Section 3 Operation
Operation and Use Questions
Call Powermate Customer Service at 1-800-
445-1805 with questions or concerns about
equipment operation and maintenance.
Before Starting Engine
1. Verify engine oil level is correct.
2. Verify fuel level is correct.
3. Verify unit is secure on level ground, with
proper clearance and is in a well ventilated
area.
Prepare Generator for Use
Asphyxiation. Running engines produce carbon
monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous
gas. Carbon monoxide, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
Asphyxiation. The exhaust system must be properly
maintained. Do not alter or modify the exhaust system
as to render it unsafe or make it noncompliant with
local codes and/or standards. Failure to do so will
result in death or serious injury.
Risk of fire. Do not use generator without
spark arrestor installed. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury.
Asphyxiation. Always use a battery operated carbon
monoxide alarm indoors and installed according to
the manufacturer's instructions. Failure to do so could
result in death or serious injury.
Risk of Fire. Hot surfaces could ignite
combustibles, resulting in fire. Fire could
result in death or serious injury.
Hot Surfaces. When operating machine, do not
touch hot surfaces. Keep machine away from
combustibles during use. Hot surfaces could
result in severe burns or fire.
Equipment and property damage. Disconnect
electrical loads prior to starting or stopping unit.
Failure to do so could result in equipment and
property damage.
10
DANGER
DANGER
WARNING
(000118a)
WARNING
(000178a)
WARNING
WARNING
CAUTION
Grounding the Generator When
In Use
See
with an equipment ground connecting the gen-
erator frame and the ground terminals on the
AC output receptacles (see NEC 250.34 (A).
This allows the generator to be used as a por-
table without grounding the frame of the gen-
erator as specified in NEC 250.34.
• Neutral Floating
(000103)
Figure 3-1.Grounding the Generator
The generator (stator winding) is isolated from
(000179b)
the frame and from the AC receptacle ground
pin. Electrical devices that require a grounded
receptacle pin connection will not function if
the receptacle ground pin is not functional.
Know Generator Limits
Overloading a generator can result in damage
to the generator and connected electrical
devices. Observe the following to prevent
overload:
• Add the total wattage of all electrical
devices to be connected at one time. This
total should NOT be greater than the gener-
ator's wattage capacity.
• The rated wattage of lights can be taken
from light bulbs. The rated wattage of tools,
appliances, and motors can be found on a
data label or decal affixed to the device.
(000110)
• If the appliance, tool, or motor does not
give wattage, multiply volts times ampere
rating to determine watts (volts x amps =
watts).
• Some electric motors, such as induction
types, require approximately three times
more watts of power for starting than for
(000108)
running. This surge of power lasts only a
few seconds when starting such motors.
Make sure to allow for high starting wattage
when selecting electrical devices to con-
nect to the generator:
1. Calculate the watts needed to start the
largest motor.
(000136)
2. Add to that figure the running watts of all
other connected loads.
Figure
3-1. The generator is equipped
Owner's Manual for Portable Generator
013919