Briggs & Stratton 30000 Series Installation and operation manual

Installation & Start-Up Manual
30000 Series
Liquid-Cooled
Home Generator System
Manual No. 205052GS Rev. A (01/08/2008)

Thank you for purchasing this quality-built Briggs & Stratton home generator. We’re pleased that you’ve placed your
confidence in the Briggs & Stratton brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in the operator’s
manual, your Briggs & Stratton home generator will provide many years of dependable service.
This manual contains safety information to make you aware of the hazards and risks associated with home generator systems
and how to avoid them. This home generator system is designed and intended only for use as an optional home standby
system that provides an alternate source of electric power and to serve loads such as heating, refrigeration systems, and
communication systems that, when stopped during any power outage, could cause discomfort or inconvenience. This product
is not intended for any other purpose and does not qualify for emergency standby as defined by NFPA 70 (NEC).
This home generator requires professional installation before use. This installation manual provides full information. Follow
the instructions completely. Save these instructions for future reference.
Where to Find Us
You never have to look far to find Briggs & Stratton support and service for your generator. Consult your Yellow Pages.
There are thousands of Briggs & Stratton authorized service dealers worldwide who provide quality service. You can
also contact Briggs & Stratton Customer Service by phone at [phone], or use the Service Center Locator at
BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM, which provides a list of Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealers.
Date of Purchase
Generator
Model Number
Model Revision
Serial Number
Engine
Model Number
Serial Number
Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC
900 North Parkway
Jefferson, WI 53549
Copyright © 2008 Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC.
All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form by any means without the express written
permission of Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC.

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3
Table of Contents
SafetyRules...................................4
Installation....................................7
InstallerResponsibilities .......................................7
DeliveryInspection............................................7
ShipmentContents............................................7
HomeGeneratorLocation......................................8
AccessDoors...............................................10
TheGaseousFuelSystem.....................................10
FuelConsumption ...........................................12
SystemConnectors..........................................13
GroundingtheGenerator......................................14
UtilityCircuitConnection......................................14
SystemControlPanel.........................................15
Final Installation Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
FuelSupplySystem..........................................16
InitialStart-up(NoLoad)......................................16
FuelConversion.............................................16
Schematic/WiringDiagram ....................................18
Controls..................................... 19
Operation.................................... 19
Automatic Operation Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
SettingExerciseTimer........................................19
InstallationInspection........................................19

4 BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM
Safety Rules
The safety alert symbol ( ) is used with a signal word
(DANGER, CAUTION, WARNING), a pictorial and/or a safety
message to alert you to hazards. DANGER indicates a hazard
which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury. CAUTION indicates a hazard
which, if not avoided, might result in minor or moderate
injury. NOTICE indicates a situation that could result in
equipment damage. Follow safety messages to avoid or
reduce the risk of injury or death.
This manual contains installation, startup and adjustment
instructions for a home generator that supplies 120/240 Volt,
single phase, 60Hz devices. The home generator may be
operated on LP vapor or natural gas fuel. Separate engine
and generator operator’s manuals are supplied that contain
operating and maintenance instructions for this system.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information
in this manual is both accurate and current. However, the
manufacturer reserves the right to change, alter or otherwise
improve the system at any time without prior notice.
Hazard Symbols and Meanings
WARNING
Storage batteries give off explosive hydrogen
gas during recharging.
Slightest spark will ignite hydrogen and cause
explosion.
Battery electrolyte fluid contains acid and is
extremely caustic.
Contact with battery contents will cause severe
chemical burns.
A battery presents a risk of electrical shock and
high short circuit current.
DO NOT dispose of battery in a fire.
DO NOT allow any open flame, spark, heat, or lit cigarette
during and for several minutes after charging a battery.
DO NOT open or mutilate the battery.
Wear protective goggles, rubber apron, and rubber
gloves.
Remove watches, rings, or other metal objects.
Use tools with insulated handles.
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WARNING
Running engine gives off carbon monoxide, an
odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause
headache, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting,
confusion, seizures, nausea, fainting or death.
Operate generator ONLY outdoors.
Install a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm near
the bedrooms.
Keep exhaust gas from entering a confined area through
windows, doors, ventilation intakes, or other openings.
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WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
Save These Instructions
Explosion Fire Electrical Shock
Rotating Parts Hot Surface Toxic Fumes
Chemical BurnExplosive PressureAuto Start
Lift Hazard Read Manual

5
WARNING
Generator produces hazardous voltage.
Failure to properly ground generator can result
in electrocution.
Failure to isolate generator from power utility
can result in death or injury to electric utility
workers due to backfeed of electrical energy.
When using generator for backup power, notify utility
company.
DO NOT touch bare wires or receptacles.
DO NOT handle generator or electrical cords while
standing in water, while barefoot, or while hands or feet
are wet.
If you must work around a unit while it is operating,
stand on an insulated dry surface to reduce shock
hazard.
DO NOT allow unqualified persons or children to operate
or service generator.
In case of an accident caused by electrical shock,
immediately shut down the source of electrical power
and contact the local authorities. Avoid direct contact
with the victim.
Despite the safe design of the home generator, operating
this equipment imprudently, neglecting its maintenance
or being careless can cause possible injury or death.
Remain alert at all times while working on this
equipment. Never work on the equipment when you are
physically or mentally fatigued.
Before performing any maintenance on the generator,
disconnect the battery cable indicated by a NEGATIVE,
NEG or (-) first. When finished, reconnect that cable last.
After your home generator is installed, the generator
may crank and start without warning any time there is
a power failure. To prevent possible injury, always set
the generator’s system switch to OFF AND remove the
15 Amp fuse BEFORE working on the equipment.
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WARNING
Propane and Natural Gas are extremely
flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or
death.
Install the fuel supply system according to applicable
fuel-gas codes.
Before placing the home generator into service, the fuel
system lines must be properly purged and leak tested.
After the generator is installed, you should inspect the
fuel system periodically.
NO leakage is permitted.
DO NOT operate engine if smell of fuel is present or other
explosive conditions exist.
DO NOT smoke around the generator. Wipe up any oil
spills immediately. Ensure that no combustible materials
are left in the generator compartment. Keep the area near
the generator clean and free of debris.
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WARNING
Hazardous Voltage
Contact with power lines can cause electric
shock or burn.
Lifting Hazard / Heavy Object
Can cause muscle strain or back injury.
DO NOT contact any power lines when using required
lifting/hoisting equipment.
DO NOT lift or move generator without assistance.
Use lifting pipes or straps as described in Lifting the
Generator. The unit may shift during movement, which
can cause injury.
DO NOT lift unit by roof as damage to generator will
occur.
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6 BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM
WARNING
Contact with muffler area can result in serious
burns.
Exhaust heat/gases can ignite combustibles or
structures causing a fire.
DO NOT touch hot parts and AVOID hot exhaust gases.
Allow equipment to cool before touching.
DO NOT install the generator closer than 5 feet (1.5m)
from any combustibles or structures with combustible
walls having a fire resistance rating of less than 1 hour.
Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 36 Parks, Forests,
and Public Property require equipment powered by an
internal combustion engine to have a spark arrester,
maintained in effective working order, complying to
USDA Forest service standard 5100-1C or later revision.
In the State of California a spark arrester is required
under section 4442 of the California Public resources
code. Other states may have similar laws.
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WARNING
Starter and other rotating parts can entangle
hands, hair, clothing, or accessories.
NEVER operate generator without protective housing or
covers.
DO NOT wear loose clothing, jewelry or anything that
may be caught in the starter or other rotating parts.
Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.
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CAUTION
Excessively high operating speeds increase risk of injury
and damage to generator.
Excessively low speeds impose a heavy load.
DO NOT tamper with governed speed. Generator supplies
correct rated frequency and voltage when running at
governed speed.
DO NOT modify generator in any way.
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NOTICE
Exceeding generators wattage/amperage capacity can
damage generator and/or electrical devices connected to
it.
See Essential Circuits in Operator’s manual.
Start generator and let engine stabilize before connecting
electrical loads.
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NOTICE
Improper treatment of generator can damage it and
shorten its life.
Use generator only for intended uses.
If you have questions about intended use, ask dealer or
contact Briggs and Stratton.
Operate generator only on level surfaces.
Adequate, unobstructed flow of cooling and ventilating
air is critical to correct generator operation.
The Coolant Fill, Battery and Control Panel doors must be
installed whenever the unit is running.
DO NOT expose generator to excessive moisture, dust,
dirt, or corrosive vapors.
Despite the safe design of the home generator, operating
this equipment imprudently, neglecting its maintenance or
being careless can cause possible injury or death.
DO NOT start engine with air cleaner or air cleaner cover
removed.
DO NOT insert any objects through cooling slots.
DO NOT use the generator or any of its parts as a step.
Stepping on the unit can cause stress and break parts.
This may result in dangerous operating conditions from
leaking exhaust gases, fuel leakage, oil leakage, etc.
If connected devices overheat, turn them off and
disconnect them from generator.
Shut off generator if:
-electrical output is lost;
-equipment sparks, smokes, or emits flames;
-unit vibrates excessively.
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7
Installation
Equipment Description
This product is intended for use as an optional home
generator system which provides an alternate source
of electric power and to serve loads such as heating,
refrigeration systems, and communication systems that,
when stopped during any power outage, could cause
discomfort or inconvenience. This product does not qualify
for emergency standby as defined by NFPA 70 (NEC).
Customer Responsibilities
• Read and follow the instructions given in the Operator’s
Manual, especially the section regarding selecting
essential circuits.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your home generator, as specified in the
Operator’s Manual.
Installer Responsibilities
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Install only an UL approved transfer switches that is
compatible with the home generator.
• Read and follow the instructions given in this
Installation and Start-up Manual.
IMPORTANT: The system is equipped with a water heater
that is activated when ambient temperature is less than 80°F
AND utility power is present at the transfer switch.
Unpacking Precautions
The unit is shipped ready for installation on a prepared
reinforced cement slab or engineered base. Avoid damage
from dropping, bumping, collision, etc. Store and unpack
carton with the proper side up, as noted on the shipping
carton.
Delivery Inspection
After removing the carton, carefully inspect the home
generator for any damage that may have occurred during
shipment.
IMPORTANT: If loss or damage is noted at time of delivery,
have the person(s) making delivery note all damage on the
freight bill and affix his signature under the consignor’s
memo of loss or damage. If loss or damage is noted after
delivery, separate the damaged materials and contact the
carrier for claim procedures. Missing or damaged parts are
not warranted.
Shipment Contents
The home generator system is supplied with:
• Home generator
• Fully-serviced coolant system
• Fully-serviced oil/lubricating system
• UL569/CSA8.3-listed flexible fuel hook-up
• Installation and start-up manual
• Operator’s manual
• Engine operator’s manual
• Installation checklist
• Two access door keys
• One spare 15A fuse
• 10 Pole control panel connector
• Remote LED indicator kit (red LED/plate/screws)
Not Supplied:
• 650 CCA starting battery (NOT deep-cycle)
• Connecting wire and conduit
• Fuel supply valves/plumbing
Required Specialty Tools/Equipment
• Two 60” lengths of 2” Schedule 40 pipe (NOT conduit)
• Lifting straps, chains or cables
• Hole punches for 7 ga steel
• Torque screwdriver, 5 to 50 inch-pound range
• Ignition Timing Light
• Air Fuel Ratio Meter (O2 Sensor and Analyzer)

8 BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM
Home Generator Location
Before installing generator, consult with homeowner and convey
the following guidelines which may affect the desired location.
WARNING
Exhaust heat / gasses can ignite combustibles
or structures causing a fire.
DO NOT install the generator closer than 5 feet (1.5m)
from any combustibles or structures with combustible
walls having a fire resistance rating of less than 1 hour.
•
Generator Location
Install generator outdoors in an area which will not
accumulate deadly exhaust gas. DO NOT install generator
where exhaust gas could accumulate and enter inside or be
drawn into a potentially occupied building. Ensure exhaust
gas is kept away from any windows, doors, ventilation intakes
or other openings that can allow exhaust gas to collect in a
confined area. Prevailing winds and air currents should be
taken into consideration when positioning generator.
WARNING
Running engine gives off carbon monoxide, an
odorless, colorless, poison gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can cause
headache, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting,
confusion, seizures, nausea, fainting, or death.
Operate generator ONLY outdoors.
Install a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm near
the bedrooms.
Keep exhaust gas from entering a confined area through
windows, doors, ventilation intakes, or other openings.
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General Location Guidelines
• Install the unit outdoors ONLY.
• Place the unit on a prepared concrete slab that is flat,
level, and has provisions for water drainage.
• Install the unit in a location where sump pump
discharge, rain gutter down spouts, roof run-off,
landscape irrigation, or water sprinklers will not flood
the unit or spray the enclosure and enter any air inlet or
outlet openings.
• Install the unit where the location of any services such
as phone, electrical, fuel, air conditioning, irrigation,
including covered, concealed and underground services
will not be affected or obstructed.
• Install the unit where air inlet and outlet openings will
not become obstructed by leaves, grass, snow, etc. If
prevailing winds will cause blowing or drifting, you may
need to construct a windbreak to protect the unit.
• Install the generator as close as possible to the transfer
switch and fuel supply to reduce the length of wiring,
conduit, and piping.
IMPORTANT: Laws or local codes may regulate the distance
to the fuel supply.
The Minimum clearances from aerial view of generator (A) to
combustible (C, D) materials is shown below.
• These distances are provided to give generator location
guidance relative ONLY to combustibles, generator
cooling, and maintenance.
• The minimum distances in the figure are as shown.
All four sides of the generator cannot be enclosed
or restricted, even if the minimum distances are
maintained. DO NOT connect (C) to (D)
• A roof cannot be used.
• Exhaust (B) is directed out the top of the generator and
must not be allowed to accumulate.
A Home Standby Generator
B Engine Exhaust (exits vertically from enclosure)
C Combustible Material or Structure with a Fire
Resistance Rating of less than 1 hour.
D Any structure or material. DO NOT connect (C) to (D).
A
D
C
D
B
5’ (1.5m)
5’ (1.5m) 5’ (1.5m)
5’ (1.5m)

9
Concrete Slab
At the appropriate location, construct a concrete slab (28 day
compression strength of 3000 psi (200 MPa)) minimum
5 inches thick and 6 inches wider than the enclosure on
all sides. Strengthen slab with No. 6 reinforcing bars (on
12” centers) or 8 ga. steel wire fabric (6” centers). Avoid
placing reinforcement in entrance stub-up area.
Attach unit to slab with 5/16” diameter (minimum) masonry
anchor bolts long enough to retain the unit.
Electrical and Fuel Inlet Locations
A through-slab power cable stub-up is preferred (see above).
If stub-up’s are not used, (A) indicates the recommended
location for punching holes for attaching power conduit. The
fuel inlet connector (B) is shown for reference.
Lifting the Generator
The generator weighs more than 1,700 pounds. Proper tools,
equipment and qualified personnel should be used in all
phases of handling and moving the generator.
WARNING
Hazardous Voltage
Contact with power lines can cause electric
shock or burn.
Lifting Hazard / Heavy Object
Can cause muscle strain or back injury.
DO NOT contact any power lines when using required
lifting/hoisting equipment.
DO NOT lift or move generator without assistance.
Use lifting pipes or straps as described in Lifting the
Generator. The unit may shift during movement, which
can cause injury.
DO NOT lift unit by roof as damage to generator will
occur.
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Two 60” lengths of 2” Schedule 40 pipe (B), supplied by the
installer, are required to lift the generator onto cement pad.
Insert pipes through the lifting holes (A) located near the
unit’s base.
Use a spreader bar to ensure that the chains, straps or
cables DO NOT touch the generator’s roof.
B
A
49”
14.25”
94”
78”
38”
9.5”
7” 7.38”
34.25”
10.5”
8”
Power Cable
Stub-in
location
Fuel Inlet
Port
Enclosure
Base
Slab Top VIew
Exhaust
Opening
(shown for
reference)
Anchor bolt
position
(4 places)
B
A
1” Female NPT

10 BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM
Access Doors
The home generator is equipped with an enclosure that has
three access doors, as shown above. The doors are named
for a significant component located behind them, as follows:
A Fuel Inlet port (shown for reference)
B Control Panel door
C Exhaust opening (shown for reference)
D Coolant Fill door
E Battery door
F Exhaust door (shown for reference)
WARNING
Contact with muffler area can result in serious
burns.
DO NOT touch hot parts and AVOID hot exhaust gases.
Allow equipment to cool before touching.
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The Coolant Fill, Battery and Control Panel doors must be
installed whenever the unit is running.
Each home generator is equipped with two identical keys.
These keys fit the locks that secure the access doors.
To Open an Access Door:
1. Insert key into lock of access door handle you wish
to open and turn one quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove key. Handle will remain unlocked until you re-
lock it.
2. Grasp door’s handle and turn one quarter turn
counterclockwise to open.
3. Coolant Fill door is unlocked in the same manner. It can
be used for adding coolant or oil.
To Close an Access Door:
1. Close door and turn handle one quarter turn clockwise.
2. Insert key into lock in handle and turn one quarter turn
clockwise. Remove key.
The Gaseous Fuel System
WARNING
Propane and Natural Gas are extremely
flammable and explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or
death.
LP gas is heavier than air and will settle in low areas.
Natural gas is lighter than air and will collect in high
areas.
The slightest spark can ignite these fuels and cause an
explosion.
DO NOT light a cigarette or smoke.
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The information provided below is to assist gaseous fuel
system technicians in planning installations. In no way
should this information be interpreted to conflict with
applicable fuel gas codes. Consult with your local fuel
supplier or Fire Marshall if questions or problems arise.
TO THE INSTALLER: Consult with the home generator
owner(s) and convey any technical considerations that might
affect their installation plans before applying these general
guidelines.
The following general rules apply to gaseous fuel system
piping:
• The piping should be of a material that conforms to
federal and local codes, rigidly mounted and protected
against vibration.
• Piping should be protected from physical damage
where it passes through flower beds, shrub beds, and
other cultivated areas where damage could occur.
B
A
C
D
E
F