Generac Portable Products GP Series Owner's Manual page 4

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I operate my generator in the rain?
A: Portable generators should never be operated inside an
enclosed space or contrary to any provision or warning
found in your Owner's Manual. However, portable generators
are intended to be used during extreme weather and for the
sensitive electronics on them, it is best if some sort of open
covering can be used to protect it from direct rain or snow.
Great options would be a car port or boat canopy with four
open sides or a tarp hung from a tree. It is very important
to provide adequate ventilation for the generator, so any
sort of protection should be at least five feet from any side
(including the top of the unit) while in use. Additionally, a
portable generator should always be stored inside when not
in use to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. BE ADVISED,
the generator should NEVER be used in any enclosed space
including, without limitation, a shed, home, garage, trailer or
vehicle, even if the doors are left open, as this can be a serious
fire hazard and carbon monoxide risk.
Q: How long can I operate the generator? Does it need a "break"?
A: Your generator can be operated continually. The highest
priority is to maintain a proper oil level. Each time you add
fuel, check the oil level as well. Add oil, if necessary, to keep
the level at the upper mark on the dipstick. See the Checking
Oil Level and Adding Fuel sections of your owner's manual for
complete instructions on adding fuel and oil.
Q: Is there anything special I need to do before I turn off my
generator? Should I unplug my electrical devices?
A: Yes, remove all loads before turning the generator off. First,
turn off all appliances, lights and items being powered by
the generator. Then, unplug the items from the generator's
receptacles and allow the generator to cool. Once you've
done this, it is safe to turn the generator off. NEVER turn
the generator off while loads are applied. Refer to the
Generator Loads section of your owner's manual for complete
instructions on adding and removing electrical devices.
Q: If the generator is being used, how do I connect or disconnect
electrical devices?
A: NEVER start or stop the generator's engine with running
electrical devices plugged into the generator. When the
generator is turned off, you can only connect electrical devices
that are turned off. When the generator is turned on, you may
connect electrical devices that are turned on or off.
Q: How often should I start / operate my generator between
outages?
A: Generac recommends starting a generator once a month
and running the unit for about 30 minutes. Starting the unit
monthly will help make sure that the generator is ready to turn
in the event of an outage.
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BATTERY INFORMATION
Q: How often do I have to charge the generator's battery?
A: If the starter will not turn the engine over, charge the battery
using the charger provided with your generator. The charger
should be connected for no longer than 48 hours. Charging
procedures are covered in the Battery Charging section of this
Owner's Manual.
Q: My generator's battery will no longer accept a charge. What is
the procedure for replacing a battery?
A: Complete battery replacement procedures can be found in the
Battery Replacement section of your owner's manual.
Q: How do I charge my portable generator's battery?
A: Most portable generators do not charge their batteries when
running. Every electric start generator comes with an external
charger. The customer should charge the battery at least once
a month for 24-48 hours in preparation for usage. If the battery
is dead, most of the portables have a recoil backup (pull
start). In an emergency situations, the customer can charge
the battery by plugging the charger cord into the receptacle on
the generator while it is running. This is not recommended for
typical operation.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Q: What are the decibel levels of portable generators?
A: Our portable generators feature a low-tone muffler straight
from the factory. We do not offer a kit or recommend making
any changes to the generator or exhaust system, as that can
void the warranty.
Q: Can I add electric start to my pull start generator?
A: Generac does not offer any kits or accessories to add electric
start to a pull start generator. Making any changes can void
the generator warranty.
Q: Does my warranty cover travel/ pickup for my generator?
A: No. The dealer will not come out to the customer or pick up
the portable generator from the customer unless the customer
has paid them to do so.
Q: What is "idle control" and what does it offer the owner?
A: Most of our portable generators do not have idle control. The
engine will run at full speed in order to accept any immediate
loads. Some of the new XP and XT models do offer idle
control. The iX inverter series models have "eco-mode" which
allows the engine to run at a lower speed.