Section 2 – Operation
Recreational Vehicle Generator
NOTE:
If starting from the generator control panel, turn OFF loads by setting the generator’s main circuit breaker to the OFF (or open) position. If starting from a remote panel, turn OFF loads using the means provided in the vehicle (such as a main circuit breaker). Electrical load circuits will be turned ON after the generator has started, stabi- lized and warmed up.
2.If the engine has not been started in more than two weeks, press the Fuel Pump Primer switch and hold it for about 10 to 15 seconds to prime the fuel system. However, if the engine is warm, skip Step 2.
3.Hold the engine Start/Stop switch in the START position to crank the engine. Release the switch when the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after it has been cranking for 15 seconds, release the Start/Stop switch, wait one minute and try again. Holding the switch for longer than 15 seconds can dam- age the starter motor.
4.Let the engine run at
5.Turn ON electrical loads using the means provided (such as a main circuit breaker or transfer switch).
2.5stopping the generator
1.Turn OFF all electrical loads using the means provided (such as a main circuit breaker or transfer switch).
2.Let generator run at
If electrical loads are applied at reduced operating speeds, such loads imposed on the engine when suf- ficient power is not available may shorten engine life. Never turn ON electrical loads until after the genera- tor engine has started and stabilized at
2.7do not overload the
generator
Read the rated wattage/amperage capacity of the gen- erator on the generator data label (see Section 1.1).
Applying electrical loads in excess of the unit’s rated capacity will cause the engine/generator to automati- cally shut down.
To avoid overloading, add up the wattage of all con- nected electrical lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads. This total should not be greater than the generator’s rated wattage capacity.
•Most lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads indicate their required watts on their nameplate or data plate. For light bulbs, simply note the wattage rating of the bulb.
•If a load does not show its rated wattage, multiply that load’s rated VOLTS times AMPS to obtain
WATTS.
•Induction type motors (such as those that run the vehicle’s furnace fan, refrigerator, air conditioner, etc.) need about
•Do not apply heavy electrical loads for the first two or three hours of operation.
3. Place the Start/Stop switch in its STOP position.
2.6APPLYING LOADS TO GENERATOR
When applying electrical loads to the generator, observe these guidelines:
•Before applying electrical loads, let the generator stabilize and warm up for a minute or two.
•DO NOT overload the generator.
2.6.1 letting the engine stabilize
The generator supplies correct rated voltage only at the proper governed speed. Some electrical appli- ances may be extremely sensitive to voltage. Incorrect voltages can damage such appliances.
2.8Protection Systems
2.8.1 Low Oil Pressure Switch
This switch (Figure 2.2) has normally closed (N.C.) contacts that are held open by engine oil pressure dur- ing cranking and operating. Should oil pressure drop below a preset level, switch contacts close, and the engine automatically shuts down. The unit should not be restarted until oil is added.
2.8.2 High Temperature Switch
This switch (Figure 2.2), which has normally open (N.O.) contacts, is mounted near the oil filter. The contacts close if the temperature should exceed approximately 284º F (140º C), initiating an engine shutdown.
