Generac Power Systems 1338-1 User manual

GENE 'AC
The Reliable Ones
9000WATT
Portable Generator Owner's Manual
ADANGER[ This generator is designed for outdoor use only Never use this generator inside any building
or enclosure including the generator compartment of a recreational vehicle (RV). Carbon monoxide
poisoning, fire and/or an explosion may result. No user performed modifications, including venting of
exhaust and/or cooling ventilation, will eliminate the danger, Always have at least two feet of clearance on
all sides of the generator even while operating the unit outdoors.
_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.
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.
Model No. 1338-1 (9,000 Watt AC Generator) Manual No. B5178 Revision 0 (8/25/1999)
Visit our Generac website: www.generac-portables.com
,_ This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injuryhazards Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator
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, appliance, tool 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 9,000 watts (9.0kW) of
power that pull up to 75 Amps at 120 Volts or
37.5 Amps at 240 Volts.
ACAUTION] 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 9,000 watts for this
generator. In most cases rated watts of the
electrical device can be found on the device
nameplate. If the device nameplate gives only
volts and amps, multiply volts times amps to
obtain watts (volts x amps = watts).
The generator's revolving field is driven at about
3600 rpm by a twin-cylinder engine.
Every effort has been expended to make sure that the
information in this manual is both accurate and
current. However, Generac reserves the right to
change, alter or otherwise improve the product at any
time without prior notice.
ADANGER] Do not tamper with engine governed speed. High operating speeds are
dangerous and increase the risk of personal
injuryor damage to equipment. The generator
supplies correctly 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
aheavy load and, when adequate engine
power is not available, may shorten engine
life
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.
A
A
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.
DANGER! 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 adequate
ventilation is available.
/2

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator
• Thegeneratorproducesaverypowerfulvoltagethat
cancauseseriousinjuryordeathbyelectrocution.
Nevertouchbarewiresorreceptacles.Neverpermit
achildoranyunqualifiedpersontooperatethe
generator.
• Neverhandleanykindofelectricalcordordevice
whilestandinginwater,whilebarefootorwhile
handsorfeetarewet.Deathorseriousinjuryfrom
electrocutionmayresult.
• Useagroundfaultcircuitinterrupter(GFCI)inany
damporhighlyconductivearea(suchasmetal
deckingor 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 engine-generator 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 intoand out of the unit
might be obstructed Allow at least 2 feet of
clearance on all sides of generator while operating
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; if 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 Electric Code requires the frame and
external electrically conductive parts of the generator
be properly connected to approved earth ground.
Local electrical codes may also require proper
grounding of the unit. A grounding wing nut (Figure 1)
is provided for this purpose.
Grounding
Wing Nut
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. 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 if ground 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.
/3

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator
Yourgeneratorrequiressomeassemblyandisready
foruseafterithasbeenproperlyservicedwiththe
recommendedoilandfuel.
Ifyouhaveanyproblemswiththeassemblyofyour
generator,pleasecallthegeneratorhelplineat
1-800-270-1408.
IMPORTANT: Any attempt to run the engine before it
has been serviced with the recommended oil will
result in an engine failure
TO REMOVE GENERATOR
FROM CARTON
• Set the palleted carton on a rigid fiat surface
• Carefully cut bands around the shipping carton
• Lift carton off the generator.
• Remove all packing material, carton fillers, etc.
• Remove the generator from the shipping pallet.
CARTON CONTENTS
Check all contents. If any parts are missing or
damaged, call the generator helpline at
1-800-270-1408. Contents include:
9,000 Watt generator
Owner's manual
Engine manual
Owner's registration card
2 Bottles of engine oil (28 oz.)
125 Volt, 30 Amp plug
125 Volt, 20 Amp plug
240 Volt, 30 Amp plug
Oil fill funnel
Wheel kit
ASSEMBLE WHEEL KIT
IMPORTANT: This wheel kit is not intended for
over-the-road use.
To install your wheel kit you need the following toot
•13mm box, open end, or socket wrench
Install Wheel Kit as follows: (See Figure 2)
1. Place the bottom of the generator cradle on a flat,
even surface Temporarily elevate cradle on
blocks to ease assembly
2. Slide axle through both axle mounting brackets on
cradle frame
3. Slide a wheel spacer over each end of the axle.
4. Install a wheel as shown. Slide a fiat washer over
the axle, then secure the wheel with a retaining
pin
NOTE Be sure to install each wheel with the air
pressure valve on the outboard side.
5. Install the other wheel in the same manner
6. Secure the vibration mount to the support leg with
alock nut, a flat washer, and a 30 mm cap screw.
7. Secure the support leg assembly to the cradle
with 20 mm capscrews, flat washers, and lock
washers Remove the temporary blocks
8. Position the handle on the cradle end opposite
from the control panel Attach the handle with
45 mm cap screws and lock nuts.
9. Tighten all lock nuts with 13mm wrench Make
sure all components are secure.
/4

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator
HANDLE
Cap Screw, 45 mm
/
LEG,Mounting Support
/
AXLE Wheel
WHEEL
MOUNT,
Vibration
;HER,
Wheel PiN, Retaining
WASHER
Screw,
30 mm
FLAT WASHER
,,--WASHER, Lock
_Cap Screw, 20 mm
CHECK BATTERY /ATTACH
NEGATIVE BATTERY WIRE
The battery on the generator is fully charged, sealed
and pre-instalted except for the negative (black)
battery cable.
To install:
•Cut off tie wrap on negative (black) cable attached
to the battery hold down.
•Remove nut on the negative battery terminal
•Slide the negative battery cable over the screw on
the negative terminal (Figure 3)
•Reattach nut and tighten.
•Ensure the connections to the battery and generator
and tight and secure
/5

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator
KNOW YOUR 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
Circuit Breakers (AC)
\
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp
Duplex Receptacle
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp
Locking Receptacle
120 Volt AC
Locking Receptacle
Air Cleaner
Switch
Choke Lever
Spark Arrestor Muffler
120/240 Volt AC,
50 Amp Receptacle
120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp
Locking Receptacle Grounding Wing Nut
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Duplex Receptacle -- 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 Volt AC, 20 Amp Locking Receptacle -- 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 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking Receptacle -- May
be used to supply electrical power for the operation
of 120 Volt AC, 30 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.
120/240 Volt AC, 50 Amp Receptacle -- May be
used to supply electrical power for the operation of
120/240 Volt AC, 50 Amp, single phase, 60 Hz
electrical loads.
Air Cleaner -- Used to limit the amount of dirt and
dust that gets in the engine.
Choke Lever-- Used when starting a cold engine.
Circuit Breakers (6 AC) -- Each receptacle is
provided with a circuit breaker to protect the
generator against electrical overload. Breakers are
"push to reset" type.
Grounding Wing Nut -- Use this connection to
properly ground the generator. See "Grounding the
GeneratoK' on page 3.
Spark Arrestor Muffler -- Exhaust muffler lowers
engine noise and is equipped with a spark arrestor
screen.
Start Switch -- Turn to Start position to start
generator. Set switch to Run position when
operating. Set to Stop position when stored or idle.
/6

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
Add Engine Oil
Note: When adding oil to the engine crankcase in the
future, use only high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classification SE or higher. Use no special
additives. Select the oil's viscosity grade according to
instructionsgiven in the engine owner's manual.
=_m i=lllF4111F&'_II
To add oil to the generator:
•Make sure unit is on a level surface.
• Clean around oil fill cap and remove it
•Remove oil dipstick, wipe clean and fully reinsert in
engine block.
•Slowly fill engine with oil until it reaches the full
mark on the dipstick Stop occasionally to check oil
level Do not overfill.
•Install oil dipstick.
•Install oilfill cap. Hand tighten securely.
,_. CAUTION! Any attempt to crank or start the
engine before it has been properly serviced
with the recommended oil results in an engine
failure.
NOTE: The generator's revolving field rides on a
pre-iubricated and sealed bali bearing that requires
no additional lubrication for the life of the bearing.
Add Gasoline
ADANGER! 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.
,_ DANGER! Do not overfill the fuel tank.
Always leave room 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 1/2" of tank space for
fuel expansion (Figure 4).
1_" AirSpace _nk
• 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 13. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank
or permanent damage may occur.
OPERATING THE
GENERATOR
To Start The Engine
,_ WARNING! Never start or stop engine with
electrical devices plugged into the panel
receptacles and turned on. You could damage
both the generator and the electrical devices.
• Unplug all electrical loads from generator
receptacles before starting the engine
• Make sure the unit is in a level position.
• Open the fuel shut-off valve (Figure 5)
/7

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator
Jl'*""'_ Fuel Tank
• Pull the choke knob to close. If the engine is warm,
or the ambient temperature is high, pull the choke
handle half-way, or keep it fully open (Figure 6).
Close
A DANGER! Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which
causes unconsciousness and death. Never run
engine indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.
ADANGER! Burn hazard Temperature of muffler and nearby areas may exceed 150°F
(65°C). Do not touch these areas on the
generator.
• Turn key switch to the "Start" position (Figure 7)
I/Start
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the electric starter
continuously for more than 5 seconds, even if the
engine does not start. Extended cranking can damage
the starter motor.
NOTE: If the engine failed to start, set the key to the
"Run" position and wait for about 10 seconds before
retrying.
IMPORTANT: Never turn the key switch to the "Start"
position while the engine is running. You could
damage the starter motor.
• When the engine starts, gradually open choke by
pushing the choke knob in and keep it fully opened
while running.
IMPORTANT! Do not overload the generator! Do
not overload individual panel receptacles! These
outlets are protected against overload with push-to-
reset-type circuit breakers. If amperage rating of any
circuit breaker is exceeded, that breaker opens and
electrical output to that receptacle is lost. Read "Don't
Overload the Generator" on page 12 carefully.
If the Engine Will Not Start:
Refer to the engine owner's manual
/8

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator
Stopping the Engine
• Remove all electrical loads connected to generator
panel receptacles. Never start or stop engine with
devices plugged in and turned on.
•Let engine run at no-load for 30 seconds to stabilize
the internal temperatures of engine and generator.
•Turn the key switch to the "Stop" position.
•Close the fuel shut-off valve
Stopping the Engine with the Fuel Valve
This procedure eliminates fuel from the carburetor.
Use this method to stop the generator if you plan to
store the generator over a long period. Fuel will clog
the internal passages of carburetor if allowed to
remain for an extended period.
• Unplug (or turn OFF) all electrical loads connected
to generator panel receptacles. Never start or stop
engine with devices plugged in and turned on.
• Let engine run at no-load for 30 seconds to stabilize
the internal temperatures of engine and generator.
• Close the fuel shut-off valve while the engine is
running and wait until the engine stops.
• Set the key switch to the "Stop" position after the
engine quits.
Applying Electrical Loads
•Let engine stabilize and warm up for about two
minutes after starting
• Plug in and turn on the desired 120 or 240 Volt AC,
single phase, 60 Hz electrical loads. DO NOT
OVERLOAD THE GENERATOR. 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
page 12, "Don't Overload the Generator" for details.
RECEPTACLES
This generator is equipped with the following
receptacles:
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, Duplex
Receptacle
Each of these outlets is protected against overload by
20 Amp push-to-reset type circuit breakers. Use each
outlet to operate 120 Volt AC, 60 Hz, single phase
loads requiring 2400 (2.4 kW) watts at 20 Amps of
current (Figure 8).
i9

GeneracPortableProducts9,000WattGenerator
120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Locking
Receptacle
Use a NEMA L5-20 plug with this receptacle.
Connect a 3-wire cord set rated for 125 Volts AC at
20 Amps to the plug (Figure 9).
3-WireCordSet
NEMA L5-20 ,_ Greund
(Green)
Neutml
120V
Hot
120 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking
Receptacle
Use a NEMA L5-30 plug with this receptacle.
Connect a 3-wire cord set rated for 125 Volts AC at
30 Amps to the plug (Figure 10).
m3-Wire Cord Set
NEMA L5-30
[ _--Neutral
(_l 120V
=_ Hot
/-!-TGreund
(Green)
Use this receptacle to operate 120 Volt AC, 60 Hz,
single phase loads requiring up to 2400 watts
(2.4 kW) of power at 20 Amps. The outlet is protected
by a 20 Amp push-to-reset circuit breaker.
Use this receptacle to operate 120 Volt AC, 60 Hz,
single phase loads requiring up to 3600 watts
(3.6 kW) of power at 30 Amps. The outlet is protected
by a 30 Amp push-to-reset circuit breaker.
/10