Generac Power Systems 50 Hertz Air-cooled Generators Installation Manuallines page 4

Safety Rules
GENERAL HAZARDS
• For safety reasons, the manufacturer recommends that this equipment be
installed, serviced and repaired by a Service Dealer or other competent,
qualified electrician or installation technician who is familiar with applicable
codes, standards and regulations. The operator also must comply with all
such codes, standards and regulations.
• The engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be
DEADLY. This dangerous gas, if breathed in sufficient concentrations,
can cause unconsciousness or even death. Do NOT alter or add to the
exhaust system or do anything that might render the system unsafe or
in noncompliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Install a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm indoors, according to
manufacturer's instructions/recommendations.
• Adequate, unobstructed flow of cooling and ventilating air is critical to
correct generator operation. Do not alter the installation or permit even
partial blockage of ventilation provisions, as this can seriously affect
safe operation of the generator. The generator MUST be installed and
operated outdoors only.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, etc., away from drive belts, fans, and other
moving or hot parts. Never remove any drive belt or fan guard while
the unit is operating.
• When working on this equipment, remain alert at all times. Never work
on the equipment when physically or mentally fatigued.
• Inspect the generator regularly, and contact the nearest Dealer for
parts needing repair or replacement.
• Before performing any maintenance on the generator, disconnect its
battery cables to prevent accidental start up. Disconnect the cable
from the battery post indicated by a NEGATIVE, NEG or (–) first, then
remove the POSITIVE, POS or (+) cable. When reconnecting the
cables, connect the POSITIVE cable first, the NEGATIVE cable last.
• Never use the generator or any of its parts as a step. Stepping on the
unit can stress and break parts, and may result in dangerous operating
conditions from leaking exhaust gases, fuel leakage, oil leakage, etc.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
• All generators covered by this manual produce dangerous electrical
voltages and can cause fatal electrical shock. Utility power delivers
extremely high and dangerous voltages to the transfer switch as does
the standby generator when it is in operation. Avoid contact with bare
wires, terminals, connections, etc., while the unit is running. Ensure
all appropriate covers, guards and barriers are in place, secured and/
or locked 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 standing in water,
while barefoot, or while hands or feet are wet. DANGEROUS
ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY RESULT.
• The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the frame and external
electrically conductive parts of the generator to be connected to an
approved earth ground. Local electrical codes also may require proper
grounding of the generator electrical system.
• After installing this home standby electrical system, the generator may
crank and start at any time without warning. When this occurs, load
circuits are transferred to the STANDBY (generator) power source. To
prevent possible injury if such a start and transfer occur, always set
the generator's AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch to its OFF position before
working on equipment and remove the 7.5A fuse from the generator
control panel.
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• In case of accident caused by electric shock, immediately shut down
the source of electrical power. If this is not possible, 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.
FIRE HAZARDS
• For fire safety, the generator must be installed and maintained
properly. Installation must always comply with applicable codes,
standards, laws and regulations. Adhere strictly to local, state
and national electrical and building codes. Comply with regulations
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
established. Also, ensure that the generator is installed in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. Following
proper installation, do nothing that might alter a safe installation and
render the unit in noncompliance with the aforementioned codes,
standards, laws and regulations.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator at all times. Extinguishers
rated "ABC" by the National Fire Protection Association are appropriate
for use on the standby electric system. Keep the extinguisher properly
charged and be familiar with its use. Consult the local fire department
with any questions pertaining to fire extinguishers.
EXPLOSION HAZARDS
• 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.
• Gaseous fluids such as natural gas and liquid propane (LP) gas are
extremely EXPLOSIVE. Install the fuel supply system according to
applicable fuel-gas codes. Before placing the home standby electric
system into service, fuel system lines must be properly purged and
leak tested according to applicable code. After installation, inspect the
fuel system periodically for leaks. No leakage is permitted.
n
Only qualified electricians or contractors should
attempt such installations, which must comply
strictly with applicable codes, standards and
regulations.