Firman ECO1500 User manual

Premium series:
ECO1500
OWNER’S MANUAL
®
Read all safety precautions and instructions carefully
before operating equipment.
Ensure engine is stopped and level before performing
any maintenance or service.
IMPORTANT:
Record product information to reference when ordering parts or
obtaining warranty coverage.
Specification:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
www.firmangenerators.com
PORTABLE GENERATOR

NOTE:
[CAUTION]
WARNING
Do not operate the generator before you have read and understood the instructions.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
The generator is designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according
to instructions.
Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury, loss of life and equipment damage if
instructions are not followed.
Indicates a possibility of personal injury, or equipment damage if instructions are not followed.
Gives helpful information.
If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about the generator, consult a dealer
selling FIRMAN generators.
Thank you for purchasing a FIRMAN generator.
This manual covers operation and maintenance of the FIRMAN generators. All information in this
publication is based on the latest production information available at the time of approval for
printing.
Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words:
WARNING
Page 01

Safe Operation Checklist
Safe operation of the portable generator requires the completion of the following tasks:
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarm(s) in working order.
Smoke Alarm
Smoke alarm (s) in working order.
Generator Location
Generator placed in a Carbon Monoxide (CO) safe zone. See Generator Location to
reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
Generator placed in a fire safe zone. See Generator Location to reduce the Risk of
Generator located on flat and level surface.
Oil and Fuel
Engine filled to proper oil level. See Add Engine Oil.
Fuel tank filled at or below baffle. See Add Fuel
.
Inspect fuel lines, tank, cap and fittings each time before using generator. DO NOT
use if fuel leak or damage is found.
Electrical
When connecting to a buildings electrical system, install listed transfer equipment.
See Connecting to a Building Electrical System.
Electrical cords are rated for intended loads. See Cord Sets and Receptacles.
Electrical cords do not run through doorways, windows, holes in ceilings, walls or
Inspect electrical cords thoroughly before each use. DO NOT use if damaged.
All labeled electrical cord safeties are understood and being followed.
Operation
Start engine. See Starting the Engine.
Fire.
floors.
Page 02

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................................................................04
2. SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................08
3. COMPONENTS............................................................................................09
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS............................................................................10
5. OPERATING PROCEDURES...........................................................................13
6. SERVICING THE GENERATOR.......................................................................16
7. “HOW-TO” MAINTENANCE...........................................................................17
8. PREPARATION FOR STORAGE.......................................................................20
9. TROUBLE SHOOTING...................................................................................21
10. WARRANTY..................................................................................................22
Table of Contents
Page 03

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Page 04
WARNING
POISONOUS GAS HAZARD.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that could
kill you in minutes. You CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it. Even if you do
not smell exhaust fumes, you could still be exposed to carbon monoxide
gas.
Operate this product ONLY outside far away from windows, doors and vents to reduce
the risk of carbon monoxide gas from accumulating and potentially being drawn
towards occupied spaces.
•
•Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in carbon monoxide alarms
with battery back-up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Smoke alarms
cannot detect carbon monoxide gas.
•DO NOT run this product inside homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces, sheds, or
other partially-enclosed spaces even if using fans or opening doors and windows for
ventilation. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these spaces and can linger for
hours, even after this product has shut off.
•ALWAYS place this product downwind and point the engine exhaust away from
occupied spaces. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using this product, shut
it off and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide
poisoning.

WARNING
Page 05
Starter cord kickback (rapid retraction) will pull hand and arm toward
engine faster than you can let go which could cause broken bones,
fractures, bruises, or sprains resulting in serious injury.
When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt and then pull rapidly to
avoid kickback.
•
•NEVER start or stop engine with electrical devices plugged in and turned on.
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive
which could cause burns, fire, or explosion resulting in death
or serious injury.
WHEN ADDING OR DRAINING FUEL
Turn generator engine OFF and let it cool at least 2 minutes before removing fuel cap.
Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tank.• Fill or drain fuel tank outdoors.
•
•DO NOT overfill tank. Allow space for fuel expansion
If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
•Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if
necessary.
DO NOT light a cigarette or smoke.
•
•
•
WHEN STARTING EQUIPMENT
Ensure spark plug, muffler, fuel cap, and air cleaner are in place.
•DO NOT crank engine with spark plug removed.
•
WHEN OPERATING EQUIPMENT
DO NOT operate this product inside any building, carport, porch, mobile equipment,
marine applications, or enclosure.
•
DO NOT tip engine or equipment at angle which causes fuel to spill.
DO NOT stop engine by moving choke control to “Choke” position ( )
•
•
WHEN TRANSPORTING, MOVING OR REPAIRING EQUIPMENT
Transport/move/repair with fuel tank EMPTY or with fuel shutoff valve OFF.
•
•DO NOT tip engine or equipment at angle which causes fuel to spill.
Disconnect spark plug wire.
•
WHEN STORING FUEL OR EQUIPMENT WITH FUEL IN TANK
•Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, or other appliances
that have pilot light or other ignition source because they could ignite fuel vapors.

Page 06
WARNING
This generator does not meet U. S. Coast Guard Regulation 33CFR-183 and should not
be used on marine applications.
•
•Failure to use the appropriate U. S. Coast Guard approved generator could result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
Generator voltage could cause electrical shock or burn resulting in death
or serious injury.
Use listed transfer equipment, suitable for the intended use, to prevent backfeed by
isolating generator from electric utility workers.
When using generator for backup power, notify utility company.
Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in any damp or highly conductive area,
such as metal decking or steel work
DO NOT touch bare wires or receptacles.
DO NOT use generator with electrical cords which are worn, frayed, bare or otherwise
damaged.
DO NOT operate generator in the rain or wet weather.
DO NOT handle generator or electrical cords while standing in water, while barefoot,
or while hands or feet are wet.
DO NOT allow unqualified persons or children to operate or service generator.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
WARNING
Exhaust heat/gases could ignite combustibles, structures or
damage fuel tank causing a fire, resulting in death or serious
injury.
Contact with muffler area could cause burns resulting in
serious injury.
DO NOT touch hot parts and AVOID hot exhaust gases.
Allow equipment to cool before touching.
Keep at least 5 feet (1.5 m) of clearance on all sides of generator including overhead.
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code, Section 4442, to use or operate the
engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester, as defined in Section 4442, maintained in
effective working order. Other states or federal jurisdictions may have similar laws.
Contact the original equipment manufacturer, retailer, or dealer to obtain a spark
arrester designed for the exhaust system installed on this engine.
Replacement parts must be the same and installed in the same position as the original
parts.
•
•
•
•
•

Page 07
WARNING
Unintentional sparking could cause fire or electric shock resulting in death
or serious injury.
WHEN ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS TO YOUR GENERATOR
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and place the wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.
•
WHEN TESTING FOR ENGINE SPARK
Use approved spark plug tester.
•DO NOT check for spark with spark plug removed.
•
WARNING
Starter and other rotating parts could entangle hands, hair, clothing, or
accessories resulting in serious injury.
NEVER operate generator without protective housing or covers.
DO NOT wear loose clothing, jewelry or anything that could be caught in the starter
or other rotating parts.
Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.
•
•
•
[CAUTION]
Excessively high operating speeds could result in minor injury.
Excessively low operating speeds impose a heavy load.
DO NOT tamper with governor spring, links or other parts to increase engine speed.
Generator supplies correct rated frequency and voltage when running at governed speed.
DO NOT modify generator in any way.
•
•
NOTE:
DO NOT exceed the generator’s wattage/amperage capacity.
Start generator and let engine stabilize before connecting electrical loads.
Connect electrical loads in OFF position, then turn ON for operation.
Turn electrical loads OFF and disconnect from generator before stopping generator.
Use generator only for intended uses.
If you have questions about intended use, ask dealer or contact local service center.
Operate generator only on level surfaces.
DO NOT expose generator to excessive moisture, dust, dirt, or corrosive vapors.
DO NOT insert any objects through cooling slots.
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.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

120V
152F
57.2 lbs
17.3 X 14.1 X 13.9 in.
Rated AC Voltage
Phase
Power Factor
Engine Model
Engine Type
Voltage regulator
Generator
Model ECO 1500
1200Watts@60Hz
Capacity
Single Phase
1
Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke OHV Air Cooled
Displacement
Maximum output
Ignition System
Starting System
Fuel
Capacity Fuel Tank
79.8cc
Breakless Ignition Type, Flywheel Magneto
Unleaded Automotive Gasoline
Recoil
1.5 Gallon
13 oz
Lubricating Oil
Capacity
Counter Clockwise (Facing P.T.O.)
Float
Brushless
Polyurethane Type
Carburetor Type
Air Cleaner
Alternator Type
P.T.O. shaft rotation
Dime- nsion
L X W X H
Dry Weight
Engine
Page 08
2.4HP
2 . SPECIFICATIONS
Running Watts
Starting Watts 1500Watts@60Hz

1. DC SOCKET
2. AC SOCKET
3. FUEL GAUGE
4. CIRCUIT BREAKER
5. FUEL TANK CAP
6. ENGINE SWITCH
7. FUEL VALVE
8. CHOKE LEVER
9. RECOIL STARTER
10. AIR CLEANER
11. OIL ALARM LAMP
12. OIL DRAIN PLUG
13. OIL FILLER CAP
14. GROUND TERMINAL
15. MUFFLER
16. FUEL TANK
17. SPARK ARRESTER
3. COMPONENTS
Page 09
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1213
14
15
16
17
11

Page 10
4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS
CHECK ENGINE OIL
Remove oil filter cap and check the engine
oil level.
Oil capacity:
Model................Upper level
ECO1500................13 oz
Change oil if contaminated. (See “HOW-TO”
MAINTENANCE)
If oil level is below the lower level line, refill
with suitable oil (see table below) to upper
level line. Do not screw in the oil filler cap
when checking oil level.
Multigrade
Ambient -20 -10
0
10
20
30
40
-4
14
32
50
68
86
104
5W
10W
20W
#20
#30
#40
10W-30
10W-40
Single grade
C
F
Before checking or refilling oil, be sure the
generator is put on a stable and level surface
with engine stopped.
temperature

Check fuel level at fuel gauge.
CHECKING COMPONENTS
Do not refuel while smoking or near open flame or other such potential fire hazards.
Otherwise a fire accident could occur.
If fuel level is low, refill with unleaded automotive gasoline.
Fuel tank capacity:
ECO1500........................1.5 Gallon
Make sure you review each warning in order to prevent fire hazard.
EMPTY
FULL
Fuel leakage from fuel hose etc. ,
Tighten any loose bolts or nuts.
Check components for damage or breakage.
Check following items before starting engine:
Do not refill tank while engine is running or hot.
Close fuel valve before refueling with fuel.
Be careful not to admit dust, dirt, water or other foreign objects into fuel
Wipe off spilt fuel thoroughly before starting engine.
Keep away from open flames.
Be sure to use the fuel filter screen on the fuel filter neck.
CHECK ENGINE FUEL
WARNING
Page 11
WARNING
Fuel must meet these requirements:
•Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
Octane rating of 86(R+M)/2 or higher.
Research Octane Number(RON)91
octane minimum.
Gasoline up to 10% ethyl alcohol,90%
unleaded is acceptable.
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether(MTBE) and
unleaded gasoline blend(max 15%
MTBE by volume)are approved.
Do not add oil to gasoline.
Do not overfill fuel tank.
Do not use gasoline older than 30 days.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NOTE: E15,E20 and E85 are NOT approved and should NOT be used, effects of old, stale
or contaminated fuel are not warrantable.

CHECKING GENERATOR SURROUNDINGS
Make sure you review each warning in order to prevent fire hazard.
Keep area clear of inflammables or other hazardous materials.
Keep generator at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from buildings or other structures.
Only operate generator in a dry, well ventilated area.
Keep exhaust pipe clear of foreign objects.
Keep generator away from open flame.
Keep generator on a stable and level surface.
Do not block generator air vents with paper or other material.
Page 12
WARNING
CHECKING GROUND TERMINAL
The ground terminal is used to assist in properly grounding the generator to help protect
against electrical shock. Consult with a local electrician for grounding requirements in
your area.
THERE IS A PERMANENT CONDUCTOR BETWEEN THE GENERATOR (STATOR WINDING)
AND THE FRAME.
Make sure the generator place flat on the ground.
Keep the generator at least 1 meter (3 feet) away
from any structure or building during use.

STARTING THE ENGINE
5. OPERATING PROCEDURES
(a) Check the AC circuit breaker. Make sure the
circuit breaker is in the ON position.
(b) Open the fuel switch to ON position.
(c)Set the choke lever to the "CHOKE”
(arrow mark)position.
Not necessary if the engine is warm.
Page 13
(d) Turn the engine switch to the
“ON” position.
ON
OFF
(e) Pull the starter handle slowly until
resistance is felt. This is the "Compression"
point.Return the handle to its original
position and pull swiftly. Do not fully pull
out the rope. After starting, allow the starter
return to its original position while still
holding the handle. If the engine fails to
start after several attempts, repeat above
procedures with choke lever returned
"CHOKE" position.
(f) Move the choke lever to the “Run” position.
Circuit Breaker
ON
OFF

USING ELECTRIC POWER
Be sure to ground the generator if the connected electrical equipment is grounded.
NOTE:
(a) Let the engine stabilize and warm up for a few minutes after starting
(b) Plug in and turn on the desired 120 Volt AC single phase, 60 Hz electrical loads.
When the circuit breaker or no-fuse breaker turns off during operation, the generator is
overloaded or the appliance is defective.
Stop the generator immediately, check the appliance and /or generator for overloading
or defect and repair as necessary.
Page 14
DO NOT connect 3-phase loads to the generator.
DO NOT connect 50 Hz loads to the generator.
Connecting a generator to your electric utility company’s power lines or to another power
source may be against the law. In addition this action, if done incorrectly, could damage
your generator and appliances and could cause serious injury or even death to you or a
utility worker who may be working on nearby power lines. If you plan to run a portable
electric generator during an outage, please notify your electric utility company
immediately and remember to plug your appliances directly into the generator. Do not
plug the generator into any electric outlet in your home. Doing so could create a
connection to the utility company power lines. You are responsible for ensuring that your
generator’s electricity does not feed back into the electric utility power lines. If the
generator will be connected to a building electrical system, consult your local utility
company or a qualified electrician. Connections must isolate generator power from utility
power and must comply with all applicable laws and codes.

STOPPING THE GENERATOR
(a) Turn off and unplug all electrical loads. Never start
or stop the generator with electrical devices plugged
in or turned on.
(b) Let the generator run at no-load for several minutes
to stabilize internal temperatures of the engine and
generator.
( c) Turn the Fuel Valve to the “OFF” position.
(d) Let the engine run until fuel starvation has stopped
the engine. This usually takes a few minutes.
Page 15
ON
OFF
(e) Press the engine switch to the “OFF” position. ON
OFF

6. SERVICING THE GENERATOR
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The electrical safety may only be checked by personnel authorized for this task.
SERVICING WORK
CHECKING ELECTRICAL SAFETY
● Check the air cleaner
● Check oil level and refill to the upper level before
starting the engine.
● Check all the points indicated in "PRE-OPERATION
CHECKS".
● Clean and wash air-cleaner element.
More often if used in dirty or dusty environments.
● Change engine oil.(The initial oil change must be
conducted after the 25 hours operation.)
● Check spark plug, and clean and adjust if necessary.
● Check and clean the fuel shut-off valve.
● Replace air-cleaner element.
○ Decarbonize cylinder head, valves and piston.
○ Check and replace carbon brushes.
● Replace spark plug.
○ Inspect control panel components.
○ Check rotor and stator.
300 hours or
every year
100 hours
50 hours(Weekly)
Daily
Servicing work should only be carried out by personnel qualified for this purpose.
All the works listed in the service plan are to be carried out in accordance with the
operating and service instructions for the motor.
We recommend that these works be carried out by an authorized service station.
NOTE:
Initial oil change should performed after first 5 hours of use. There after change oil every 50
hours. Before changing oil, check for a suitable way to dispose of the old oil. Do not pour it
down into sewage drains, onto garden soil or into open streams. Your local zoning
environmental regulations will give you more detailed instructions on proper disposal.
Items marked with a “O” required advanced skill and tools, so they should be done by the
distributor.
Page 16

7. "HOW-TO" MAINTENANCE
ENGINE OIL CHANGE
SERVICING THE AIR CLEANER
Change engine oil every 50 hours.
(for a new engine, change oil after 5 hours.)
(a) Drain oil by removing the drain plug and
the oil filler cap while the engine is warm.
Please use a container to dump the
used oil for protecting the environment.
(b) Reinstall the drain plug and fill the engine
with oil until it reaches the upper level on the
oil filler cap.
Use fresh and high quality lubricating oil to the specified quantity.
If contaminated or deteriorated oil is used or the quantity of the engine oil is not
sufficient, the engine damage will result and its life will be greatly shortened.
Always keep the element clean.
(a) Take out the air cleaner, clean it well
in kerosene and dry it.
(b) After wetting the element by clean
engine oil squeeze it tight by hand.
(c) Lastly, put the element in the case
and install it securely.
Maintaining an air cleaner in proper
condition is very important. Dirt induced
through improperly installed, improperly
serviced, or inadequate elements
damages and wears out engines.
Page 17
NOTE:

CLEANING AND ADJUSTING THE SPARK PLUG
CLEANING FUEL STRAINER
(a) If the plug is contaminated with carbon,
using a plug cleaner and wire brush.
(b) Adjust the electrode gap to 0.7 to
0.8 mm (0.028” to 0.031”).
SPARK PLUG: TORCH F6RTC equivalent.
Dirt and water in the fuel are removed
by the fuel strainer.
(a) Remove the strainer cup and throw
away water and dirt.
(b) Clean the screens and strainer cup
with gasoline.
(c) Tightly fasten the cup to main body,
making sure to avoid fuel leak.
Page 18
BODY
SCREEN 2
GASKET
CUP
SCREEN 1

Page 19
Inspect Muffler and Spark Arrester
Inspect the muffler for cracks, corrosion, or other damage. Remove the spark arrester, if
equipped, and inspect for damage or carbon blockage. If replacement parts are required,
make sure to use only original equipment replacement parts.
• DO NOT touch hot parts and AVOID hot exhaust gases.
• Allow equipment to cool before touching.
• Replacement parts must be the same and installed in the same position as the original parts.
Exhaust heat/gases could ignite combustibles, structures or damage
fuel tank causing a fire, resulting in death or serious injury.
Contact with muffler area could cause burns resulting in serious injury.
• Keep at least 5 feet (1.5 m) of clearance on all sides of generator including overhead.
• Contact the original equipment manufacturer, retailer, or dealer to obtain a spark arrester
designed for the exhaust system installed on this engine.
Clean or replace spark arrester as follows:
WARNING
1. Allow the engine to cool completely before servicing the spark arrester.
2. Remove the two screws holding the cover plate which retains the end of the spark
arrester to the muffler.
3. Remove the spark arrester screen.
4. Carefully remove the carbon deposits from the spark arrester screen with a wire brush.
5. Replace the spark arrester if it is damaged.
6. Position the spark arrester in the muffler and attach with the two screws.
Failure to clean the spark arrester will result in degraded engine performance.
[CAUTION]