Generac 5500EXL - Manual (Page 9)

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 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 (Figure 9).
• Connect battery charge cable clamp with black
handle to the negative (–) battery terminal
(Figure 9).
• Start engine. Let the engine run while battery
recharges.
• 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.
Generac Portable Products 5500EXL Extended Life Generator
9
Figure 9 — Battery Charge Cable Connection
Red
Black