Don't Overload The Generator; Before Starting The Generator; Adding Engine Oil; Adding Gasoline - Generac Portable Products GP Series Owner's Manual

Operation
Figure 8 - Grounding the Generator
Proper grounding of the generator will help prevent electrical
shock in the event of a ground fault condition in the generator or in
connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps dissipate
static electricity, which often builds up in ungrounded devices.

2.5 DON'T OVERLOAD THE GENERATOR

Overloading a generator in excess of its rated wattage capacity
can result in damage to the generator and to connected electrical
devices. Observe the following to prevent overloading the unit:
• Add up the total wattage of all electrical devices to be connected
at one time. This total should NOT be greater than the
generator's wattage capacity.
• The rated wattage of lights can be taken from light bulbs. The
rated wattage of tools, appliances and motors can usually be
found on a data label or decal affixed to the device.
• 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 about
three times more watts of power for starting than for 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 connect to the generator:
1. Figure the watts needed to start the largest motor.
2. Add to that figure the running watts of all other connected
loads.
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2.6 BEFORE STARTING THE GENERATOR

Prior to operating the generator, engine oil and gasoline will need
to be added, as follows:

2.6.1 ADDING ENGINE OIL

Use no special additives. Select the oil's viscosity grade according
to the expected operating temperature (also see chart).
• Above 32 °F (0 °C), use SAE 30
• Between 40 °F and -10 °F (4 and -32 °C), use 10W-30
• Synthetic 5W-30 for all temperature ranges
1 0W - 3 0 1 0W - 3 0
Synthe tic 5 W- 3 0 Synthetic 5W-30
Any attempt to crank or start the engine

before it has been properly serviced with the
recommended oil may result in an engine
failure.
1. Place generator on a level surface (not to exceed 15° in any
direction).
2. Clean area around oil fill and remove oil fill cap.
3. Slowly fill engine with oil until the dipstick reads full. Stop
filling occasionally to check oil level.
4. Install dipstick and finger tighten securely.
5. Check engine oil level before starting each time thereafter.

2.6.2 ADDING GASOLINE

  NEVER fill fuel tank indoors. Avoid spilling
gasoline on hot engine. Allow engine to cool
entirely before adding fuel. NEVER fill fuel tank
when engine is running or hot. DO NOT light
a cigarette or smoke when filling the fuel tank.
Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are
EXPLOSIVE.
  Do not overfill the fuel tank. Always leave room
for fuel expansion. If the fuel tank is overfilled,
fuel can over flow onto a hot engine and cause
fire or an explosion. Wipe up any spilled fuel
immediately.
1. Use regular UNLEADED gasoline with the generator engine. Do
not use any gasoline containing more than 10% ethanhol. Do
not mix oil with gasoline.
2. Clean area around fuel fill cap, remove cap.
S AE 3 0 SA E 3 0