Porter-Cable T550 instruction manual Operation

OPERATION

Double Throw Transfer Switch

Potential hazards exist when a portable electric generator is connected to the main electrical supply coming into the house. It is at that point that the electrical generator could feed back into the utility company's system causing possible electrocution of workers who are repairing the electrical lines.

To avoid back feeding of electricity into utility systems, a double-throw transfer switch must be installed between the generator and utility power. The Double-Throw Transfer Switch should be installed by a licensed electrician and in compliance with all state and local electrical codes. (When installing a Double-Throw Transfer Switch, a minimum of 10 gauge wiring must be used.)

The electrician should also install a sub-panel to isolate the circuits you would want to use during an emergency or electrical power outage. Your generator will not be large enough to handle the load of all the lights, appliances, TV, etc. at one time. To select which items to run during the electrical power outage, see Wattage Calculation section in this manual.

KNOW YOUR GENERATOR

Read this General Manual and Safety Rules before operation of your Generator. Compare the illustration in your parts manual with your generator to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save all manuals for future references.

GENERATOR CAPACITY

IMPORTANT: Exceeding the rated capacity of your generator can result in serious damage to your genera- tor and connected electrical devices. See the Wattage Calculation section in this manual to assist you in determining the appliances and tools that can be ran with the wattage capacity of your generator.

CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Each receptacle has a circuit breaker to protect the generator from overloading. If the circuit breaker trips, unplug all electrical loads from the generator. Let the circuit breaker cool down. Push circuit breaker button to reset.

LOW OIL SHUTDOWN

Your generator engine is equipped with Low Oil Shut- down. Low Oil Shutdown is a safety device designed to protect your engine from damage in the event the oil level in the crankcase is low.

If while the engine is running, the oil gets low, it will automatically shut itself down and will not restart until the oil is added. If the oil is low before start-up, the generator will not start until oil is added.

NOTE: The Low Oil Shutdown mechanism is very sensitive. You must fill the engine to the full mark on the dipstick to inactivate this safety device.

BEFORE START UP

This generator has been shipped from the factory without oil in the crankcase. Operating the unit without oil can damage the engine.

Always check engine oil level before every start. Running engine low of oil or out of oil could result in serious damage to the engine.

Follow the steps listed below before starting gen- erator:

1.Check engine oil. Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for correct grade and quantity of oil.

2.Check fuel level, fill as required. Make sure genera- tor is turned off and has been allowed time to cool down. Use clean, fresh, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

Never fill fuel tank completely. Fill tank to 1/2" below the bottom of the filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion. Wipe any fuel spillage from engine and equipment before starting engine.

Never fill fuel tank indoors. Never fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot. Do not smoke when filling fuel tank.

11 — ENG