UL GenerLink User manual

Operating Manual
Operating Manual
www.generlink.com
MA23-S (unit with whole house surge suppression)
Operating Manual
Generlink™
225 Arnold Road ■Lawrenceville, GA 30044
www.generlink.com
OPER-MA23
FPLE 1/2021
Please refer
to page 22
for GenerLink™
testing,
while utility power
is present.

_________________________________________________________________
Copyright © 2020 by Global Power Products, Inc.. All rights reserved
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage or retrieval system without the
prior written permission of Global Power Products, Inc. unless such copying is expressly permitted by federal
copyright law.
Address inquiries to:
Generlink™
225 Arnold Road
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
27
i

Transfer Switch: Used in conjunction with a sub panel. Device installed by a
licensed electrician designed to allow interconnection of a portable generator with
limited appliance availability.
Utility’s Electric Distribution System: A network of power lines and associated
equipment used to transmit and distribute electricity over a geographic area.
Voltage: Electrical potential or force that causes current to flow through a conductor.
Watt: A unit that measures the amount of electrical power. watts = volts x amps
26 ii

Hardwire: Process of wiring electric appliances directly into the electric power
supply.
Indicator Lights See Status Lights
Load Watts: See Start-up Wattage
Loads: A source drives a load. An appliance, component or other device that
requires current to operate.
Meter: Any electrical or electronic device used to measure the amount of
electricity consumed.
NEMA: National Electrical Manufacturers Association. A standard which
specifies the electrical connectors used on plug-in equipment.
Overload: A condition that occurs when the load is greater than the
system/device is designed to handle.
Power Cord: See Connection Cord
Power Outage: A temporary loss of electric power or temporary disconnection
from the electric utility.
Running Wattage: The amount of energy necessary to continue running an
appliance once it has started.
Status Lights: GenerLink™status lights are designed to display power condi-
tions with the GenerLink unit, utility and the portable generator.
Start-up Wattage: The amount of energy needed to first start an appliance. This
amount is usually larger than the running wattage for appliances with motors
(refrigerator). It is usually the same for appliances without motors (lights).
Sub Panel: Device used in connection with a transfer switch designed to bypass
a breaker panel and limits the amount of load or number of appliances that can
be placed on a generator.
Surge: A power disturbance known also as a transient voltage.
or
A brief but extreme burst of energy.
Surge Protection: Any device designed to limit or eliminate transient voltages
from entering power, signal, telephone or data lines.
Contents
Contents
Setup Procedures 1
Status Lights 2
Audible Alarm 3
Start-Up Procedures 4
The GenerLok™ Power Cord 7
Selecting a Portable Generator 11
Appliance Usage Guide 13
Sample Worksheets and Instructions 15
Technical Fact Sheets 17
Frequently Asked Questions 19
Troubleshooting Tips 22
Glossary of Terms 24
iii 25

Glossary of T
Glossary of Terms erms
Amp (Ampere): The amount of electricity or current flowing through a wire,
similar to the flow of water through a pipe.
Back feed: A condition where electricity is being generated from a source
outside the utility power grid and is feeding/traveling back into the power lines.
Breaker Panel: The main circuit breaker panel (or fuse box) is where all the
circuits/fuses connect to the incoming electrical supply line from the utility.
Breakers: See Circuit Breaker
Capacity: The amount of power, expressed in watts, kilowatts or megawatts,
that a device can provide at any given instant.
or
The maximum load of electricity that equipment can carry.
Circuit: A continuous loop of current.
Circuit Breaker: The most common type of “overcurrent protection.” A
resettable switch that trips when a circuit becomes overloaded or shorts out.
Connection Cord: An electrical receptacle and plug wired to a length of
flexible electrical cord.
Continuous Output: The amount of power produced continuously as opposed
to the maximum output, which can only be produced for short periods of time.
Current: The rate at which electricity flows, measured in amperes.
Electric Panel: See Breaker Panel
Fuses: Removable devices that link a circuit at the fuse box. A non-resettable
overcurrent device.
Generator: A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
GenerLink™: A five-inch collar-like device installed behind your electric
meter, which allows you to easily and safely connect a portable generator to
your home’s existing wiring system.
GenerLok™: GenerLok™is a unique fitted locking connector, exclusively
available for GenerLink™.
Setup Procedures
Setup Procedures
Carefully read all the instructions before using GenerLink™.
The best time to prepare for a power outage is before there is an actual
interruption of utility-supplied power. The following are suggested steps to
prepare for an actual power outage using your portable generator and
GenerLink™.
■Determine which appliances are on each circuit breaker.
Note: circuit breakers may control more than one appliance. We
recommend you affix labels to each circuit breaker listing its appliances.
■Familiarize yourself with the typical power requirements of the
appliances you expect to use during an outage, always taking into
consideration the capacity of your generator. See Sample Worksheets
located in this manual.
■Verify that the green status light on the GenerLink™unit is
illuminated. This light is located on the collar behind the connection
cord below your electric meter. (See Diagram 1). The yellow status
light may also be illuminated, this is a normal condition.
■Verify that the GenerLink™unit is not emitting a constant audible
alarm.
Diagram 1
Status Lights
124
Green
Red
Yellow
Blue

Problem
After the generator is turned off and utility power is present, the house load
begins to cycle on and off.
Cause
While connected to the generator, GenerLink™may have suffered an internal
failure.
Solution
1. Reduce the load by turning off all circuit breakers in the house.
2. Reconnect and restart the generator.
3. Restore load equal to the capacity of generator.
4. Operate household loads using your generator.
5. Call for service. (Refer to the Terms and Conditions for service instructions)
6. Do not, under any conditions, attempt to remove or repair GenerLink™
yourself.
Status Lights
Status Lights
GenerLink™is equipped with one blue status light, one green status light, one
yellow status light, and one red fault status light. (See Diagram 1)
In the event of a power outage, none of the status lights will be
illuminated until generator power is provided.
Green Status Light
Green Status Light
When the green status light is illuminated utility power is present. This
represents a normal condition. If normal utility-supplied power is present in
your home (you are not powering your home with a generator) and the green
status light is NOT illuminated, maintenance is required and the unit must be
serviced. Do not, under any conditions, attempt to remove or repair
GenerLink™yourself. (Refer to Terms and Conditions for service instructions)
Red Status Light
Red Status Light
The red status light indicates an abnormal condition exists and GenerLink™’s
safety circuits were initiated. Illumination of the red status light does not
indicate an unsafe condition exists. It is normal for the red status light to
momentarily illuminate when GenerLink™cycles between generator and
utility power.
If the red fault status light is illuminated continuously, DO NOT CONNECT a
generator to GenerLink™. Service is required, immediately contact your Utility
or the Approved Installer. (Refer to the Terms and Conditions for service instructions)
Y
Yellow Status Light ellow Status Light
The yellow light indicates that the household load is greater than 30 amps. It is
normal for the yellow status light to be illuminated while utility power is
present. The load must be reduced before the GenerLink™unit can be operated
with a portable generator. Reduce the load by turning off circuit breakers in the
breaker panel.
Blue Status Light
Blue Status Light
When the blue status light is illuminated, generator power is present. This
represents that the generator is properly connected to the GenerLink™and providing
generator power.
!WARNING
If the green status light is NOT illuminated when
utility power is present, or the red fault status
light IS illuminated, a potential hazardous
condition may e ist. Contact your electric utility
or authorized installer.
223

Please refer
to page 22
for GenerLink™
testing,
while utility power
is present.
Audible Alarm
Audible Alarm
GenerLink™units equipped with optional surge protection are also equipped
with an audible alarm. The alarm will sound continuously if the surge
components require service. (Refer to the Terms and Conditions for service
instructions). Do not, under any conditions, attempt to remove or repair
GenerLink™yourself.
If the alarm is sounding, you CAN CONNECT a generator to GenerLink™.
The audible alarm is an indication that service may be required. An authorized
utility technician or licensed electrician must service the device. (Refer to the
Terms and Conditions for service instructions)
T
Troubleshooting T roubleshooting Tips ips
Problem
The GenerLink™will not transfer to the generator during testing with utility
power present.
Cause
The GenerLink™unit is equipped with a lockout circuit that prevents transfer
to generator power if the load on the home exceeds 30-amps. The yellow
status light will be illuminated if the load exceeds 30-amps
Solution / Testing
1. Disconnect the generator.
2. Reduce the load by turning off ALL the circuit breakers in the house
3. Confirm that the yellow status light is not illuminated
4. Reconnect and restart the generator.
5. Restore load equal to or less than the capacity of generator.
6. Operate household loads using your generator.
7. Do not, under any conditions, attempt to remove or repair GenerLink™
yourself.
Problem
GenerLink™will not continuously connect the generator to the loads or it
periodically cycles the loads on and off.
Cause
GenerLink™is equipped with load sensing capabilities. If it detects a
connected load that exceeds the 30 amp continuous load rating, it will
automatically disconnect the generator for a short period of time.
Solution
Reconnect GenerLink™through the 30-amp, 4 blade connector.
Problem
The green indicator light on GenerLink™is not illuminated when utility power
is present.
Cause
The green status light on the bottom of the GenerLink™must be illuminated
when utility power is present. If it is not illuminated, this may indicate an
abnormal condition that may require service.
Solution
1. Call for service. (Refer to the Terms and Conditions for service instructions)
2. Do not attempt to test or use the GenerLink™with a generator until the
condition is corrected.
3. Do not, under any conditions, attempt to remove and/or repair GenerLink™
yourself.
3
22

Q. What maintenance is required for GenerLink™?
A. Twice a year test the GenerLink™ unit with the GenerLok™ power cord to
ensure connectivity. If GenerLok™ cord does not snap into place, use a
dielectric grease only on the four small ball bearings located on the
GenerLink™ connector. Do not use WD 0 on any components of the
GenerLink™ or GenerLok™ power cord.
Q. What happens if the generator gets overloaded?
A. Your generator should have a circuit breaker that will activate in the event
of an overload. If it does not have this feature, it is not suit-able for use with
GenerLink™. If the generator’s circuit breaker trips, turn off all the household
circuit breakers in your breaker panel, reset the circuit breaker on the
generator, and restart the generator. Please refer to your generator owner’s
manual for complete instructions on the safe operation of your generator.
Q. Where should the generator be placed?
A. Remember, generator exhaust gases contain deadly carbon monoxide. The
generator should never be operated inside, this includes basements, crawl spaces
and/or attached garages. Please consult your generator owner’s manual for
complete instructions on the safe location for and operation of your generator.
Q. What is a power cord?
A. A power cord consists of:
a standard GenerLok™connector that will attach to GenerLink™,
a four wire, 10 gauge with MA23 cable that is
insulated, heavy duty, outdoor rated, fire and water-resistant and
is appropriate for cords up to 60 feet for a 30-amp circuit
an appropriate NEMA connector for your generator.
Your generator may have a 30-amp 4 prong, 120/240-volt output that will
require a L14-30-amp, NEMA connector. The length of the power cord should
be as close to the actual measured distance from the meter to the generator as
possible in order to maintain your generator’s power quality.
Q. What if my generator connector does not have a straight or locking
L14-30 connector?
A. Some generators are fitted with connectors that are not L14-30. Consult
with your local utility or a GenerLink™Authorized Reseller to determine if
your generator can be used to connect with GenerLink™.
Q. What happens if I want GenerLink™removed from my home?
A. To remove, replace, or repair your GenerLink™, you must contact an
Approved Installer. Only technicians authorized by the electric utility or
licensed electricians may have access to GenerLink™. Do not, under any
conditions, attempt to remove and/or repair GenerLink™yourself.
Start-Up Procedures
Start-Up Procedures
The following are the start-up procedures for GenerLink™. For generator start-
up procedures, please refer to the generator manufacturer owner’s manual.
STEP 1. Turn off all of the circuit breakers in your breaker panel. (See Diagram 2)
STEP 2. Move your generator into position to be con-
nected to GenerLink™. Using the GenerLok™ power
cord, insert the four-blade plug on the connecting cord
into the L30-amp, 120/240-volt outlet on the generator.
Do not attempt to connect your generator using a connection cord that
is not fitted with GenerLok™. Do not attempt to connect to a three-
blade generator outlet or one rated higher than 30-amps. (See the
GenerLok™Power Cord section of this manual)
STEP 3. To plug the GenerLok™power cord, align with the front of the
GenerLink™receptacle. Insert the connector, there will be a snapping sound
when the connector locks in place. (See Diagram 3)
Note: GenerLok™cannot be connected successfully:
■if the connector does not lock in place (no snapping sound)
Diagram 3
421
Diagram 2
GenerLok™
Connector
GenerLink™
Receptacle

STEP 4. Turn off the idle setting (if present) on your generator. This will ensure
that your generator will operate at the correct speed and voltage.
STEP 5. Review the generator starting procedures in the generator owner’s
manual and then start your generator.
STEP 6. If after starting your generator, the GenerLink™unit begins emitting a
constant audible alarm, IT IS STILL SAFE TO OPERATE YOUR
GENERATOR with GenerLink™. The alarm indicates that the surge
protection components may require service. (See Warranty and Service
Section in this manual)
STEP 7. Select the appliances that require emergency power. Note the capacity
of your generator and refer to the Appliance Energy Guide in this manual.
Locate the circuit breakers in your home’s breaker panel (See Diagram 4) for
the appliances you can support
and turn them on one at a time.
Start with large motor loads
first, such as refrigerators.
Motors require 2 to 3 times
more power to start than other
electrical appliances. Allow gen-
erator operation to stabilize
before starting the next load. Next, start smaller motors such as a ceiling or
ventilating fan. Then start smaller appliances with no motors such as lights.
STEP 8. When it is time to refuel your generator, turn off all your home’s
circuit breakers before turning off the generator, and refuel according to your
generator owner’s manual. Then begin with Step 1 of the Start-Up Procedure
to reconnect loads/appliances.
5
Q. I have meter-based surge protection, but want GenerLink™. Should
I get hard-wired surge protection?
A. If your GenerLink™unit is equipped with whole house surge protection it
will eliminate the need for meter based or hard wired surge protection devices.
Q. Why can’t I run my whole house from a portable generator?
A. The appliances in the average home consume relatively low amounts of
electricity to operate once they are started. However, many of them require a
significant amount of electricity to start up the appliances. Please review the
appliance guide to determine the start-up wattage required for individual
appliances.
Q. What happens when the utility power is restored and my generator
is operating through GenerLink™?
A. Your generator continues to power your home until you turn it off. Once
you turn off your generator, GenerLink™will automatically switch your home
back to utility power. GenerLink™has a built-in safety feature that prevents
back feeding the generator’s power into the utility lines, eliminating hazardous
conditions for you and for utility service personnel.
Q. Does my utility meter continue to run when using GenerLink™
with my generator?
A. No, your utility meter will only run when the utility is providing electric
power to your home. When using GenerLink™, with your portable generator,
you are automatically disconnected from the utility power supply and will not
reconnect until you turn off your generator.
Q. How can I tell when the utility power is restored?
A. There are four indicator lights on GenerLink™, one blue, one green, one
yellow, and one red. When the blue light is illuminated, you are connected to
your generator. When the green light is illuminated, this represents a
normal condition where utility power is present. When your utility has restored
power, you can de-energize and disconnect your generator from GenerLink™. If
the red light is illuminated at any time or in conjunction with the green light,
there is a potential problem, and you should have the unit
serviced immediately. (Refer to the Terms and Conditions for service
instructions)
Q. Can I use GenerLink™during inclement weather?
A. GenerLink™is completely sealed inside the meter socket and does not
represent a hazard; however, generators should not be operated during rain or
snow unless they are protected from the elements. Please consult your generator
manufacturer, distributor and/or owner’s manual for instructions on the safe
operation of your generator.
Diagram 4
Breaker Panel
!WARNING
Before refueling your generator, consult the
manufacturer’s instructions as found in the
generator owner’s manual.
20

19
STEP 9. If the generator’s circuit breaker trips off during operation or setup, turn
off all circuit breakers in the breaker panel, reset the circuit breaker on the
generator, and restart the generator if necessary. Select and reconnect loads
following the procedures summarized in Step 7.
STEP 10. To determine when utility power has been restored, check the green
status light (see Status Lights section in this manual). If the green light is
illuminated, utility power is present, and you can reconnect to the utility.
To reconnect to your electric utility:
A. Turn off your generator. Expect to hear a ‘clicking’ sound from the
GenerLink™unit when the power transition occurs. This is a simple
verification that normal utility service has been restored.
B. On your breaker panel, set all circuit breakers to the ‘on’ position.
C. You can now unplug the generator from GenerLink™. To unplug
GenerLink™, gently pull down on the metal locking ring at the top of the
GenerLok™connector. (See Diagram 5) Store your power cord in a safe
and dry location.
Diagram 5 Locking Ring
6
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a generator in order to use GenerLink™?
A. Yes. GenerLink™is an interconnection device that enables you to connect
your portable generator directly to your home’s wiring system. During a
power outage, your generator becomes your source of emergency back-up
power. GenerLink™is designed as an alternative to expensive transfer
switches and hazardous extension cords.
Q. How is GenerLink™different from a transfer switch?
A. GenerLink™offers several advantages over traditional transfer switches:
■■
■■GenerLink™is installed outside your home at the electric meter in less
than 20 minutes. And, in most cases, you do not need to be at home for
the GenerLink™installation. Installation of a transfer switch can take
about two to three hours and requires re-wiring your home’s electric system.
■■
■■With GenerLink™, you have the flexibility of selecting the appliances you
want to run from your home’s breaker panel, up to the capacity of your
generator. Most basic transfer switches have 6 to 8 hard-wired circuits. This
limits the number of circuits you can connect to the transfer switch.
■■
■■Since GenerLink™uses your existing breaker panel, you can run any large
120 or 240-volt appliance up to your generator’s capacity. Your well pump,
water heater, sump pump, electric range, clothes dryer and electric
baseboard heat are just some of the appliances that can be run on a
rotation basis with GenerLink™. Many transfer switches and sub panels
have only one or two 240-volt circuits rated at 15 or 20-amps. Heavier
loads, such as hot water heaters and electric ranges, may not be
accommodated by these transfer switches and sub panels.
Q. Is there any potential for damage to my appliances?
A. GenerLink™is designed to function as an interconnection device and
serves to connect your generator to your home. There is no risk of damage
to your appliances created by the GenerLink™device. You should exercise
care when selecting your generator to ensure you are buying a high quality
generator.
Q. I want surge protection for my home and appliances, can I still use
GenerLink™?
A. Yes, GenerLink™is now available with an optional feature – surge
protection. GenerLink™with surge protection will protect your home and
wired appliances from surges over 600 volts.

The GenerLok™ Power Cord
The GenerLok™ Power Cord
To connect your portable generator to GenerLink™a GenerLok™power cord
is required. The GenerLok™power cord consists of three components:
A. GenerLok™ connector
B. connector for your generator
C. 10 gauge power cord (4 wire)
The GenerLok™ Connector:
GenerLink™is equipped with GenerLok™,
a unique connector that allows for quick and
easy connection to your portable generator.
GenerLok™locks in place when connected
to GenerLink™. GenerLok™is not a
threaded connector. Therefore, twisting of
the locking sleeve is not necessary to ensure
a tight connection. NOTE: GenerLok™
will always be fitted on one end of the power
cord.
The Generator Connector:
GenerLink™is connected to the generator’s 120/240-volt AC receptacle using
a GenerLok™power cord with the appropriate generator connection.
Generators have different types of receptacles depending on the type of genera-
tor, the type of power provided, and the size of the generator. Some generators
are rated for only 120-volt or only 240-volt output; neither are appropriate for
powering your home through GenerLink™. If your generator does not have
a 120/240-volt AC receptacle, it is not suitable for use with
GenerLink™.Check your generator for one of the receptacles in Diagram 6.
These receptacles are rated for 120/240-volt output, which is what you need to
run your home. If your generator does not have one of these receptacles, it
should not be used with GenerLink™. Your GenerLok™power cord will be
fitted with a male plug compatible with one of the following generators
receptacles.
Surge Protection Specifications and Technical Information
Nominal Line Voltage: 120/240
Max Cont. Operating Voltage: 250
Operating Frequency: 60 Hz
Total Surge Current: 100,000 A
Max Surge Current Per Mode: 50,000 A L1 - G
50,000 A L2 - G
Circuit Type: Parallel High Energy
Storage Temperature: -40° to +160° F (-40° to +70° C)
Operating Temperature: -40v to +140° F (-40° to +60° C)
Operating Altitude: Sea Level to 12,000 feet
(3,658 Meters)
Performance:
ANSI/IEEE C62.41:
Category A3 200A 600 V
Category B3 500A 660 V
Category C1 3,000A 690 V
EMI/RFI noise rejection: Up to -20dB
Diagram 6
18 7

The Connection Cord:
Connection cords are typically 20 to 60 feet long, with a maximum
recommended length of 60 feet for a 30-amp circuit. To determine the correct
cord length, follow these easy steps:
STEP 1. Select a location for your generator when it is being used with
GenerLink™. Consult your generator manufacturers owner’s manual for
instructions on the acceptable placement of your generator.
STEP 2. Measure the length of the cord you will need by calculating the
distance from the installed GenerLink™to your generator, including the
vertical distance from the electric meter to the ground.
The length of the power cord should always be as close as possible to the actual
measured distance from the electric meter in order to maximize your generator’s
power quality. Additionally, the power cord must be fully unrolled during use.
NOTE:
The GenerLok™power cord is the only power cord approved for use
with GenerLink™. The GenerLok™connector can only be used with
GenerLink™. It is not compatible for use with any other electric
appliance/device.
817
T
Technical Fact Sheet echnical Fact Sheet
GenerLink™Specifications and Technical Information
Physical:
Diameter: 6 ¹₂ in.
Depth: 5 ¹₄ in.
Weight w/o surge: 5 ¹₂ lbs
Weight with surge: 5 ³₄ lbs
Socket Style: Ring or Ring-less, 200 Amp, 4 jaw
Electrical:
Source Compatibility: 200 Ampere Service or Less
Withstand Current: 8,000 Amperes rms symmetrical at .5 pf, 240
Volts, 60 Hz 6000 Amperes for 6 cycles
at .7 - .8 pf, 240 Volts, 60 Hz
Generator Input: 8.5kW Continuous†, 120/240 Volt
8.5kW Continuous for MA-23
Connection: Proprietary GenerLok™ QuickConnect
Power Cord
Operational:
Transfer Type: Break-Before-Make
Transfer Delay: 2-3 Seconds
Life Cycle: 300,000 Operations
Temperature Range: -30°C to 60°C External Ambient
Features:
Generator Input Protection: Generator Input Voltage ≥200 Volts
Supplemental Overcurrent ≤40 A
Utility Input Protection: Utility Input Voltage ≥180 Volts
Over-Temperature Trip ≥105°C
Load Protection: Integrated Whole-House Surge Protection
Model MA 23-S Only (Optional)
Type 1 - 75kA per phase
Status Indication: Long-life LED indicators show utility power
availability and/or fault presence
Listings: UL 1008M - Meter socket transfer switch
†3 hours at 25°C/ 77°F ambient
*When protected by max 200 A circuit breaker in series with 100 A branch circuit breaker

Surge Protection
Surge Protection
What are Surges?
A surge is a sudden, unpredictable, powerful increase in voltage that can
damage or destroy household appliances and electronic equipment. Surge
damage can happen all at once in cases of high voltage surges or over a period
of time when lower voltage surges are experienced consistently.
How to Protect Your Home and Appliances from Voltage Surges.
Surges can occur on power, cable TV, telephone and data lines. They are
caused by many sources: lightning, the switching of utility equipment on the
electric grid, electrical accidents, heavy motor or heavy loads from a nearby
industry or locally, by microwave ovens, laser printers and copiers, air
conditioner compressor motors and even lights being turned on and off.
■GenerLink™with Surge Protection:
■Protects household equipment including appliances and hard-wired systems
not protected by power strips. Plus, it provides enhanced protection for
household electronics.
■Provides protection beyond typical point-of-use power strips and plug-ins.
■Produces an audible alarm when the devices requires service.
■Protects against spikes up to 100,000 amps on the electric system.
■Provides a white goods warranty of $1,000/appliance and/or $10,000/house.
■Is meter-based and will provide the first line of defense at your home’s
service entrance and for your wired appliances from voltage surges. (Refer
to the Terms and Conditions for service instructions)
To protect sensitive plugged-in appliances and equipment, you should combine
GenerLink™(with surge protection) with outlet-strip/ plug-in surge protectors.
Purchase high quality plug-in strips to protect sensitive equipment and
appliances such as your computer and audio/visual equipment. Always consult
your specific appliance owner’s manual before installing plug-in surge strips.
16 9
WORKSHEET A
Generator Size:
(Watts)
Load Start X Run Watts = Load
Factor Watts
X=
X=
X=
X=
X=
X=
60 X=
100 X=
150 X=
Total:
BCDE
Lights Wattage Number
F
G

Safety T
Safety Tips ips
Do not wait for an emergency to learn how to connect your generator and
select loads to GenerLink™. (See Setup Procedures for detailed information.)
■Do not connect the GenerLok™power cord to GenerLink™if the red
fault status light is continuously illuminated.
■Never connect or disconnect the GenerLok™power cord to/from your
portable generator while the generator is operating. Turn off the portable
generator and turn off all circuits in your breaker panel before connecting
or disconnecting the power cord.
■Before using the GenerLok™power cord, check the cord for exposed wires
and/or frayed insulation.
■Keep the power cord stored in a dry, safe location when not in use.
■Ensure that the GenerLok™power cord is in a protected area where it will
not be damaged by lawn mowers, power tools or vehicles.
■Never attempt to remove, repair, dismantle, modify, or alter GenerLink™
once it has been installed.
!CAUTION
Always locate and operate your
generator in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions as outlines
in the generator owner’s manual.
10 15
SAMPLE WORKSHEET
Generator Size: (Watts)
Load Start X Run Watts = Load
Factor Watts
Refrigerator 3X1000 =3000
Sump Pump 2X1000 =2000
Computer 1X200 =200
Fan (central) ¹₄ hp 3X400 =1200
X=
X=
60 X5=300
100 X1=100
150 X0=0
Total: 6800
BCDE
Lights Wattage Number
F
G
9600

Notes to Appliance Usage Guide
The wattages on the Appliance Energy Guide are estimates. The estimated
wattage required for your appliances can be easily calculated. (NOTE:
1 kW=1000 watts; 2 kW=2000 watts and so on.) The formula for finding
wattage is: Volts x Amps = Watts (running). Always use starting factor when
calculating electrical load requirements for your generator. Select the appliances
you want to operate and add the starting wattages together to determine if they
can all be operated at the same time without exceeding the capacity of your
generator. NOTE: individual circuit breakers on your breaker panel may
control more than one appliance. Always determine which appliances/loads are
connected to specific breakers.
Worksheet Instructions
Write down the maximum and continuous wattage output ratings for your
generator in the boxes marked A.
From the Appliance Energy Guide, select the appliances that you wish to
operate and write them in column B. For each selected appliance, write its
corresponding starting factor and run watts in columns C and D respectively.
For each appliance that you have selected, multiply the starting factor by the
run watts and write the results or the load watts in column E. NOTE: Only
items that start simultaneously should be tallied in column D.
Finally, sum up all of the load wattages for each appliance and lights in column E.
Add each appliances load watts and write the number in box G. The number in box
G represents the total amount of load you plan to run on your portable generator.
Be sure that the total in box G does not exceed the generator size in box A.
Always select a generator that is as large or larger than the estimates for both
running and starting wattages.
Selecting a Portable Generator
Selecting a Portable Generator
What Kind of Generator Do I Need?
There are a wide variety of portable generators available for purchase. Some
are more suitable than others for connecting to your house. When selecting a
portable generator to connect to your house, you should ensure the
generator:
■will not damage sensitive electronic
appliances/equipment,
■provides the capacity to start needed motor
loads, such as a well or sump pump
■has the necessary four-wire 20-amp or 30-
amp receptacle required to connect to
GenerLink™and
■has a 120/240-volt connector.
As a guide, GenerLink™should be used with a generator that has the
following features:
■a peak rating sufficient to start the largest motor you will be running
■an automatic voltage regulator
■‘low oil’ shut down
■L14-20 or L14-30 locking or straight receptacles for connecting to
GenerLink™and
■120/240-volt output
The quality of power produced by a portable generator is also an important
factor to consider when selecting your generator. If the voltage output is too
low, it could cause motors, such as your refrigerator or furnace motor, to
overheat. If the voltage output is too high, it could damage sensitive
electronic equipment such as your computer or the digital controls on your
heating system.
To maximize your generator’s power quality, it is recommended that your
generator have automatic voltage regulation. Electronic voltage regulation is
preferred over capacitor or condenser type regulation in instances where
sensitive electronic equipment is being operated.
What Size Generator Do I Need?
During a power outage, GenerLink™allows you to select the combination of
loads/appliances you want to operate by simply switching breakers in the
household breaker panel. This flexibility makes generator sizing easy.
!CAUTION
Do not turn on your home’s heat pump or central air
conditioning while using GenerLink™. The starting
wattage for these devices e ceeds GenerLink™’s
40-amp capacity.
14 11

You will want a generator that can run the largest appliances and motors you
will need during an outage. You can always run other smaller loads/appliances
by rotating them on and off as necessary.
For example, if you have a generator with 8,500 continuous watts of capacity,
during a power outage, you can run the hot water heater (typically 4,800 watts)
by simply turning off the majority of other household breakers until the water
tank heats up. Once the water is heated, shut off the water heater breaker and
switch the other household circuit breakers back on.
To determine the loads you can support with a portable generator, you must
consider both the “running watt” and the “starting watt” requirements of the
loads you want to operate. (See Appliance Energy Guide in this manual)
You can purchase or use a generator of any size provided the generator
is equipped with a 4 wire, 120/240-volt receptacle rated at 20-amps or
30-amps. GenerLink™is designed to be compatible with 20-amp or 30-amp
connectors. GenerLink™is not rated to be compatible with larger current out-
puts and will electronically disconnect if you are generating outputs larger than
40-amps.
Appliance Usage Guide
Appliance Usage Guide
E uipment
Water Heater (50 gallon)
Portable Heater with fan
Furnace Fan (Central) - 1/4 HP
1/3 HP
1/2 HP
Co puter
Fax Machine
Space Heater
Refrigerator/Freezer
Ho e Security Syste
Lights
Range w/Oven
- S all Burner
- Large Burner
Garage Door Opener - 1/3 HP
- 1/2 HP
Well Pu p - 1/3 HP
1/2 HP
3/4 HP
Sub ersible Su p Pu p - 1/2 HP
Electric Heat Pu p
Central A/C 3 ton
Dishwasher w/o hot water
Television
Radio
Microwave
Coffee aker
Toaster
Hair Dryer
Washing Machine w/o Hot Water
Clothes Dryer
Air Cleaner
Dehu idifier
Hu idifier
Vacuu Cleaner
Starting Factor
1
2
3
3
3
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
Running Wattage
(avg.)
4500-5000
500-1500
400
450
600
200
50-1000
500-1500
750
200
40-150
12200
1300
2400
750
1050
750
1000
1500
1000
6000
6000
1200
150-400
70-200
600-1500
750-1200
1100
600-1400
1000
4850
50
840
177
800
13
12