Electrical Hazards - Generac Power Systems Stationary emergency generator Owner's Manual

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

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• All stationary emergency generators covered by this manual
produce dangerous electrical voltages and can cause fatal
electrical shock. Utility power delivers extremely high and dan-
gerous voltages to the transfer switch as well as the generator.
Avoid contact with bare wires, terminals, connections, etc.,
on the generator as well as the transfer switch, if applicable.
Ensure all appropriate covers, guards and barriers are in place
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 stand-
ing in water, while barefoot, or while hands or feet are wet.
DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY RESULT.
• If personnel must stand on metal or concrete while installing,
operating, servicing, adjusting or repairing this equipment,
place insulative mats over a dry wooden platform. Work on the
equipment only while standing on such insulative mats.
• The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the frame and
external electrically conductive parts of the generator to be con-
nected to an approved earth ground. This grounding will help
prevent dangerous electrical shock that might be caused by a
ground fault condition in the generator or by static electricity.
Never disconnect the ground wire.
• Wire gauge sizes of electrical wiring, cables and cord sets must
be adequate to handle the maximum electrical current (ampac-
ity) to which they will be subjected.
• Before installing or servicing this (and related) equipment, make
sure that all power voltage supplies are positively turned off at
their source. Failure to do so will result in hazardous and pos-
sibly fatal electrical shock.
• Connecting this unit to an electrical system normally supplied
by an electric utility shall be by means of a transfer switch so as
to isolate the generator electric system from the electric utility
distribution system when the generator is operating. Failure to
isolate the two electric system power sources from each other
by such means will result in damage to the generator and may
also result in injury or death to utility power workers due to
backfeed of electrical energy.
• Stationary emergency generators installed with an automatic
transfer switch will crank and start automatically when normal
(utility) source voltage is removed or is below an acceptable
preset level. To prevent such automatic start-up and possible
injury to personnel, disable the generator's automatic start cir-
cuit (battery cables, etc.) before working on or around the unit.
Then, place a "Do Not Operate" tag on the generator control
panel and on the transfer switch.
• In case of accident caused by electric shock, immediately
shut down the source of electrical power. If this is not pos-
sible, 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.
Standby Emergency Generator
Important Safety Instructions
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• Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator at all times. Do NOT
use any carbon tetra-chloride type extinguisher. Its fumes are
toxic, and the liquid can deteriorate wiring insulation. Keep the
extinguisher properly charged and be familiar with its use. If
there are any questions pertaining to fire extinguishers, consult
the local fire department.
• Properly ventilate any room or building housing the generator to
prevent build-up of explosive gas.
• 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.
• These generators may operate using one of several types
of fuels. All fuel types are potentially FLAMMABLE and/or
EXPLOSIVE and should be handled with care. Comply with all
laws regulating the storage and handling of fuels. Inspect the
unit's fuel system frequently and correct any leaks immediately.
Fuel supply lines must be properly installed, purged and leak
tested according to applicable fuel-gas codes before placing
this equipment into service.
• Diesel fuels are highly FLAMMABLE. Gaseous fluids such
as natural gas and liquid propane (LP) gas are extremely
EXPLOSIVE. Natural gas is lighter than air, and LP gas is heavier
than air; install leak detectors accordingly.
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FIRE HAZARDS
 EXPLOSION HAZARDS
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08/09 E Rev. Safety004