Generac Power Systems GP3500iO User manual

GP3500iO Portable Generator
Owner’s Manual
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
006092
(000209b)
WARNING
Loss of life. This product is not intended to
be used in a critical life support application.
Failure to adhere to this warning could result
in death or serious injury.
Register your Generac product at:
WWW.GENERAC.COM
1-888-GENERAC
(1-888-436-3722)
MODEL:________________________
SERIAL:________________________
DATE PURCHASED:______________

Table of Contents
Section 1 Introduction and Safety 1
Introduction ..................................... 1
Safety Rules .................................... 1
Safety Symbols and Meanings ........ 1
Exhaust and Location Hazards ....... 2
Electrical Hazards ........................... 3
Fire Hazards .................................... 3
Standards Index .............................. 3
Section 2 General Information and
Setup .............................................. 4
Know Your Generator ..................... 5
Emissions ........................................ 5
Connection Plugs ............................ 6
Off/On/Choke Switch ....................... 6
USB Outlets .................................... 6
Economy Switch .............................. 6
Generator Status Lights .................. 6
Circuit Protectors ............................. 7
Remove Contents from Carton ....... 7
Add Engine Oil ................................ 7
Fuel ................................................. 8
Section 3 Operation .......................9
Operation and Use Questions .........9
Before Starting Engine ....................9
Prepare Generator for Use ..............9
Grounding the Generator When In Use
9
Know Generator Limits ....................9
Transporting/Tipping of the Unit ....10
Starting Pull Start Engines .............10
Starting Hot Engines ......................11
Low Oil Level Shutdown System ...11
Parallel Operation ..........................11
Section 4 Maintenance and
Troubleshooting ..........................12
Maintenance ..................................12
Maintenance Schedule ..................12
Preventive Maintenance ................12
Engine Maintenance ......................12
Storage ..........................................15
Troubleshooting .............................16
(000393)
WARNING
Operating, servicing and maintaining this
equipment can expose you to chemicals
including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide,
phthalates, and lead, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. To
minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust,
do not idle the engine except as necessary,
service your equipment in a well-ventilated
area and wear gloves or wash your hands
frequently when servicing your equipment.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 1
Section 1 Introduction and Safety
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Generac Power
Systems Inc. product. This unit has been
designed to provide high-performance, effi-
cient operation, and years of use when main-
tained properly.
If any section of the manual is not understood,
contact your nearest Independent Authorized
Service Dealer (IASD), or contact Generac
Customer Service at 1-888-GENERAC (1-
888-436-3722), or www.generac.com with any
questions or concerns.
The owner is responsible for proper mainte-
nance and safe use of the equipment. Before
operating, servicing or storing this generator:
• Study all warnings in this manual and on
the product carefully.
• Become familiar with this manual and the
unit before use.
• Refer to the Assembly section of the man-
ual for instructions on final assembly proce-
dures. Follow the instructions completely.
Save these instructions for future reference.
ALWAYS supply this manual to any individual
that will use this machine.
The information in this manual is accurate
based on products produced at the time of
publication. The manufacturer reserves the
right to make technical updates, corrections,
and product revisions at any time without
notice.
Safety Rules
The manufacturer cannot anticipate every
possible circumstance that might involve a
hazard. The warnings in this manual, and on
tags and decals affixed to the unit are, there-
fore, not all inclusive. If using a procedure,
work method or operating technique that the
manufacturer does not specifically recom-
mend, verify that it is safe for others. Also
make sure the procedure, work method or
operating technique utilized does not render
the equipment unsafe.
Throughout this publication, and on tags and
decals affixed to the generator, DANGER,
WARNING, CAUTION and NOTE blocks are
used to alert personnel to special instructions
about a particular operation that may be haz-
ardous if performed incorrectly or carelessly.
Observe them carefully. Their definitions are
as follows:
NOTE: Notes contain additional information
important to a procedure and will be found
within the regular text of this manual.
These safety warnings cannot eliminate the
hazards that they indicate. Common sense
and strict compliance with the special instruc-
tions while performing the action or service
are essential to preventing accidents.
Safety Symbols and Meanings
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after
the generator has been running, move to
fresh air IMMEDIATELY. See a doctor, as
you could have carbon monoxide poison-
ing.
(000100a)
WARNING
Consult Manual. Read and understand manual
completely before using product. Failure to
completely understand manual and product
could result in death or serious injury.
(000001)
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
(000002)
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
(000003)
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
DANGER
Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is
a poison you cannot see or smell.
NEVER use inside a home
or garage, EVEN IF doors
and windows are open.
Only use OUTSIDE and
far away from windows,
doors, and vents.
000657
(000103)
DANGER
Asphyxiation. Running engines produce carbon
monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.
Carbon monoxide, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.

2 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
• For safety reasons, it is recommended that
the maintenance of this equipment be per-
formed by an IASD. Inspect the generator
regularly, and contact the nearest IASD for
parts needing repair or replacement.
Exhaust and Location Hazards
• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after
the generator has been running, move to
fresh air IMMEDIATELY. See a doctor, as
you could have carbon monoxide poison-
ing.
• Point muffler exhaust away from people
and occupied buildings.
• Minimum generator placement distance of
five feet from windows, doors, or openings
in walls with engine exhaust directed away
from occupied buildings and if possible
downwind.
(000179b)
DANGER
Asphyxiation. The exhaust system must be properly
maintained. Do not alter or modify the exhaust system
as to render it unsafe or make it noncompliant with
local codes and/or standards. Failure to do so will
result in death or serious injury.
(000104)
DANGER
Electrocution. Water contact with a power source,
if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
(000116)
DANGER
Electrocution. Turn utility and emergency
power supplies to OFF before connecting power
source and load lines. Failure to do so will result
in death or serious injury.
(000146)
WARNING
Equipment and property damage. Do not alter
construction of, installation, or block ventilation for
generator. Failure to do so could result in unsafe
operation or damage to the generator.
(000178a)
Asphyxiation. Always use a battery operated carbon
monoxide alarm indoors and installed according to
the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
(000250)
WARNING
Equipment and property damage. Do not operate unit on
uneven surfaces, or areas of excessive moisture, dirt, dust
or corrosive vapors. Doing so could result in death, serious
injury, property and equipment damage.
(000111)
WARNING
Moving Parts. Keep clothing, hair, and appendages
away from moving parts. Failure to do so could
result in death or serious injury.
(000108)
WARNING
Hot Surfaces. When operting machine, do not
touch hot surfaces. Keep machine away from
combustables during use. Hot surfaces
could result in severe burns or fire.
(000142a)
Personal injury. Do not insert any object through the
air cooling slots. Generator can start at any time and
could result in death, serious injury, and unit damage.
WARNING
WARNING
Risk of injury. Do not operate or service this machine
if not fully alert. Fatigue can impair the ability to service
this equipment and could result in death or serious
injury. (000215)
WARNING
Injury and equipment damage. Do not use generator
as a step. Doing so could result in falling, damaged
parts, unsafe equipment operation, and could result
in death or serious injury. (000216)
CAUTION
(000291)
Equipment damage. Do not attempt to start or operate
a unit in need of repair or scheduled maintenance.
Doing so could result in serious injury, death, or
equipment failure or damage.
WARNING
(000103)
DANGER
Asphyxiation. Running engines produce carbon
monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.
Carbon monoxide, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
(000179b)
DANGER
Asphyxiation. The exhaust system must be properly
maintained. Do not alter or modify the exhaust system
as to render it unsafe or make it noncompliant with
local codes and/or standards. Failure to do so will
result in death or serious injury.
(000146)
WARNING
Equipment and property damage. Do not alter
construction of, installation, or block ventilation for
generator. Failure to do so could result in unsafe
operation or damage to the generator.
(000178a)
Asphyxiation. Always use a battery operated carbon
monoxide alarm indoors and installed according to
the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury.
WARNING

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 3
Electrical Hazards
• The National Electric Code (NEC) requires
the frame and external electrically conduc-
tive parts of the generator be properly con-
nected to an approved earth ground. Local
electrical codes may also require proper
grounding of the generator. Consult with a
local electrician for grounding requirements
in the area.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter in any
damp or highly conductive area (such as
metal decking or steel work).
• Once generator has been started outside,
connect electrical loads to extension
cord(s) inside.
Fire Hazards
• Wipe up any fuel or oil spills immediately.
Verify that no combustible materials are left
on or near the generator. Keep the area
surrounding the generator clean and free
from debris and keep a clearance of five (5)
feet on all sides to allow for proper ventila-
tion of the generator.
• Do not operate the generator if connected
electrical devices overheat, if electrical out-
put is lost, if engine or generator sparks or if
flames or smoke are observed while unit is
running.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator
at all times.
Standards Index
1. National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) 70: The NATIONAL ELECTRIC
CODE (NEC) available from www.nfpa.org
2. National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) 5000: BUILDING CONSTRUC-
TION AND SAFETY CODE available from
www.nfpa.org
3. International Building Code available from
www.iccsafe.org
4. Agricultural Wiring Handbook available
from www.rerc.org, Rural Electricity
Resource Council P.O. Box 309 Wilming-
ton, OH 45177-0309
5. ASAE EP-364.2 Installation and Mainte-
nance of Farm Standby Electric Power
available from www.asabe.org, American
Society of Agricultural & Biological Engi-
neers 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI
49085
6. CSA C22.2 100-14 Electric motors and
generators for installation and use, in
accordance with the Rules of the Cana-
dian Electrical Code
7. ANSI/PGMA G300 Safety and Perfor-
mance of Portable Generators. Portable
Generator Manufacturer’s Association,
www.pgmaonline.com
This list is not all inclusive. Check with the
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for any
local codes or standards which may be appli-
cable to your jurisdiction.
(000144)
DANGER
Electrocution. Contact with bare wires,
terminals, and connections while generator
is running will result in death or serious injury.
(000104)
DANGER
Electrocution. Water contact with a power source,
if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
(000145)
DANGER
Electrocution. In the event of electrical accident,
immediately shut power OFF. Use non-conductive
implements to free victim from live conductor. Apply
first aid and get medical help. Failure to do so will
result in death or serious injury.
(000105)
DANGER
Explosion and Fire. Fuel and vapors are extremely
flammable and explosive. Add fuel in a well
ventilated area. Keep fire and spark away. Failure to
do so will result in death or serious injury.
(000166b)
DANGER
Explosion and Fire. Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill to
1/2 inch from top of tank to allow for fuel expansion.
Overfilling may cause fuel to spill onto engine causing
fire or explosion, which will result in death or
serious injury.
(000142a)
Personal injury. Do not insert any object through the
air cooling slots. Generator can start at any time and
could result in death, serious injury, and unit damage.
WARNING
WARNING
Fire risk. Fuel and vapors are extremely
flammable. Do not operate indoors. Doing so
could result in death, serious injury, or
property or equipment damage. (000281)
WARNING
Explosion and fire risk. Do not smoke near unit.
Keep fire and spark away. Failure to do so could
result in death, serious injury, or property or
equipment damage. (000282)
WARNING
Explosion and Fire. Do not smoke while
refueling unit. Failure to do so could result in
death, serious injury, or property or equipment
damage. (000284a)

4 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
Section 2 General Information and Setup
Figure 2-1. Features and Controls
TABLE 1. Generator Components
Figure 2-2. Control Panel
20
13 12
25
22
21
23
19
14 15
16
005456
24
006092
1LowOilWarning
2 Overload Warning
3 AC Power Light
4 Hour Meter
5 1A/2.1A, 5 VDC USB Outlet
6 AC Breaker
7 120V, 30A Receptacle (NEMA L5-30R)
8 Grounding Location
9 120V, 20A Receptacle
10 Parallel Outlets
11 Engine Smart Control (ESC)
12 Frame
13 Fuel Gauge
14 Fuel Tank Cap
15 Fuel Tank
16 Control Panel
17 Off/On/Choke Switch
18 Recoil Starter
19 Inverter Module
20 Muffler
21 Oil Drain
22 Oil Fill
23 Air Cleaner
24 Carburetor
25 Spark Plug
11 1 2
8
5
18
6 3
710
9
4
17
006093

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 5
Know Your Generator
Replacement owner’s manuals are available
at www.generac.com.
Emissions
The United States Environmental Protection
Agency (US EPA) (and California Air
Resources Board (CARB), for engines/equip-
ment certified to California standards) requires
that this engine/equipment complies with
exhaust and evaporative emissions stan-
dards. Locate the emissions compliance decal
on the engine to determine applicable stan-
dards. For emissions warranty information,
please reference the included emissions war-
ranty. It is important to follow the maintenance
specifications in the manual to ensure that the
engine complies with the applicable emissions
standards for the duration of the product’s life.
(000100a)
WARNING
Consult Manual. Read and understand manual
completely before using product. Failure to
completely understand manual and product
could result in death or serious injury.
TABLE 2. Product Specifications
Generator Specifications 3500iO
Rated Power 3000 W
Starting Power 3500 W
Rated AC Voltage 120V
Rated AC Load at 120V 25 Amps**
Rated Frequency 60 Hz
Dimensions L x W x H (in/mm) 19.2 x 16.9 x 16.4 (490 x 430 x 417)
Weight (dry) 75 lb. (34 kg)
** Operating Temperature Range: -13 deg. C (8 deg. F) to 40 Deg. C (104 Deg. F). When operated
above 25 deg. C (77 deg. F) there may be a decrease in power.
** Maximum wattage and current are subject to, and limited by, such factors as fuel Btu content,
ambient temperature, altitude, engine condition, etc.. Maximum power decreases about 3.5% for
each 1,000 feet above sea level; and will also decrease about 1% for each 6° C (10° F) above 16°
C (60° F) ambient temperature.
Engine Specifications 3500iO
Engine Type Single Cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement 212 cc
Spark Plug Part Number 0J00620106
Spark Plug Type F7TC / F7RTC / BPR6ES or equivalent
Spark Plug Gap (in/mm) 0.024-0.028 (0.6-0.7)
Fuel Capacity / Type 9 L (2.37 U.S. gallons) / Unleaded
Oil Type See Add Engine Oil
Oil Capacity 0.6 L (0.6 qt.)
Run Time at 50% Load 8.0 Hours
* Go to www.generac.com or contact an IASD for replacement parts.

6 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
Connection Plugs
120 VAC, Duplex Receptacle
The 120 Volt outlet is overload protected by
the 20 Amp push button circuit protector. See
Figure 2-3.
Figure 2-3. 120 VAC, Duplex Receptacle
120 VAC, 30 Amp Receptacle
Use a NEMA L5-30R plug with this receptacle.
Connect a suitable 3-wire cord set to the plug
and to desired load. The cord set should be
rated for 125 Volts AC at 30 Amps (or greater).
See Figure 2-4.
Use this receptacle to operate 120 Volt AC,
60Hz, single phase loads requiring up to 3500
watts, 30 Amps starting power and 3000 watts
of continuous power at 25 Amps. The outlet is
protected by a 30 Amp push-to-reset circuit
breaker.
Figure 2-4. 120 VAC, 30 Amp Receptacle
NEMA L5-30R
Off/On/Choke Switch
This controls the ON/OFF functions, choke
and fuel valve operation. See Figure 2-5.
• The OFF position (1) stops the engine and
shuts off fuel flow.
• The ON position (2) is for normal operation
and to gradually reduce the use of the
choke.
• The CHOKE position (3) switches the fuel
valve on to start the engine.
NOTE: The CHOKE is not required to start a
warm engine.
Figure 2-5. Switch (example)
USB Outlets
The 5 VDC, 1/2.1 Amp USB outlet allows
charging of compatible electronic devices.
Economy Switch
The economy switch has 2 modes of opera-
tion:
•On: The quietest mode and best when run-
ning appliances or equipment that are
resistive loads (non-motor starting), (exam-
ple: TV, video game, light, radio).
•Off: Best when running a both inductive
(motor-starting loads) and resistive (non-
motor starting loads), especially when
these loads are turning on and off (exam-
ple: RV, air conditioner, hairdryer).
Generator Status Lights
See Figure 2-6.
•Overload LED (red): Indicates system
overload (2). During motor starting it is nor-
mal for the overload LED to illuminate for a
few seconds. If LED stays illuminated and
the ready LED turns off, the engine will con-
tinue to run without output power. Remove
all applied loads and determine if attached
devices exceed recommended output
power. Check for faulty or shorted connec-
tions. To restore electrical output, turn dial
OFF to reset. Start engine. If condition was
corrected, the orange LED will not illumi-
nate and electrical output will be restored.
Loads can be applied once the green LED
illuminates. If the orange LED returns, con-
tact an IASD.
•Low Oil Level LED (yellow): Illuminates
when oil level is below safe operating level.
Engine shuts down (1).
•Power LED (green): Indicates output from
generator (3) (unless there is a low oil or
overload condition).
001630
000844
OFF
ON
CHOKE
2
1
3
005482

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 7
Figure 2-6. Status Indicators
Circuit Protectors
The AC receptacles are protected by an AC
circuit protector. If the generator is overloaded
or an external short circuit occurs, the circuit
protector will trip. If this occurs, disconnect all
electrical loads to determine the cause of the
problem before using the generator again.
Reduce the load if the circuit protector is
tripped.
NOTE: Continuous tripping of the circuit pro-
tector may cause damage to generator or
equipment.
Push the button of the protector to reset the
circuit protector.
Remove Contents from Carton
1. Open carton completely by cutting each
corner from top to bottom.
2. Remove and verify carton contents prior to
assembly. Carton contents should contain
the following:
TABLE 3. Accessories
3. Call Generac Customer Service at 1-888-
GENERAC (1-888-436-3722) with the unit
model and serial number for any missing
carton contents.
4. Record model, serial number, and date of
purchase on front cover of this manual.
Add Engine Oil
NOTE: The generator is shipped without oil in
the engine. Add oil slowly and verify oil level
often during filling process to ensure overfilling
does not occur.
1. Place generator on a level surface.
2. Clean area around oil fill and oil drain plug.
3. Remove oil fill cap and wipe dipstick clean.
See Figure 2-7.
Figure 2-7. Remove Dipstick
4. Insert funnel into oil fill opening. Add rec-
ommended engine oil as necessary. Cli-
mate determines proper engine oil
viscosity. See chart to select correct vis-
cosity.
NOTE: Use petroleum based oil (supplied) for
engine break-in before using synthetic oil.
.
5. To check oil level, remove funnel and
insert dipstick into oil filler neck. See Fig-
ure 2-8.
Figure 2-8. Safe Operating Range
Item Qty.
Main Unit 1
Owner’s Manual 1
Engine Oil 1
Oil Funnel 1
Tool Kit 1
Service Warranty 1
Emissions Warranty 1
OVERLOAD OUT
PU
T
123
005483
(000135)
CAUTION
Engine damage. Verify proper type and quantity of
engine oil prior to starting engine. Failure to do so
could result in engine damage.
000115
SAE 30
10W-30
Synthetic 5W-30
000399
005484

8 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
6. Remove dipstick and verify oil level is
within safe operating range.
NOTE: Verify oil level often during filling pro-
cess to ensure overfilling does not occur.
7. Install oil fill cap/dipstick and hand-tighten.
Fuel
Fuel requirements are as follows:
• Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
• Minimum rating of 87 octane/87 AKI (91
RON).
• Up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) is acceptable.
• DO NOT use E85.
• DO NOT use a gas oil mix.
• DO NOT modify engine to run on alternate
fuels. Stabilize fuel prior to storage.
1. Verify unit is OFF and cooled entirely prior
to fueling.
2. Place unit on level ground in a well venti-
lated area.
3. Clean area around fuel cap.
4. Turn cap slowly to remove.
5. Slowly add recommended fuel. Do not
overfill.
6. Install fuel cap.
NOTE: Allow spilled fuel to evaporate before
starting unit.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is important to pre-
vent gum deposits from forming in fuel
system parts such as the carburetor, fuel
hose or tank during storage. 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 the Storage section.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank as permanent
damage may occur.
(000105)
DANGER
Explosion and Fire. Fuel and vapors are
extremely flammable and explosive. Add fuel
in a well ventilated area. Keep fire and spark
away. Failure to do so will result in death
or serious injury.
(000166b)
DANGER
Explosion and Fire. Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill to
1/2 inch from top of tank to allow for fuel expansion.
Overfilling may cause fuel to spill onto engine causing
fire or explosion, which will result in death or
serious injury.
(000362)
Explosion and Fire. Verify fuel cap vent is set to
ON for operation, and OFF for transportation and
storage. Failure to do so could result in poor unit
performance, death, or serious injury.
WARNING