Battery Installation; Recommended Battery; Battery Cables; Battery Compartment - Generac Power Systems 02010-2, 04164-3 Installation And Owner's Manual

2.8

BATTERY INSTALLATION

2.8.1 RECOMMENDED BATTERY

Install a battery that meets the following require-
ments:
• The battery must be a 12-volt, automotive type
storage battery.
• For prevailing ambient temperatures above 32°
F (0° C), use a battery rated 70 amp-hours and
capable of delivering 400 cold-cranking amperes.
• For prevailing ambient temperatures below 32°
F (0° C), use a battery rated 95 amp-hours and
capable of delivering 400 cold-cranking amperes.
If the battery is to be used to power other vehicle
accessories, as well as start the generator, a bat-
tery with a larger capacity may be needed.

2.8.2 BATTERY CABLES

Using battery cables that are too long or too small in
diameter may cause a drop in voltage, which causes
starting problems. For the best cold weather starting,
the voltage drop between battery terminals and the
generator connection point should not exceed 0.12
volts per 100 amperes of cranking current.
These generators are rated at about 100 DC amperes
of cranking current.
Select battery cables based on (a) cable length and (b)
prevailing ambient temperatures. Generally, the longer
the cable and the colder the weather, the larger the
cable size must be, as shown in the chart.
CABLE LENGTH
in Feet (meters)
0 to 10 (0 to 3)
11 to 15 (3.4 to 4.5)
16 to 20 (4.5 to 6)
*For warm weather, use No. 2 cable up to 20 feet.
2.8.3 BATTERY CABLE CONNECTIONS
1. Connect the battery cable from the battery post or
terminal indicated by a POSITIVE, POS or (+) to
the lug on the starter contactor (Figure 2.20).
Check to be sure the battery cable boot for the
starter cable has been installed.
2. Connect the battery cable from the battery post
indicated by a NEGATIVE, NEG or (-) to the
frame ground connection (Figure 2.20).
3. Connect cables so the connectors are clean and
tight.
34
Section 2 – Installation
Recreational Vehicle Generator
NOTE:
CABLE SIZE
2*
0
000
NOTE:
Figure 2.20 – Connecting Battery Cables
SIDE VIEW OF GENERATOR
STARTER
CONTACTOR
GROUND LUG

2.8.4 BATTERY COMPARTMENT

Install the generator battery in its own, vented com-
partment. Place the battery compartment away from
any source of heat, sparks or flame.
Provide ventilation openings in the battery compart-
ment. The minimum size of openings should be 2
square inches at the top of the compartment. Mount
the battery on a strong, rigid supporting structure,
where leaks and spills of battery fluid will not cause
damage.
2.9

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

A plug-in receptacle (Figure 2.21) is provided on the
generator set, above the muffler enclosure. Use this
receptacle to connect an optional remote-mounted
start/stop panel to the generator. Installation of such
a panel will permit starting and stoping the gen-
erator engine from any convenient location inside the
vehicle.
Figure 2.21 – Remote Panel Plug-in Receptacle
BATTERY
NEGATIVE CABLE