Generac Power Systems 04389-3, 04456-3, 04390-3 Battery Installation, The Battery, Danger

Section 1 — General Information

Air-cooled 7 kW, 12 kW and 15 kW Generators

‹1.10.2 TRANSFER SWITCH

1.10.2.1 7 kW, 12 kW and 15 kW Units

The transfer switch shipped with this generator is enclosed in a NEMA 1 enclosure. This type of enclo- sure is intended for indoor use only. Follow these rules:

•Install the transfer switch indoors on a firm, sturdy supporting structure.

•To prevent switch distortion, level the switch if necessary. This can be done by placing washers between the switch enclosure and mounting sur- face.

•Never install the switch where water or any corro- sive substance might drip onto the enclosure.

•Protect the switch at all times against excessive moisture, dust, dirt, lint, construction grit and cor- rosive vapors.

If the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch is not set to its OFF position, the generator can crank and start as soon as the battery cables are connected. If the utility power supply is not turned off, spark- ing can occur at the battery posts and cause an explosion.

1.11 BATTERY INSTALLATION

Fill the battery with the proper electrolyte fluid if necessary and have the battery fully charged before installing it.

Before installing and connecting the battery, complete the following steps:

1.Set the generator's AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch to OFF.

2.Turn off utility power supply to the transfer switch.

3.Remove the 7.5A and 15A fuses from the genera- tor control panel.

Battery cables were factory connected at the genera- tor (Figure 1.5). Connect cables to battery posts as follows:

Figure 1.5 – Battery Cable Connections

4.Connect the red battery cable (from starter con- tactor) to the battery post indicated by a positive, POS or (+).

5.Connect the black battery cable (from frame ground) to the battery post indicated by a nega- tive, NEG or (—).

NOTE:

Damage will result if battery connections are made in reverse.

NOTE:

The generator is equipped with a battery trickle charger that is active when the unit is set up for automatic operation. With the battery installed and utility power source voltage available to the transfer switch, the battery receives a trickle charge while the engine is not running, to prevent self-discharge. The trickle charger is designed to help extend the life of the battery by maintain- ing the battery when the unit is not running. The trickle charge feature cannot be used to recharge a discharged battery.

1.12 THE BATTERY

DANGER

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 pre- cautions are to be observed when working on batteries:

•Remove the 7.5A and 15A fuses from the genera- tor control panel.

•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 disconnecting 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

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