Generac Power Systems 009592-5 - Manual (Page 11)

Generac ® Power Systems, Inc. 9
Section 2 – Operation
PRIMEPACT 55G and 55LP Recreational Vehicle Generators
2. If you have not started the engine in more than
two weeks, press the Fuel Pump Primer switch
and hold it for about 10 seconds. However, if the
engine is warm, skip Step 2.
3. To crank and start the engine, hold the start/stop
switch at START. Release the switch when the
engine starts.
If the engine does not start after it has been
cranking for 15 seconds, release the Start/Stop
switch and wait 1 minute before trying again.
Holding the switch for longer than 15 seconds
can damage the starter motor.
4. Let the engine run at no-load for a few minutes to
stabilize and warm up.
5. Turn ON electrical loads using the means
provided (such as a main circuit breaker or
transfer switch).
2.6 STOPPING THE GENERATOR
1. Turn OFF all electrical loads using the means
provided (such as a main circuit breaker or
transfer switch).
2. Let generator run at no-load for a few minutes, to
stabilize internal engine generator temperatures.
3. Place the Start/Stop switch in its STOP position.
The engine will come to a complete stop.
2.7 APPLYING LOADS TO GENERATOR
When applying electrical loads to the generator,
observe these guidelines:
• Before applying electrical loads, let the generator
stabilize and warm up for a minute or two.
• DO NOT overload the generator.
2.7.1 LETTING THE ENGINE STABILIZE
The generator supplies correct rated voltage only at
the proper governed speed. Some electrical appli-
ances may be extremely sensitive to voltage. Incorrect
voltages can damage such appliances.
If electrical loads are applied at reduced operating
speeds, such loads imposed on the engine when suf-
ficient power is not available may shorten engine life.
Never turn ON electrical loads until after the genera-
tor engine has started and stabilized at no-load.
2.7.2 DO NOT OVERLOAD THE GENERATOR
You can read the rated wattage/amperage capacity of
your generator on the generator data decal (see
Section 1.1 on Page 4).
Applying electrical loads in excess of the unit’s rated
capacity will cause the engine/generator to automati-
cally shut down.
To avoid overloading, add up the wattage of all con-
nected electrical lighting, appliance, tool and motor
loads. This total should not be greater than the gen-
erator’s rated wattage capacity.
• Most lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads indi-
cate their required watts on their nameplate or
data plate. For light bulbs, simply note the wattage
rating of the bulb.
• If a load does not show its rated wattage, multiply
that load’s rated VOLTS times AMPS to obtain
WATTS.
• Induction type motors (such as those that run the
vehicle’s furnace fan, refrigerator, air conditioner,
etc.) need about 2-1/2 times more watts of power
for starting than for running (for a few seconds
during motor starting). Be sure to allow for this
when connecting electrical loads to the generator.
First, figure the watts needed to start electric
motors in the system. To that figure, add the run-
ning wattages of other items that will be operated
by the generator.
• Do not apply heavy electrical loads for the first two
or three hours of operation.
2.8 PROTECTION SYSTEMS
2.8.1 LOW OIL PRESSURE SWITCH
This switch (Figure 2.3 on page 10) has normally
open (N.O.) contacts that are held open by engine oil
pressure during cranking and operating. Should oil
pressure drop below a preset level, switch contacts
close, and the engine automatically shuts down. The
unit should not be restarted until oil is added.
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