the colder the weather, the larger the cable
size must be, as shown in the chart.

6.8.3 BATTERY CABLE CONNECTIONS

1. Connect the battery cable from the battery post or
terminal indicated by a POSITIVE, POS or (+) to the
lug on the starter contactor (Figure 2.20).
NOTE:
Check to be sure the battery cable boot for the
starter cable has been installed.
2. Connect the battery cable from the battery post indi-
cated by a NEGATIVE, NEG or (-) to the frame
ground connection (Figure 2.20).
3. Connect cables so the connectors are clean
and tight.

Figure 6.20 – Connecting Battery Cables

6.8.4 BATTERY COMPARTMENT

Install the generator battery in its own, vented compart-
ment. Place the battery compartment away from any
source of heat, sparks or flame.
Provide ventilation openings in the battery compart-
ment. The minimum size of openings should be 2
square inches at the top of the compartment. Mount the
battery on a strong, rigid supporting structure, where
leaks and spills of battery fluid will not cause damage.
6.9 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
A plug-in receptacle (Figure 2.21) is provided on the
generator set, above the muffler enclosure. Use this
receptacle to connect an optional remote-mounted
start/stop panel to the generator. Installation of such a
panel will permit you to start and stop the generator
engine from any convenient location inside the vehicle.

Figure 6.21 – Remote Panel Plug-in Receptacle

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Section 6 – Installation
PRIMEPACT 55G and 55LP Recreational Vehicle Generators
CABLE LENGTH
in Feet (meters) CABLE SIZE
0 to 10 (0 to 3) 2*
11 to 15 (3.4 to 4.5) 0
16 to 20 (4.5 to 6) 000
*For warm weather, use No. 2 cable up to 20 feet.