Generac Portable Products 1575-0 User manual

GEN RAC °)
Portable Products
310
Portable Generator Owner's Manual
Model No. 1575-0 (3,100 Watt AC Generator) Manual No. 188385 Revision0 (4/6/2001)
Visit our Generac website: www.generac-portables.com
_[iL This isthe safety alert symbol. It isused to alert you to potential personal injuryhazards.Obey all safety messages
that follow this symbol to avoid possible injuryor death.

Generac Portable Products 3,100 Watt Generator
EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION
The generator isan engine-driven, revolving field,
alternating current (AC) generator. It was designedto
supply electrical power for operating compatible electrical
lighting, appliance,tool and motor loads. This manual
contains information for agenerator that operates
120and/or 240 Volt, singlephase,60 Hz devicesthat
require up to 3,100 watts (3.1 kW) of power that pull up
to 25.8 Amps at 120Volts or 12.9Amps at 240 Volts.
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 3,100watts.
See"Don't Overload the Generator" on page8.
The 3,100 watt portable generator hasthe following
features:
•120/240Volt, 20 Amp locking receptacle.
• 120Volt, 20 Amp duplex receptacle.
• 3 quart overhead fuel tank.
• The generator's revolving field isdriven at about
3,600 rpm by a Briggsand Stratton 5.5 h.p. engine.
_AUTION! Do Not tamper with engine
governed speed. High operating speedsare
dangerous and increaserisk of personal injuryor
damageto equipment. The generator supplies
correct rated frequency and voltage only when
running at proper governed speed. Incorrect
frequency and/or voltage can damagesome
connected electrical loads.Operating at excessively
low speeds imposesa heavy loadat such reduced
speeds,when adequate engine power isnot
available,and mayshorten engine life.
SAFETY RULES
This generator set was designed and manufactured for
specific applications. Do Not attempt to modify the unit
or useit for anyapplication it was not designed for. If you
haveanyquestions about your generator's application, ask
your dealer/distributor or consult the factory.
The manufacturer could not possibly anticipate every
circumstance that might involvea hazard. For that reason
warnings in the manual and warnings on tags or decals
affixed to the unit are not all-inclusive. If you intend to
handle, operate or service the unit by a procedure or
method not specifically recommended 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.
_DANGER! You must isolate the generator from
the electric utility by opening the electrical system's
main circuit breaker or main switch if this unit is
used for 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 backfeed
of electrical energy. Whenever unit is providing
backup power, the electric utility must be notified.
_hL ANGER! Generator exhaust gases contain
DEADLY carbon monoxide gas. Carbon
monoxide, if breathed in sufficient
concentrations, can cause unconsciousness or
death. Operate this equipment outdoors where
adequateventilation isavailable.
The EmissionControl Systemfor this generator is
warranted for standardsset by the Environmental
Protection Agency.For warranty informationrefer to the
engine owner's manual.
/2

Generac Portable Products 3,100 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 a hot 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 ElectricCode requires the frame and
external electrically conductiveparts of the generator be
properly connected to approved earth ground. Local
electrical codes may also require proper grounding of the
unit For this purpose, a grounding wing nut (Figure I) is
provided on the cradle.
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. However, local codes may vary widely. Consult with
a local electrician for grounding requirements in your area.
Be sure to keep the ground wire attached while you
connect the electrode.
Properly grounding the generator helps prevent electrical
shock ifground fault conditions exists in the generator or
in connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps
dissipate static electricity, which often builds up in
ungrounded devices.
mm_m 3

GeneracPortableProducts3,100WattGenerator
KNOW YOUR GENERATOR
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your generator.
Compare the illustrationswith your generator, to familiarize yourself with the locationsof variouscontrols and
adjustments. Savethis manualfor future reference.
Fuel
120/240Volt AC,
20 Amp Receptacle
120 Volt AC, 20Amp
Duplex Receptacle Circuit Breakers (A€ Grounding Wing Nut
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Duplex Receptacle -- May be
usedto supply electricalpower for the operation of
120Volt AC, 20 Amp, single phase,60 Hz electrical
lighting, appliance,tool and motor loads.
120/240 Volt AC, 20 Amp Receptacle -- May be used
to supply electrical power for the operation of 120and/or
240 Volt AC, 20 Amp, single phase,60 Hz electrical
lighting, appliance,tool and motor loads.
Circuit Breakers (AC) -- Eachreceptacle isprovided
with a push-to-reset circuit breaker to protect the
generator against electrical overload.
Fuel Tank -- Capacity of 3 U.S.quarts.
Grounding Wing Nut -- Provides a tie-point for
connecting the generator frame to earth ground.
/4

GeneracPortableProducts3,100WattGenerator
CARTON CONTENTS
Check all contents. If any parts are missingor damaged,call
the generator helpline at 1-800-270-1408. Review "Cold
Weather Operation" on page6. Shippedwith your
generator are:
Main unit
Engineand generator owner's manuals
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
Add Engine Oil
•Make sure unit ison a level surface.
• Follow the oil recommendations and oil fill instructions
given in the engine owner's manual.
CAUTION! Any attempt to crank or start the engine
before it hasbeen properly serviced with the
recommended oil results in an engine failure.
NOTE: The generator's revolving field rides on a
pre-lubricated and sealedball bearing that requires no
additional lubrication for the life of the bearing.
Add Gasoline
_WARNING! Never fillfuel tank indoors.Never
fillfuel tank when engine is running or hot. Do Not
light a cigarette or smoke when filling the fuel tank.
_ARNING! Do Not overfill the fuel tank.
Always leaveroom for expansion.
• Use regular UNLEADED gasoline in the generator.
Do Not use premium gasoline. Do Not mix oil with
gasoline. Do Not overfill the gas tank.
• Clean area around fuel fill cap; remove cap.
• Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline. Be
careful not to overfill. Allow 1.5" of tank space for fuel
expansion, as shown in Figure 2.
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 gas 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.
IMPORTANT: When running your unit in cold weather
be sure to shelter the unit from the wind.
I5

Gene cP°rtabePr°duct'3OWa Generat°
OPERATING THE
GENERATOR
_AUTION! Never start or stop unit with
electrical loads connected AND with the connected
devices turned ON.
Starting the Engine
Disconnect all electrical loadsfrom the generator. Use the
following start instructionsteps by numerical order:
I. Turn the fuel valve to the "On" position (Figure 3).
in the On position
2. Place the choke lever in the "Choke" position
(Figure 4).
3. Set the rocker switch to "On" position (Figure 5).
4.
5.
Grasp the recoil handle and pull slowly until slight
resistance is felt. Then pull rapidly to start engine.
Move choke lever to "Run" position a short distance
at a time over several seconds in warm weather or
minutes in cold weather. Let engine run smoothly
before each change. Operate with choke in "Run"
position.
Refer to the engine owner's manual for complete
starting instructions.
Connecting Electrical Loads
•Let engine stabilize and warm up for a few minutes after
starting.
• Plug in and turn on the desired 120and/or 240 Volt AC,
singlephase, 60 Hz electrical loads.
•Do Not connect 240 Volt loadsto the 120Volt duplex
receptacles.
•Do Not connect 3-phase loads to the generator.
•Do Not connect 50 Hz loads to the generator.
•DO NOT OVERLOAD 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 internal temperatures of engine and generator.
• Move rocker switch to "Off' position.
• Move the fuel valve to the "Off' position.
Cold Weather Operation
Under certain weather conditions (temperatures below
40°F [4°C] and a high dew point), your Generac generator
may experience problems.
In an emergency, use the original shipping box as a
temporary shelter:
• Cut off all flaps.
• Cut out one of the long sides of the box to expose
exhaust side of unit. Ensure a minimum of two feet
clearance between open side of box and nearest object.
• Cut appropriate slots to access receptacles of unit.
/6

Generac Portable Products 3,100 Watt Generator
• Start unit, then place box over it
CAUTION! Remove shelter when temperature is above
40°F [4°C].
For a more permanent shelter, build a structure that will
enclose three sides and the top of the generator.
• Make sure entire muffler-side of generator is exposed, as
shown in Figure 6.
120/240 Volt AC, 20 Amp Locking
Receptacle
Use a NEMA L14-20 plug with this receptacle. Connect a
4-wire cord set rated for 250 Volts AC at 20 Amps (or
greater) (Figure 8). You canuse the same 4-wire cord if
you plan to run a 120Volt load.
NOTE: A typical unit is shown here, your unit may differ
in appearance.
• Ensurea minimum of two feet clearance between open
side of box and nearest object
• Faceexposed end away from wind and elements.
• Enclosure should hold enough heat created by the
generator to prevent problems.
RECEPTACLES
This generator is equipped with the following receptacles:
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Duplex
Receptacle
This receptacle (Figure 7) isprotected againstoverload by
a push-to-reset circuit breaker.
Use each receptacle to operate 120Volt AC, single-phase,
60 Hz electrical loads requiring up to 2,400watts (2.4 kW)
at 20 Amps of current Use cord sets that are rated for
125Volts at 20 Amps (or greater).
4-Win_Cord
This receptacle powers 1201240 Volt AC, 60 Hz, single
phase loads requiring up to 3,100 watts of power at
20Amps for 120 Volts or 3,100 watts of power (3.1 kW)
at 12.9 Amps for 240 Volts. The outlet is protected by a
push-to-reset circuit breaker.
_hL CAUTION! Although this outlet states it hasa
1201240Volt 20 Amp rating(up to 4,800 watts), the
generator isonly rated for 3,100 watts. Powering
loadsthat exceed the wattage/amperagecapacityof
the generator candamageit or causeserious injuries.
/7

G,', 'cPort',,Prod,ct,3
DON'T OVERLOAD THE
G EN ERATO R
Overloading a generator in excess of its rated wattage
capacity can result in damageto generator and to
connected electrical devices. Observe the following, to
prevent overloading the unit:
•Add up the total wattage of all electrical 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 taken from lightbulbs.
The rated wattage of tools, appliancesand motors can
usually be found on a data plate or decal affixed to the
device.
• Ifthe appliance,tool or motor does not givewattage,
multiply 120Volts times ampere rating to determine
watts (volts x amps = watts).
• Someelectric motors, such asinductiontypes, 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.
• A Wattage Reference Guide (Figure IO) is provided to
help you determine how many itemsthe generator can
operate 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
* I/3 hp furnace fan blower.....................................................800
Microwave oven........................................................................800
"18 cu ft refrigerator ...............................................................800
Sumppump..............................................................................1000
Electric skillet ..........................................................................1250
*V2hp water well pump........................................................1400
* 12,000Btu window air conditioner .................................1400
Spaceheater............................................................................1800
Electric water heater.............................................................4000
Professional/C ontractor Uses
Tool/Appliance .................................................... Watts
"1/3 hp airless sprayer .............................................................600
3/8" hammer drill ......................................................................600
Variable speed Sawzall® ..........................................................960
V2"power drill.........................................................................1000
Quartz-halogen work light...................................................1000
Belt sander ...............................................................................1200
7¼" circular saw ....................................................................1500
7¼" worm drive saw............................................................1600
*1 V2hp air compressor ........................................................IB00
*I0" power miter saw ...........................................................IB00
6" bench grinder .....................................................................IB00
"6" table planer .......................................................................1800
*10" table/radial arm saw .....................................................2000
Wire feed welder ...................................................................2400
* allow 3 times listed watts for starting this device
/8

GeneracPortableProducts3,100WattGenerator
SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum SurgeWatts ............... 3,875 Watts
Continuous Wattage Capacity ......... 3,100 Watts
Power Factor .............................. 1.0
Rated Maximum Continuous Load Current
At 120Volts ...................... 25.8 Amps
At 240 Volts ...................... 12.9Amps
Phase................................ I-phase
Rated Frequency ...................... 60 Hertz
MAINTENANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Owner/Operator is responsible for making sure that
all periodic maintenance tasks are completed on a timely
basis;that all discrepanciesare corrected; and that the unit
is kept clean and properly stored. Never operate a
damaged or defective generator.
Engine Maintenance
Seeengine owner's manualfor instructions.
_AUTION! Avoid prolonged or repeated skin
contact with used motor oil. Used motor oil has
been shown to cause skin cancer in certain
laboratory animals.Thoroughly wash exposed areas
with soap and 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 will 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: Do Not usea garden hose to clean the generator.
Water canenter engine fuel system and cause problems. In
addition, if water enters generator through cooling air
slots, some of the water will be retained in voids and
cracks of the rotor and stator winding insulation.Water
and dirt buildup on the generator internal windings will
eventually decrease the insulationresistance of these
windings.
To Clean the Generator
•Use a clampcloth to wipe exterior surfacesclean.
• Soft, bristle brush may be usedto loosen caked on dirt
or oil.
• A vacuum cleaner maybe used to pick up loose dirt and
debris.
• Low pressure air (not to exceed 25 psi) may be usedto
blow away dirt. Inspect cooling air slots and opening on
generator. These openings must be kept clean and
unobstructed.
STORAGE
The unit should be started at least once every seven days
and allowed to run at least 30 minutes. If this cannot be
done and you must store the unit for more than 30 days,
use the following guidelines to prepare it for storage.
Generator Storage
• Clean the generator asoutlined in "To Clean the
Generator" on this page.
• 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 your gasoline can if it starts to rust. Rust andlor
dirt in a gasoline can cause problems when you use that
fuel with this unit.
• Store in clean and dry area.
I9

Generac Portable Products 3,100 Watt Generator
m
NOTES
/I0