Safety Rules
GENERAL HAZARDS
• For safety reasons, the manufacturer recommends that this equipment
be installed, serviced and repaired by a Service Dealer or other
competent, qualified electrician or installation technician who is familiar
with applicable codes, standards and regulations. The operator also
must comply with all such codes, standards and regulations.
• The engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which
can be DEADLY. This dangerous gas, if breathed in sufficient
concentrations, can cause unconsciousness or even death. Do
NOT alter or add to the exhaust system or do anything that might
render the system unsafe or in noncompliance with applicable
codes and standards.
• Install a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm indoors,
according to manufacturer's instructions/recommendations.
• Adequate, unobstructed flow of cooling and ventilating air is
critical to correct generator operation. Do not alter the installation
or permit even partial blockage of ventilation provisions, as this
can seriously affect safe operation of the generator. The generator
MUST be installed and operated outdoors only.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, etc., away from drive belts, fans, and
other moving or hot parts. Never remove any drive belt or fan
guard while the unit is operating.
• When working on this equipment, remain alert at all times. Never
work on the equipment when physically or mentally fatigued.
• Inspect the generator regularly, and contact the nearest Dealer for
parts needing repair or replacement.
• Before performing any maintenance on the generator, disconnect
its battery cables to prevent accidental start up. Disconnect the
cable from the battery post indicated by a NEGATIVE, NEG or
(–) first, then remove the POSITIVE, POS or (+) cable. When
reconnecting the cables, connect the POSITIVE cable first, the
NEGATIVE cable last.
• Never use the generator or any of its parts as a step. Stepping on
the unit can stress and break parts, and may result in dangerous
operating conditions from leaking exhaust gases, fuel leakage, oil
leakage, etc.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
• All generators covered by this manual produce dangerous electrical
voltages and can cause fatal electrical shock. Utility power delivers
extremely high and dangerous voltages to the transfer switch as
does the standby generator when it is in operation. Avoid contact
with bare wires, terminals, connections, etc., while the unit is
running. Ensure all appropriate covers, guards and barriers are
in place, secured and/or locked before operating the generator.
If work must be done around an operating unit, stand on an
insulated, dry surface to reduce shock hazard.
• Do not handle any kind of electrical device while standing in water,
while barefoot, or while hands or feet are wet. DANGEROUS
ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY RESULT.
• The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the frame and external
electrically conductive parts of the generator to be connected to an
approved earth ground. Local electrical codes also may require proper
grounding of the generator electrical system.
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• After installing this home standby electrical system, the generator
may crank and start at any time without warning. When this
occurs, load circuits are transferred to the STANDBY (generator)
power source. To prevent possible injury if such a start and
transfer occur, always set the generator's AUTO/OFF/MANUAL
switch to its OFF position before working on equipment and
remove the 15A fuse from the generator control panel.
• In case of accident caused by electric shock, immediately shut down
the source of electrical power. If this is not possible, attempt to free
the victim from the live conductor. AVOID DIRECT CONTACT WITH
THE VICTIM. Use a nonconducting implement, such as a dry rope
or board, to free the victim from the live conductor. If the victim is
unconscious, apply first aid and get immediate medical help.
• Never wear jewelry when working on this equipment. Jewelry can
conduct electricity resulting in electric shock, or may get caught in
moving components causing injury.
FIRE HAZARDS
• For fire safety, the generator must be installed and maintained
properly. Installation must always comply with applicable
codes, standards, laws and regulations. Adhere strictly to local,
state and national electrical and building codes. Comply with
regulations the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) has established. Also, ensure that the generator is
installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and
recommendations. Following proper installation, do nothing that
might alter a safe installation and render the unit in noncompliance
with the aforementioned codes, standards, laws and regulations.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator at all times.
Extinguishers rated "ABC" by the National Fire Protection
Association are appropriate for use on the standby electric system.
Keep the extinguisher properly charged and be familiar with its use.
Consult the local fire department with any questions pertaining to
fire extinguishers.
EXPLOSION HAZARDS
• Do not smoke around the generator. Wipe up any fuel or oil spills
immediately. Ensure that no combustible materials are left in the
generator compartment, or on or near the generator, as FIRE or
EXPLOSION may result. Keep the area surrounding the generator
clean and free from debris.
• Gaseous fluids such as natural gas and liquid propane (LP)
gas are extremely EXPLOSIVE. Install the fuel supply system
according to applicable fuel-gas codes. Before placing the home
standby electric system into service, fuel system lines must be
properly purged and leak tested according to applicable code.
After installation, inspect the fuel system periodically for leaks. No
leakage is permitted.