Generac Power Systems 5255, 5252, 5254, 5251 The Battery, 10 - Battery Cable Connections, Danger

Section 1 — General Information

Air-cooled Generators

Figure 1.10 – Battery Cable Connections

NOTE:

In areas where temperatures regularly fall below 10° F (-12° C) it is recommended that a pad type battery heater be installed to aid in cold climate starting (see Specifications).

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.

1.13 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 15A fuse from the generator 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 thor- oughly 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) 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 15A fuse is removed from the generator control panel, or sparking may occur at the bat- tery 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.

See the Specifications section for the correct size and rating when replacing the battery. 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.

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