North Star 5000 PG - Manual (Page 6)

5
NEVER operate the generator, or handle any
electrical equipment while standing in water, while
barefoot, while hands are wet or while in the rain or
snow. Electric shock may result.
ALWAYS use a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) in damp or highly electrical conductive areas
and on construction job-sites to prevent electric shock.
ALWAYS remove the spark plug or spark plug
wire before working on the engine or generator, to
prevent accidental starting.
ALWAYS provide adequate ventilation. Do not
operate generator in any enclosed or narrow space.
Engines consume oxygen and give off deadly carbon
monoxide poisonous gas. Improper ventilation will
cause damage to generator and possible injury to
people.
NEVER touch hot muffler, hot exhaust manifold or
engine cooling fins.
ALWAYS remove all oil or gasoline deposits and
accumulated dirt from generator and immediate area.
Keep generator head and engine clean.
NEVER operate the generator under the following
conditions:
A. Excessive change in engine speed, slow or
fast.
B. Overheating in load connecting devices.
C. Sparking or arcs from generator.
D. Loss of electrical output.
E. Damaged receptacles.
F. Engine misfire.
G. Excessive vibration.
H. Enclosed compartments, or confined areas.
I. Flame
or smoke.
J. Rain, snow or wet conditions.
K. Operator non-attendance.
WARNING Check fuel system on a
regular basis. Look for signs of leaks, deterioration,
chafed or spongy fuel hose, loose or missing fuel hose
clamps, damaged fuel tank or a defective fuel shut-off
valve. Correct any defects before operation.
WARNING Keep fire extinguisher close
by your generator and be familiar on how to use it.
Consult your local fire department for correct
extinguisher type.
INSTALLATION
OUTDOORS: Choose locations where the
generator will not be exposed to rain, snow or direct
sunlight. Position the generator on secure, level
ground so it will not tip or slide down a hill. Place the
generator so that the exhaust fumes will not be
directed towards people.
The installation site must be free from water,
moisture, or dust. All electrical components should be
protected from excessive moisture or the insulation
sy stem will deteriorate and result in grounding or
shorting out the generating system.
Foreign matters, such as dust, dirt, sand, lint, or
abrasive materials can cause damage to the generator
head and engine if allowed into its cooling system.
NEVER install your generator inside confined
areas. Inside installation can cause health hazards or
death.
DANGER Remember, exhaust fumes are
deadly carbon monoxide gas, and must be vented to
the outside where there are no people. Cooling air of
sufficient amounts must be allowed to flow in and
exhausted out to ensure proper cooling of the engine
and generator head.
LOAD APPLICATION
It is important to determine the total electrical load
before it is connected to the generator. The two major
factors in determining the life of a generator head are
heat build-up, caused by overloading the generator
and corrosive contaminants that can attack the wiring
insulation. If the generator is overloaded, the wires
become excessively hot and cause the insulation to
break down, reducing its ability to resist corrosive
contaminants. Over time the effectiveness of the
insulation is eliminated and a dead short can result.
Always compare the generator nameplate data
with that of the equipment to be used to ensure that
watts, volts, amperage, and frequency requirements
are suitable for operating equipment. The wattage
listed on the equipment nameplate is its rated output.
However, some equipment may require three to ten
times more wattage than its rating on the nameplate,
as the wattage is influenced by the equipment
efficiency, power factor and starting system. NOTE: If
wattage is not given on equipment nameplate,
approximate wattage may be determined by
multiplying nameplate voltage by nameplate
amperage.
VOLTS X AMPS = WATTS
Example: 120V X 5A
= 600W
When connecting a resistive load such as
incandescent lights, heaters or common electric power
tools, a capacity of up to the generator full rated
wattage output can be used.
When connecting a resistive-inductive load such
as a fluorescent or mercury light, transformers or
inductive coils, a capacity of up to 0.6 times the
generator’s full rated output can be used.
Always allow the generator to reach operating
speed before a load is applied.