Generac Power Systems 04389-3, 04456-3, 04390-3 Before Initial Start-Up, Electrical Checks

Section 2 — Post Installation Start-up and Adjustments

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

•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) of 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 body before touch- ing 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 and the 7.5A and 15A fuses are removed from the generator control panel, or sparking may occur at the battery posts as the cables are attached and cause an explosion.

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 DC, negative ground battery with a rating of 350 cold-cranking amps mini- mum for 7 kW; 525 cold-cranking amps minimum for 12 and 15 kW at -17.8º C (0º F) minimum. When using a maintenance-free battery, it is not necessary to check the specific gravity or electrolyte level. Have these procedures performed at the intervals specified in the “Service Schedule.” A negative ground system is used. Battery connections are shown on the wiring diagrams. Make sure the battery is correctly connect- ed and terminals are tight. Observe battery polarity when connecting the battery to the generator set.

2.1BEFORE INITIAL START-UP

Before starting, complete the following:

1.Set the generator’s main circuit breaker to its OFF (or open) position.

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

3.Turn OFF the utility power supply to the transfer switch using the means provided (such as the utility main line circuit breaker).

4.Turn OFF all loads connected to the transfer switch terminals T1 and T2.

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5.Check the engine crankcase oil level and, if neces- sary, fill to the dipstick FULL mark with the rec- ommended oil. Do not fill above the FULL mark.

6.Check the fuel supply. Gaseous fuel lines must have been properly purged and leak tested in accordance with applicable fuel-gas codes. All fuel shutoff valves in the fuel supply lines must be open.

Never operate the engine with the oil level below the “Add” mark on the dipstick. Doing this could damage the engine.

2.2CHECK TRANSFER SWITCH

OPERATION

Refer to Section 3.5, of the owner’s manual for man- ual operation procedures.

DANGER

Do not attempt manual transfer switch opera- tion until all power voltage supplies to the transfer switch have been positively turned off. Failure to turn off all power voltage supplies will result in extremely hazardous and possibly fatal electrical shock.

2.3ELECTRICAL CHECKS

Complete electrical checks as follows:

1.Set the generator's main circuit breaker to its OFF (or open) position.

2.Set the generator's Auto/Off/Manual switch to the OFF position.

3.Turn OFF all loads connected to the transfer switch terminals T1 and T2.

4.Turn on the utility power supply to the transfer switch using the means provided (such as a utility main line circuit breaker).

DANGER

The transfer switch is now electrically “hot.” Contact with “hot” parts will result in extremely hazardous and possibly fatal electrical shock. Proceed with caution.

5.Use an accurate AC voltmeter to check utility power source voltage across transfer switch ter- minals N1 and N2. Nominal line-to-line voltage should be 240 volts AC.

6.Check utility power source voltage across termi- nals N1 and the transfer switch neutral lug; then across terminal N2 and neutral. Nominal line-to- neutral voltage should be 120 volts AC.