Generac Portable Products 1311-0 User manual

GEN RAC°I
Portable Products
Portable Generator Owner's Manual
Model No. 1311_0 (3000 Watt AC Generator) ManualNo. B4345 Revision 2 (07/09/2001)
Visit our Generac website: www.generac-portables.com
_This isthe safety alert symbol. It isused to alert you to potential personal injuryhazards.Obey allsafety messages
that follow this symbol to avoid possible injuryor death.

Generac Portable Products 3000 Watt Generator
EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION
This generator isan engine-driven, revolving field,
alternating current (AC) generator. It was designedto
supply electrical power for operating compatible electrical
lighting, appliances,tools and motor loads. This manual
contains informationfor a generator that operates
120Volt, single phase,60 Hz devicesthat require up to
3,000 watts (3.0 kW) of power that pull up to 25 Amps.
CAUTION! Do Not exceed the generator's
wattage/amperagecapacity.Add up the rated watts of all
devicesyou are connecting to generator receptacles at one
time. This total should not be greater than 3,000 watts. In
most casesrated watts of the electrical device can be
found on the device nameplate.If the device nameplate
givesonly volts and amps,multiply volts times amps to
obtain watts (volts X amps = watts).
The 3,000 watt portable generator hasthe following
features:
• 120Volt, 20 Amp duplex receptacle.
• Low Oit Shutdown: Automatically shuts down the engine
if oil drops below safeoperation level.
• The generator's revolving field is driven at about
3600 rpm by a Tecumseh 6 h.p. engine.
_CAUTION! Do Not tamper with engine
governed speed. High operating speedsare
dangerousand increaserisk of personal injuryor
damageto equipment. The generator supplies
correct rated frequency and voltage onty when
running at proper governed speed. Incorrect
frequency and/or voltage candamagesome
connected electrical loads.Operating at excessively
low speedsimposesa heavy load. When adequate
engine power isnot availableengine life may be
shortened.
The EmissionControl Systemfor this generator is
warranted for standardsset by the Environmental
Protection Agency.For warranty informationrefer to the
engine owner's manual.
SAFETY RULES
This generator set was designedand manufactured for
specific applications. Do Not attempt to modify the unit
or use it for anyapplication it was not designedfor. If you
haveany questions about your generator's application, ask
your dealer or consult the factory.
The manufacturer could not possibly anticipate every
circumstance that might involvea hazard. For that reason
warnings in the manualand warnings on tagsor decals
affixed to the unit are not all-inclusive. If you intendto
handle,operate or service the unit by a procedure or
method not specificallyrecommended by the manufacturer,
first make sure that such a procedure or method will not
render this equipment unsafeor pose a threat to you and
others.
Read this manual carefully and become familiar
with your generator set. Know its applications, its
limitations and any hazards involved.
_WARNING! You must isolatethe generator
from the electric utility using approved transfer
equipment if this unit isusedfor backup power.
Failure to isolate the generator from the
power utility may result in injury or death to
electric utility workers and damage to the
generator due to a backfeedof electrical energy.
Whenever the unit isproviding backup power, the
electric utility must be notified.
_hL DANGER! Generator exhaust gases contain
DEADLY carbon monoxide gas. If breathed in
sufficient concentrations, carbon monoxide
can cause unconsciousness or death. Operate
this equipment outdoors where adequate ventilation
is available.
I2

Generac Portable Products 3000 Watt Generator
• The generator produces a very powerful voltage that can
causeserious injuryor death by electrocution. Never
touch bare wires or receptacles. Never permit a child
or anyunqualified person to operate the generator.
•Never handle any kind of electrical cord or device while
standing in water, while barefoot or while hands or feet
are wet Death or serious injuryfrom electrocution may
result.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in anydamp
or highly conductive area (such as metal decking or steel
work).
•Never useworn, bare, frayed or otherwise damaged
electrical cords with the generator. Death, serious injury
and property damagefrom electrical shock may result.
•Gasoline is highly FLAMMABLE and its vapors
are EXPLOSIVE. Never allow smoking, open
flames, sparks or heat in the vicinity while
handling gasoline. Avoid spillinggasoline on a hot
engine.Comply with all laws regulating storage and
handling of gasoline.
•Do Not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow room for
fuel expansion. If tank is overfllled, fuel can overflow
onto ahot engine and cause a FIRE or an
EXPLOSION.
•Never store a generator with fuel in the tank where
gasolinevapors might reach an open flame, spark or pilot
light (as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer). FIRE
or an EXPLOSION may result.
• The unit requires an adequateflow of cooling air for its
continued proper operation. Never operate the unit
insideanyroom or enclosure where the free flow of
cooling air intoand out of the unit might be obstructed.
Allow at least2 feet of clearanceon all sides of generator,
evenwhile operating unit outdoors, or you could damage
the unit
•Never start, or stop the unit with electrical loads
connected to receptacles with the connected devices
turned ON. Start the engine and let it stabilize before
connecting anyelectrical loads. Disconnect all electrical
loads before shutting down the generator.
•Do Not insertanyobject through cooling slots of the
engine.You could damagethe unit or injureyourself.
•Never operate the generator:
in rain; in any enclosedcompartment;when connected
electricaldevicesoverheat; if electrical output islost;if
engine or generator sparks; ifflame or smoke is
observed while unit isrunning; ifunit vibrates
excessively.
GROUNDING THE
G EN ERATO R
The National ElectricalCode requires that the frame and
external electrically conductive parts of this generator be
properly connected to an approved earth ground. Local
electrical codes may also require proper grounding of the
unit For that purpose, a GROUNDING WING NUT is
provided on the generator end (Figure I).
Generally, connecting a No. 12AWG (American Wire
Gauge) stranded copper wire to the grounding wing nut
and to an earth-driven copper or brassgrounding rod
(electrode) provides adequate protection against electrical
shock. Be careful to keepthe grounding wire attached after
connecting the stranded copper wire. However, local codes
may vary widely. Consult with a local electrician for
grounding requirements in your area.
Properly grounding the generator helps prevent electrical
shock ifa ground fault condition exists inthe generator or
in connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps
dissipate static electricity, which often builds up in
ungrounded devices.
/3

GeneracPortableProducts3000WattGenerator
KNOW YOUR GENERATOR
Reacl this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your generator.
Compare the illustrationswith your generator to familiarize yourself with the locationsof various controls and
adjustments. Savethis manualfor future reference.
Oil FillTube FuelTank
Primer
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp,
Duplex Receptacle Circuit Breakers (AC) Grounding Wing Nut
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, Duplex Receptacle -- May be
usedto supply electrical power for the operation of
120Volt AC, 20 Amp, single phase,60 Hz electrical
lighting, appliance,tool and motor loads.
Circuit Breakers (AC) -- Eachreceptacle is provided
with a circuit breaker to protect the generator against
electrical overload. Breakers are "push to reset" type.
Fuel Tank -- Fill tank with regular unleadedgasoline only.
Grounding Wing Nut -- Provides a tie-point for
connecting the generator frame to earth ground.
Oil Fill Tube -- Fillengine with oil here. Seeengine
owners manualfor oil recommendations.
Primer -- Use to start a cold engine.Review the engine
owner's manualfor specific instructions.
/4

GeneracPortableProducts3000WattGenerator
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
Add Oil
CAUTION! Any attempt to crankor start the engine
before it hasbeen properly filled with the recommended
oil may result in an engine failure.
To fill your engine with oil:
•Place generator on a level surface.
• Clean area around oil fill and remove oil fill cap.
• Select the oil's viscosity grade and fill engine with oil
following the instructions given in the engine owner's
manual. Do Not overfill!
• Install oil fill cap.
NOTE: The generator's revolving field rides on a pre-
lubricated and sealed ball bearing that requires no
additional lubrication for the life of the bearing.
Add Gasoline
_hL ARNING! Never fill fuel tank indoors. Never
fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot. Allow
unit to cool for two minutes before refueling. Do
Not light a cigarette or smoke when filling the fuel
tank.
_hL WARNING! Do Not overfill the fuel tank.
Always allow room for fuel expansion.
• Use regular UNLEADED gasoline with the generator
engine. Do Not use premium gasoline. Do Not mix oil
with gasoline.
• Clean areaaround fuel fillcap, remove cap.
• Slowly add unleaded regular gasolineto fuel tank. Be
careful not to overfill. Allow tank spacefor fuel
e> ,anslon,asshown in Figure 2.
1/2" Air Space Tank
• Install fuel cap and wipe up any spilled gasoline.
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent gum deposits
from forming in essential fuel system parts such as the
carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose or tank during storage.
Also, experience indicates that alcohol-blended fuels (called
gasohol, ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which
leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
Acidic fuel can damage the fuel system of an engine while
in storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. See "Storage"
on page 9. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
/5

Generac Portable Products 3000 Watt Generator
OPERATING THE
GENERATOR
_CAUTION! Never start or stop the unit with
electrical loads connected to the receptacles AND
with the connected devicesturned ON.
Cold Weather Operation
The engine isequipped with an anti-icing air cleaner which
enablesthe engine to run at temperatures below 32°F
(O°C),without iceforming in the carburetor.
The air cleaner basehasan opening which draws warm air
from the muffler into the air cleaner housing.To work
effectively,it isnecessaryto block cold air from entering
the air cleaner.
For temperatures below, 32°F (O°C),
•Remove the wingnut on the air cleaner cover.
• Remove the air cleaner cover from base.
• Remove baffle from insideof air cleaner cover.
• Insert baffle in "winter" position, asshown in Figure3.
Base
7
BaffleShown In
"Winter" Position
Paper Element
S Wing Nut
l
/IID i _II P°sIC_"_ AirClea!!rCover
Reinstallaircleanercoveronto base.
• Reinstall wing nut, tighten securely.
For temperatures above 32°F (0°C),
Follow above instructions,removing baffle from "winter"
position and reinstalling in "summer" position.
Temporary Weather Shelter
You can use the original shippingbox asa temporary
shelter for extremely cold weather:
• Cut off alt flaps
• Cut out one of the long sidesof the box to expose
exhaust side of unit. Ensurea minimum of two feet
clearance between open sideof box and nearest object
• Cut appropriate slots to accessreceptacles of unit.
•Start unit, then place box over it.
IMPORTANT: Remove shelter when temperature is
above 40°F [4°C].
For a more permanent shelter, build a structure that will
enclose three sidesand the top of the generator:
• Make sure entire muffler-side of generator isexposed, as
shown in Figure 4.
• Ensure a minimum of two feet clearance between open
side of box and nearest object.
• Face exposed end away from wind and elements.
• Enclosureshouldholdenough heatcreatedby the
generatorto preventproblems.
i6

Generac Portable Products 3000 Watt Generator
Starting the Engine
,_ WARNING! Never run engine indoorsor in
enclosed poorly ventilated areas. Engineexhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas.
_CAUTION! Temperature of muffler and nearby
areasmay exceed 150°F(65°C). Avoid these areas.
•Unplug all electrical loads from generator receptacles
before starting the engine.
• Make sure the unit isin a level position.
• Set the engine control switch to "Start."
• Pressprimer three (3) times wait about two (2) seconds
between eachpush. In cold weather (50°F/10°C or
below) push five(5) times.
• Grasp starter grip andpull slowly until you feel some
resistance. Then pull cord out with rapid full arm stroke.
Let rope return slowly. Do Not let rope "snap back"
againststarter.
NOTE: If engine fails to start after three (3) pulls, press
primer two (2) times and pull starter rope again.
Connecting Electrical Loads
• Let engine stabilize and warm up for a few minutes after
starting.
• Plug in and turn on the desired 120Volt AC, single
phase, 60 Hz electrical loads.
•Do Not connect 240 Volt loadsto the generator.
•Do Not connect 3-phaseloads to the generator.
•Do Not connect 50 Hz loads to the generators.
•DO NOT OVERLOAD THE GENERATOR. Add up
the rated watts (or amps) of alt loadsto be connected at
one time. This total should not be greater than the rated
wattage/amperagecapacity of the generator. See "Don't
Overload the Generator" on page8.
Stopping the Engine
• Unplug all electrical loads from generator panel
receptacles.Never start or stop engine with electrical
devices plugged in and turned on.
• Let engine run at no-load for several minutes to stabilize
the internaltemperatures of engine and generator.
• Move engine control switch to "Stop."
RECEPTACLES
120 Volt, 20 Amp Receptacles
Eachof these receptacles is protected againstoverload by
push-to-reset type circuit breakers. Use eachreceptacle to
operate 120Volt, 60 Hz, single phaseloads at 20 Amps of
current (Figure5).
,_ CAUTION! Although eachoutlet hasa rating of
120Volts at 20 Amps (up to 4,800 watts), the
generator isonly rated for 3,000 Watts. Powering
loads that exceed the wattage/amperagecapacity of
the generator can damageit or cause serious
injuries.
/7

Generac Portable Products 3000 Watt Generator
DON'T OVERLOAD THE
G EN ERATO R
Overloading a generator in excess of its rated wattage
capacity can result in damageto the generator and/or
connected electrical devices. Observe the following to
prevent overloading the unit:
• Add up the total wattage of allelectrical devicesto be
connected at one time. This total should NOT be
greater than the generator's wattage capacity.
• The rated wattage of lights can be takenfrom light bulbs.
The rated wattage of tools, appliancesand motors can
usually be found on a data plate or decal affixed to the
device.
• If the appliance,tool or motor does not givewattage,
multiply 120Volts times ampere rating to determine
watts (volts x amps = watts).
• Someelectric motors, such asinduction types, require
about three times more watts of power for starting than
for running. This surge of power lastsfor only a few
secondswhen starting such motors. Be sure you allow
for this high starting wattage when selectingelectrical
devicesto connect to your generator. First figure the
watts needed to start the largest motor. Add to that
figure the running watts of all other connected loads.
• Items in the wattagereference guide (Figure 6) are
provided to help you determine how many items the
generator canoperate at one time.
Recreational/Home Uses
Tool/Appliance ............................................................Watts
AM/FM clock radio.................................................................50
Lightbulb................................................................................100
Fan...........................................................................................200
20" color TV..........................................................................400
*Deep freezer .......................................................................500
Personalcomputer and 15"monitor ...............................800
"1/3 hp furnace fan blower ................................................800
Microwave oven....................................................................800
"18 cu ft refrigerator ...........................................................800
Sumppump..........................................................................1000
Electric skillet......................................................................1250
*/2 hp water welt pump....................................................1400
* 12,000Btu window air conditioner .............................1400
Spaceheater........................................................................1800
Electric water heater ........................................................4000
Professional/Contractor Uses
Tool/Appliance ............................................................Watts
*1/3hp airless sprayer.........................................................600
3/8" hammer drill .................................................................600
Variable speedSawzalt®.....................................................960
Y2"power drill ....................................................................1000
Quartz-halogen work light...............................................1000
Belt sander...........................................................................1200
7 ¼" circular saw...............................................................1500
7 ¼" worm drive saw........................................................1600
* I'/2hp air compressor ....................................................1800
*10" power miter saw.......................................................1800
6" benchgrinder .................................................................1800
*6" table planer...................................................................1800
* I0" table/radial arm saw.................................................2000
Wire feed welder ...............................................................2400
*=allow 3 times listedwatts for starting surge
/8

GeneracPortableProducts3000WattGenerator
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
The owner/operator isresponsible for making sure that all
periodic maintenance tasks are completed on a timely
basis;that altdiscrepancies are corrected; and that the unit
iskept clean and properly stored. Never operate a
damaged or defective generator.
Engine Maintenance
Seeengine owner's manualfor instructions.
_hL AUTION! Avoid prolonged or repeated skin
contact with used motor oil. Used motor oit has
been shown to cause skin cancer in certain
laboratory animals.Thoroughly wash exposed areas
with soapand water.
KEEPOUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DON'T
POLLUTE. CONSERVERESOURCES.RETURN
USED OIL TO COLLECTION CENTERS.
Generator Maintenance
Generator maintenanceconsists of keeping the unit clean
and dry. Operate and store the unit in a clean dry
environment where it witl not be exposed to excessive
dust, dirt, moisture or any corrosive vapors. Cooling air
slots in the generator must not become clogged with snow,
leavesor anyother foreign material.
NOTE: Generac Does Not recommend usinga garden
hose to clean generator. Water can enter engine fuel
system and causeproblems. In addition, ifwater enters
generator through cooling air slots, some of the water witl
be retained in voids and cracks of the rotor and stator
winding insulation. Water and dirt buildup on the
generator internal windings witl eventually decreasethe
insulationresistance of these windings.
To Clean the Generator
•Use a damp cloth to wipe exterior surfacesclean.
• Soft, bristle brush may be usedto loosencaked on dirt
or oil.
• A vacuum cleaner may be used to pick up loose dirt and
debris.
• Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be usedto
blow away dirt. Inspectcooling air slots and opening on
generator. These openings must be kept clean and
unobstructed.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
The generator should be started at least once every seven
daysand allowed to run at least30 minutes. If this cannot
be done and you must store the unit for more than 30
days,usethe following guidelinesto prepare it for storage.
Generator Storage
• Clean the generator asoutlined in "To Clean the
Generator."
• Check that cooling air slots and openings on generator
are open and unobstructed.
_ CAUTION! Storage covers can be flammable.
Do Not placea storage cover over a hot
generator. Let the unit cool for a sufficient time
before placing the cover on the unit.
Engine Storage
See engine owner's manual for instructions.
Other Storage Tips
•Do Not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace gaso{ine can if it starts to rust- Rust and/or dirt
in gasoline can cause problems when that fuel is used
with this unit.
•Store in clean and dry area.
SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum SurgeWatts ................. 3,750 watts
Continuous Wattage Capacity ........... 3,000 watts
Power Factor .............................. 1.0
Rated Maximum Continuous
Load Current at 120Volts ................ 25 Amps
Phase ................................. I-phase
Rated Frequency ....................... 60 Hertz
ShippingWeight .......................... 85 lbs.
/9

Generac Portable Products 3000 Watt Generator
/
NOTES
/I0