North Star M165939J - Manual (Page 4)

About Your Generator
4
Thank you for purchasing your NorthStar portable generator!
About Your Generator
This engine-driven, portable generator is designed to provide up to 8000 Watts of
electrical power (10,500 watts continuous, 13,000 watts surge).
It can supply power:
1. As a portable power source. You can plug appliances directly into the generator’s
electrical outlets.
2. As a back-up, standby power source for a building. A licensed electrician can connect
the generator to your building’s electrical system via the installation of an UL-approved
transfer switch. (See the “Installation & Initial Set-up” section of this manual to learn
more about specific requirements and precautions relating to wiring the generator to your
building’s electrical system.)
You must select a generator adequately sized for your power needs. You need to
determine the power needs of all the appliances/tools you wish to power at the same time and
choose a generator rated to provide at least that power level. See the “Power Load Planning &
Management” section of this manual to determine your specific power load requirements and
then compare them to this generator’s rated capacity. You must not overload the generator.
Overloading will cause damage to the generator and attached electrical devices, and may also
result in fire.
You can power this generator with gasoline, natural gas (NG), or propane (LP) gas. The
generator is designed so that it is easy to switch between fuel sources. However, there are
special initial hook-up requirements for natural gas and propane. See the “Specifications”
section of this manual with regard to specific gas flow and pressure requirements. In addition,
note the following:
♦ Natural gas. The standard delivery pressure provided to your building by your utility
company may not match the requirements of your generator.
a) If your standard delivery pressure is higher than allowable for this generator, you
may need to have a pressure-reducing regulator installed. (Note: The regulator
supplied with this generator is NOT a pressure-reducing regulator).
b) If your standard delivery pressure is lower than allowable for this generator, you will
need changes to your natural gas service to elevate the delivery pressure.
ALL natural gas hook-ups must be completed by trained personnel from your natural gas
utility company and inspected as required by your local building code.
♦ Propane (LP). You will need a minimum 100 lb. LPG gas tank to run this generator – the
vaporization rate is insufficient with smaller tank sizes. A qualified propane gas
technician must set up the valve and hose connection between the propane tank and
generator in accordance with all local regulations and electric code.
See the “Installation / Initial Set-Up: Step 3” section of this manual for more detailed
information.
Be sure to read about site selection and grounding requirements for running this
generator. More detailed information can be found in the “Installation & Initial Set-up, Steps
5 & 6” of this manual.