North Star M165939J - Manual (Page 43)

Summary of Importation Information for Operation cont’d
43
• Smell for gas before starting the generator:
• Natural gas. Natural gas is lighter than air and tends to collect in high areas. After opening NG line
supply, smell for gas BEFORE starting engine.
• LP gas (propane). LP gas is heavier than air and tends to settle in low areas. After opening propane
tank valve, smell next to floor for gas BEFORE starting engine.
If you do smell gas, DO NOT start engine. DO NOT light a match. DO NOT flip on an electrical switch. Exit
area immediately and call gas supplier or fire department. If possible shut off gas supply.
Safety – During Use
• Safety equipment / controls. Always operate the generator with all safety covers, guards, and barriers in
place and in good working order, and all controls properly adjusted for safe operation.
• Know how to stop. Be thoroughly familiar with proper use of the equipment and all generator controls,
output receptacles, and connections. Know how to stop the generator quickly if needed.
• Damaged. Do not operate the generator with damaged, missing, or broken parts.
• Check for gas leak before starting. After opening gasoline valve or LP/NG line supply, smell for gas
before starting engine. If you do smell gas, DO NOT start engine. DO NOT light a match. DO NOT flip
on an electrical switch. Exit area immediately and call gas supplier or fire department. If possible shut off
the LP/NG supply.
• Carbon monoxide exhaust. The running engine gives off carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can kill
you. You CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using the
generator, shut off the engine and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon
monoxide poisoning.
• Other exhaust dangers. This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid inhalation of exhaust.
• Smoking/sparks. Never smoke near the running generator, and never operate near sources of sparks or
flames.
• Check output voltage. Check output voltage to ensure the generator is working properly before
connecting loads to the generator. Failure to do so could result in damage to equipment powered by the
generator and possible injury to the individual. Do not adjust output speed of engine to change voltage. If
voltage is not within specified range, have generator repaired by factory authorized personnel.
• Stabilize before connecting loads. Start generator and let engine stabilize before connecting electrical
loads.
• Do not overload. Do not overload the generator. Make sure that combined starting and running loads do
not exceed rated capacity of generator or damage will result.
• Protect sensitive electronics. Some electronic equipment, such as computers and audio/video equipment,
can be damaged by small fluctuations in the flow of power. Use a surge suppressor for any voltage-
sensitive electronic equipment you will be powering with the generator.
• Wet conditions. Do not 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.
• Ground fault circuit interrupter. Always use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
extension cord (or outlet, if generator is equipped) in damp or highly electrical conductive areas and on
construction jobsites to prevent electrical shock.
• Electrical cords. Use only UL-listed, outdoor-rated, three prong extension cords of the proper size. All
extension and appliance cords must be in good condition and not worn, bare, frayed, or otherwise
damaged. Use of inadequate or damaged electric cords can cause electric shock or fire.
• Avoid contact. Avoid contact with bare wires, terminals, connections, etc. while the unit is running.
• Electric shock accident. If an electric shock accident occurs, immediately shut down the source of
electrical power. If this is not possible, attempt to free the victim from the live conductor. Avoid direct