Don't Overload The Generator - Generac Power Systems 005788-0 XG4000 Owner's Manual

2.4.1.1 Special Requirements
There may be Federal or State Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) regulations, local codes, or ordinances that
apply to the intended use of the generator.
Please consult a qualified electrician, electrical inspector, or the
local agency having jurisdiction:
• In some areas, generators are required to be registered with
local utility companies.
• If the generator is used at a construction site, there may be
additional regulations which must be observed.
2.4.1.2 Connecting to a Building's Electrical System
Connections for standby power to a building's electrical system
must be made by a qualified electrician. The connection must
isolate the generator power from utility power or other alternative
power sources and must comply with all related laws and codes.
2.4.2 GROUNDING THE GENERATOR
The National Electrical Code requires that the frame and
external electrically conductive parts of this generator be
properly connected to an approved earth ground (Figure 6).
Local electrical codes may also require proper grounding of the
unit. For that purpose, connecting a No. 10 AWG (American Wire
Gauge) stranded copper wire to the grounding lug and to an
earth-driven copper or brass grounding rod (electrode) provides
adequate protection against electrical shock. However, local codes
may vary widely. Consult with a local electrician for grounding
requirements in the area.
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.
Figure 6 - Grounding the Generator
CONNECT GENERATOR GROUND HERE
2.4.3 NEUTRAL TO FRAME GROUNDING
If service work is performed on the alternator, DO NOT discard
the white jumper wires from the terminal block to the alternator
ground, located on the rear bearing carrier. Alway make sure the
wires are properly connected before using the generator after
alternator service work is done (Figure 7).
Figure 7 - Neutral to Frame Ground Wires
Failure to reconnect these wires may create a

potential shock hazard when the generator is
running!
2.4.4 CONNECTING ELECTRICAL LOADS
DO NOT connect 240 Volt loads to 120 Volt receptacles. DO NOT
connect 3-phase loads to the generator. DO NOT connect 50 Hz
loads to the generator.
• Let engine stabilize and warm up for a few minutes after
starting.
• Plug in and turn on the desired 120 or 240 Volt AC, single
phase, 60 Hz electrical loads.
• Add up the rated watts (or amps) of all loads to be connected
at one time. This total should not be greater than (a) the rated
wattage/amperage capacity of the generator or (b) circuit
breaker rating of the receptacle supplying the power. See "Don't
Overload the Generator".

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.
Operation
DO NOT DISCARD
THESE WIRES!
NEUTRAL TO
FRAME GROUND
7