Battery Requirements; Battery Installation; The Battery - Eaton 8 kW Air-cooled Owner's Manual

1.12 BATTERY REQUIREMENTS

See the Specifications section for correct battery size and rating
If the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch is not set to its
OFF position, the generator can crank and start
as soon as the battery cables are connected. If
the utility power supply is not turned off, spark-
ing can occur at the battery posts and cause an
explosion.

1.13 BATTERY INSTALLATION

Fill the battery with the proper electrolyte fluid if necessary and
have the battery fully charged before installing it.
Before installing and connecting the battery, complete the follow-
ing steps:
1. Set the generator's AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch to OFF.
2. Turn off utility power supply to the transfer switch.
3. Remove the 7.5A fuse from the generator control panel.
Battery cables were factory connected at the generator (Figure
1.11). Connect cables to battery posts as follows:
4. Connect the red battery cable (from starter contactor) to the
battery post indicated by a positive, POS or ( + ).
5. Connect the black battery cable (from frame ground) to the
battery post indicated by a negative, NEG or (—).
Figure 1.11 – Battery Cable Connections
Dielectric grease should be used on battery posts to
aid in the prevention of corrosion.
Damage will result if battery connections are made
in reverse.
NOTE:
NOTE:
Section 1 — General Information
Air-cooled Generators
In areas where temperatures regularly fall below 10°
F (-12° C) it is recommended that a pad type battery
heater be installed to aid in cold climate starting.

1.14 THE BATTERY

Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The
battery is capable of exploding.
A battery presents a risk of electrical shock
and high short circuit current. The following pre-
cautions are to be observed when working on
batteries:
• Remove the 7.5A fuse from the generator control
panel.
• Remove watches, rings or other metal objects;
• Use tools with insulated handles;
• Wear rubber gloves and boots;
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the
battery; and
• Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or
disconnecting battery terminals.
Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released
electrolyte has been known to be harmful to the
skin and eyes, and to be toxic.
The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that is
harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electrically
conductive and corrosive.
The following procedures are to be observed:
• Wear full eye protection and protective clothing;
• Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off
immediately with water;
• Where electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush thor-
oughly and immediately with water and seek medi-
cal attention; and
• Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with an
acid neutralizing agent. A common practice is to
use a solution of 1 pound (500 grams) bicarbonate
of soda to 1 gallon (4 liters) of water. The bicar-
bonate of soda solution is to be added until the
evidence of reaction (foaming) has ceased. The
resulting liquid is to be flushed with water and the
area dried.
Lead-acid batteries present a risk of fire
because they generate hydrogen gas. The fol-
lowing
procedures are to be followed:
• DO NOT SMOKE when near the battery;
• DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area; and
• Discharge static electricity from body before
touching the battery by first touching a grounded
metal surface.
NOTE:
DANGER
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