Charging A Battery - Generac Power Systems 5209 Owner's Manual

2.12 CHARGING A BATTERY

DANGER!
Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen
gas while recharging. An explosive mixture will remain
around the battery for a long time after it has been charged.
The slightest spark can ignite the hydrogen and cause an
explosion. Such an explosion can shatter the battery and
cause blindness or other serious injury.
DANGER!
Do not permit smoking, open flame, sparks or
any other source of heat around a battery. Wear protective
goggles, rubber apron and rubber gloves when working
around a battery. Battery electrolyte fluid is an extremely
caustic sulfuric acid solution that can cause severe burns. If
spill occurs flush area with clear water immediately.
Your generator has the capability of recharging a discharged 12
Volt automotive or utility style storage battery. Do not use the
unit to charge any 6 Volt batteries. Do not use the unit
to crank an engine having a discharged battery.
To recharge 12 Volt batteries, proceed as follows:
• Check fluid level in all battery cells. If necessary, add ONLY
distilled water to cover separators in battery cells. Do not use
tap water.
• If the battery is equipped with vent caps, make sure they are
installed and are tight.
• If necessary, clean battery terminals.
• Connect battery charge cable connector plug to panel
receptacle identified by the words "12-VOLT D.C."
• Connect battery charge cable clamp with red handle to the
positive (+) battery terminal.
• Connect battery charge cable clamp with black handle to the
negative (-) battery terminal.
• Start engine. Let the engine run while battery recharges.
Engine idle control switch must be in off position for battery
charging.
• When battery has charged, shut down engine.
Note: Use an automotive hydrometer to test battery
state of charge and condition. Follow the hydrometer
manufacturer's instructions carefully. Generally, a
battery is considered to be at 100% state of charge
when specific gravity of its fluid (as measured by
hydrometer) is 1.260 or higher.
Section 2 – Operation
Residential Portable Generator System
13