Generac Power Systems 1277-0 User manual

Mobile Backup Power System Owner’s Manual
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Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Model No. 1277-0 (7,200 Watt Mobile Backup Power System) Manual No. B4678 Revision 2 (06/20/2001)
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Problems?
Questions?
Before taking your unit
back to the store,
call the generator
helpline at
1–800–270–1408
M–F 8–5 CT
7200WATT

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EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION
This generator is an engine–driven, revolving field,
alternating current (AC) generator. It was designed to
supply electrical power for operating compatible electrical
lighting, appliances, tools and motor loads.This manual
contains information for a generator that operates
120 and/or 240 Volt, single phase, 60 Hz devices that
require up to 7,200 watts (7.2 kW) of power that pull up
to 60.0 Amps at 120 Volts or 30.0 Amps at 240 Volts.
CAUTION! Do Not exceed the generator’s
wattage/amperage capacity.Add up the rated watts of all
devices you are connecting to generator receptacles at one
time.This total should not be greater than 7,200 watts. See
“Don’t Overload the Generator” on page 11.
The generator’s revolving field is driven at about 3,600 rpm
by a single-cylinder engine.
Every effort has been made to ensure that information in
this manual is accurate and current. However, Generac
reserves the right to change, alter or otherwise improve the
product and this document at any time without prior
notice.
CAUTION! Do Not tamper with engine
governed speed. High operating speeds are
dangerous and increase risk of personal injury or
damage to equipment.The generator supplies
correct rated frequency and voltage only when
running at proper governed speed. Incorrect
frequency and/or voltage can damage some
connected electrical loads. Operating at excessively
low speeds imposes a heavy load.When adequate
engine power is not available engine life may be
shortened.
The Emission Control System for this generator is
warranted for standards set by the Environmental
Protection Agency. For warranty information refer to the
engine owner’s manual.
SAFETY RULES
This generator set was designed and manufactured for
specific applications. Do Not attempt to modify the unit or
use it for any application it was not designed for. If you have
any questions about your generator’s application, ask your
dealer or consult the factory.
The manufacturer could not possibly anticipate every
circumstance that might involve a 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 unsafe or 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 using approved transfer
equipment 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.
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.
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
WARNING:

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• The generator produces a very powerful voltage that can
cause serious injury or death by electrocution. Never
touch bare wires or receptacles. Never permit a child or
any unqualified 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 injury from electrocution may
result.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in any damp
or highly conductive area (such as metal decking or steel
work).
•Never use worn, bare, frayed or otherwise damaged
electrical cords with the generator. Death, serious injury
and property damage from 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 spilling gasoline 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 overfilled, fuel can overflow
onto a hot engine and cause a FIRE or an
EXPLOSION.
•Never store a generator with fuel in the tank where
gasoline vapors 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 adequate flow of cooling air for its
continued proper operation. Never operate the unit
inside any room or enclosure where the free flow of
cooling air into and out of the unit might be obstructed.
Allow at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of generator,
even while 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 any electrical loads. Disconnect all electrical
loads before shutting down the generator.
•Do Not insert any object through cooling slots of the
engine.You could damage the unit or injure yourself.
•Never operate the generator:
in rain; in any enclosed compartment; when connected
electrical devices overheat; if electrical output is lost; if
engine or generator sparks; if flame or smoke is observed
while unit is running; if unit vibrates excessively.
GROUNDING THE
GENERATOR
The National Electrical Code 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 1).
Generally, connecting a No. 12 AWG (American Wire
Gauge) stranded copper wire to the grounding wing nut
and to an earth–driven copper or brass grounding rod
(electrode) provides adequate protection against electrical
shock. Be careful to keep the 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 if a ground fault condition exists in the generator or
in connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps
dissipate static electricity, which often builds up in
ungrounded devices.
Figure 1 — Grounding Wing Nut
Grounding Wing Nut

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Your generator requires some assembly and is ready for
use after it has been properly serviced with the
recommended oil and fuel.
If you have any problems with the assembly of your
generator, please call the generator helpline at
1-800-270-1408.
IMPORTANT: Any attempt to run the unit before it has
been serviced with the recommended oil will result in an
engine failure.
REMOVE GENERATOR
FROM CARTON
• Set the carton on a rigid flat surface with “This Side Up”
arrows pointing upward.
• Carefully open the top flaps of the shipping carton.
Review “Cold Weather Operation” on page 9.
• Cut down corners at one end of carton from top to
bottom and lay that side of carton down flat.
• Remove all packing material, carton fillers, etc.
• Remove the generator from the shipping carton.
CARTON CONTENTS
Check all contents. If any parts are missing or damaged, call
the generator helpline at 1-800-270-1408.
• The Generator
• Power Transfer System (See Power Transfer System
manual for installation and operating instructions)
• Generator and Engine Owner’s Manuals
• 2 Bottles of Engine Oil
• Battery Float Charger
• Battery, Battery Tray, and Electric Start Components
• Wheel Kit
• Rechargeable Emergency Flashlight
INSTALL WHEEL KIT
To install your wheel kit, you need the following tool:
• Socket wrench with 1/2" or 13mm sockets.
• Philips head screwdriver.
Install Wheel Kit as follows: (See Figure 2)
• Place the generator on a hard flat surface.Temporarily
raise unit on blocks to ease assembly.
Figure 2 — Assemble Wheel Kit
Handle
Lanyard
Loop
Wheel
Axle
Spring Clip
Self Drilling Screw
Flat Washer Retaining Pin
Wheel
Spacer
Locking
Nut
Flat
Washer
Flat
Washer
Handle
Release
Pin
Front wheel
Assembly
Cap Screw

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• Slide the axle through the holes in the brackets provided
on the generator cradle and then add the two spacers on
each protruding end of the axle.
• Slide a wheel on each end of the axle and secure with
washer and retaining pin.
NOTE: Install the wheels with the air inflation valve facing
outward.
• Slide the handle release pin lanyard loop onto the front
wheel assembly.
• Attach the front wheel assembly to the cradle with cap
screws, flat washers and lock nuts. Remove the
temporary blocks.
• Attach three spring clips to the generator using pre-
threaded self drilling screws.
• Attach the handle onto the front wheel assembly with
fthe handle release pin or attach the handle to the side
of the generator using the spring clips.
• Check that all fasteners are tight and the tires are at the
proper inflation.The operating range should be 15-40 PSI.
INSTALLING TRAY AND
BATTERY
NOTE: The generator can be started manually. If you
choose not to use the electric start feature of this
generator, you do not need to install the battery.
For shipping purposes, the battery and battery tray were
not installed.The battery is fully charged for shipping.
Install the battery as follows:
• Find the battery tray and fasteners shipped loose in the
carton.
• Remove the four battery tray screws from cradle.
• Position the battery tray and install with supplied
hardware (Figure 3).
• Set battery onto tray with the positive terminal to the
right.
• Retain battery to tray with battery hold down bracket,
two J bolts, two lock washers, two flat washers and two
hex nuts (Figure 4).
• Connect the red battery cable from the engine starter
switch to positive (+) terminal on the battery
(Figure 5).
Figure 4 — Secure 12 Volt Battery
Figure 3 — Install Battery Tray
Figure 5 — Wire Connections
BLACK wire
from battery
RED wire
from battery

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• Connect the black battery cable to the negative (–)
terminal on the battery (Figure 5).
• Connect the other end of the black cable to the engine,
not the frame (Figure 5).
CAUTION! Be sure the BLACK cable is connected to
the engine mount and not the frame or damage to the
ground wire could occur.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
Add Oil
CAUTION! Any attempt to crank or start the engine
before it has been properly filled with the recommended
oil may result in an engine failure.
To fill your engine with oil:
• Place generator on a level surface.
• Follow the oil grade recommendations and oil fill
instructions given in the engine owner’s manual.
NOTE: The generator’s revolving field rides on a
prelubricated and sealed ball bearing that requires no
additional lubrication for the life of the bearing.
Add Gasoline
WARNING! Never fill fuel tank indoors. Never
fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot. Do Not
light a cigarette or smoke when filling the fuel tank.
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 area around fuel fill cap, remove cap.
• Slowly add unleaded regular gasoline to fuel tank. Be
careful not to overfill.Allow about 1/2" of tank space for
fuel expansion (Figure 6).
• 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 12. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
Figure 6 — Typical Fuel Expansion Space

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KNOWYOUR GENERATOR
Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your generator.
Compare the illustrations with your generator, to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and
adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp
Receptacles 120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp
Receptacle
Light
Air Cleaner
Spark Arrester
Muffler
Hour Meter
Fuel Tank
Light Switch
DC Float
Charger Jack
Circuit
Breakers
Run–Stop Switch
Choke Lever
Engine Start Switch
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Receptacles — May be used to
supply electrical power for the operation of 120 Volt AC,
20 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz electrical lighting, appliance,
tool and motor loads.
120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking Receptacle — May
be used to supply electrical power for the operation of
120 and/or 240 Volt AC, 30 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz
electrical lighting, appliance, tool and motor loads.
Air Cleaner — Uses a dry type filter element and foam
precleaner to limit the amount of dirt and dust that gets in
the engine.
Choke Lever — Used when starting a cold engine.
Circuit Breakers (AC) — Each receptacle is provided
with a circuit breaker to protect the generator against
electrical overload. Breakers are "push to reset" type.
DC Float Charger Jack — Plug the battery float charger
into this jack and into a building wall outlet to provide a
trickle charge during storage.
Engine Start Switch - Press to start the engine.
Fuel Tank — Capacity of eight (8) U.S. gallons.
Grounding Wing Nut — (Not shown, see page 3) Used
for proper grounding of unit.
Hour Meter — The hour meter records the total number
of hours the generator has been running and is used to
schedule maintenance tasks.
Light, Light Switch — The light provides light during a
power outage so that the generator can be connected to
the Power Transfer System safely.The light is turned on and
off with the Light Switch.
Recoil Starter — (Not shown) Used as backup method
of starting the engine.
Run/Stop Switch — Set this switch to "RUN" before
starting. Set switch to "STOP" to turn off engine.
Spark Arrestor Muffler — Exhaust muffler lowers
engine noise and is equipped with a spark arrestor screen.

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OPERATING THE
GENERATOR
CAUTION! Never start or stop unit with
electrical loads connected AND with the connected
devices turned ON.
IMPORTANT: Always unplug the battery float charger
before starting the generator.
Starting the Engine
Disconnect all electrical loads from the generator. Use the
following start instruction steps by numerical order:
1. Turn the fuel valve to the “On” position (Figure 7).
3. Set the Run/Stop switch to “Run” position (Figure 8).
4. Place the choke lever in the “Full” choke position
(Figure 9).
5A. For electric starting, press start switch on generator
cradle.To prolong the life of the starter components,
press the starter button for no more than 15 seconds,
and pause for 30 seconds.
5B. For manual starting, grasp the recoil handle and pull
slowly until slight resistance is felt.Then pull rapidly
one time only to start engine.
• If engine starts, proceed to step 7.
• If engine fails to start, proceed to step 6.
6. Move the choke lever to “Half” choke position, and
pull recoil handle twice.
• If engine fails to start, repeat steps 4 thru 6.
7. Move choke lever to “Run” position. If engine falters,
move choke lever to “Half” choke position until the
engine runs smoothly and then to “Run” position.
NOTE: If engine still fails to start after 3 pulls, check for
proper oil level in crankcase.This unit is equipped with a
Low Oil Shutdown System. See engine manual.
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 120 and/or 240 Volt AC,
single phase, 60 Hz electrical loads.
•Do Not connect 240 Volt loads to the 120 Volt
receptacles.
Figure 9 — Choke Lever
“Full” choke
Position
Figure 7 — Fuel Shut-offValve
Figure 8 — Run/Stop Switch

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•Do Not connect 3–phase loads to the generator.
•Do Not connect 50 Hz loads to the generator.
•DO NOT OVERLOAD THE GENERATOR. When
not used with the Power Transfer System, add up the
rated watts (or amps) of all loads to be connected at one
time.This total should not be greater than the rated
wattage/amperage capacity of the generator. See “Don’t
Overload the Generator” on page 11.
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 30 seconds to stabilize the
internal temperatures of engine and generator.
• Move run/stop switch to “Stop”.
• Close the fuel shut–off valve.
COLD WEATHER
OPERATION
Under certain weather conditions (temperatures below
40°F [4°C] and a high dew point), your generator may
experience icing of the carburetor and/or the crankcase
breather system.
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.
• 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 sides and the top of the generator:
• Make sure entire muffler-side of generator is exposed.
Note that your generator may appear different from that
shown in Figure 10.
• Ensure a minimum of two feet clearance between open
side of box and nearest object.
• Face exposed end away from wind and elements.
• Enclosure should hold enough heat created by the
generator to prevent problems.
CAUTION!Neverrun unit indoors. Do Not
enclose generator any more than shown.
Figure 10 — Temporary Cold Weather Shelter
Wind

RECEPTACLES
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, Duplex
Receptacle
Each receptacle (Figure 11) is protected against overload by
a 20 Amp push–to–reset circuit breaker.
Use each receptacle to operate 120Volt AC, single–phase,
60 Hz electrical loads requiring up to 2400 watts (2.4 kW)
at 20 Amps of current. Use cord sets that are rated for
125 Volt AC loads at 20 Amps (or greater).
Light
A light is provided on the control panel to assist movement
in the dark.Turn on the light using the switch on the
control panel.
Always turn off the light when not needed as it drains the
generator battery.Turn off the light when the generator is
running.
120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp, Locking
Receptacle
Use a NEMA L14–30 plug with this receptacle. Connect a
4–wire cord set rated for 250 Volt AC loads at 30 Amps (or
greater) (Figure 12).You can use the same 4–wire cord if
you plan to run a 120Volt load.
This receptacle powers 120/240Volt AC, 60 Hz, single
phase loads requiring up to 3600 watts of power at
30 Amps for 120 Volts; 7200 watts of power (7.2 kW) at
30 Amps for 240Volts.The outlet is protected by a 30 Amp
push–to–reset circuit breaker.
Use this plug to connect the unit to the Power Transfer
System (as described in the Power Transfer System owner’s
manual).
DC Float Charger Jack
Use battery charger jack with the provided battery charger
to keep the starting battery charged and ready for use.
Battery charging should be done in a dry location, such as
inside a garage.
• Plug charger into the unit’s “12V DC Battery Charger”
jack. Plug battery charger into a 120 Volt AC wall
receptacle.
• Unplug the charger completely when generator is being
started and while it is in operation.
• Use the charger whenever the generator is not in use to
prolong battery life.The charger has a built in float
equalizer and will not overcharge the battery, even when
plugged in for an extended period of time.
Hour Meter
The hour meter operates whenever the unit’s engine runs.
Use the hour meter to plan service tasks required in the
engine owner’s manual.
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Figure 12 — 120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp, Locking Receptacle
Figure 11 — 120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, Duplex Receptacle