Wen 4050 User manual

MODEL 4050
7 HP Generator
Item # 56400
Owner’s Manual
Manual del Propietario
Questions? Problems?
Please call our customer help line:
[phone] M-F 8-5 CST
FEATURES
• 4050 Surge Watt Output
• 3500 Rated Watt Output
• Powerful Enough to Run Essential Appliances During Power Outages
• 120 and 240 Volt AC Outputs
• Low Oil Automatic Shutoff
• Circuit Breaker for Overload Protection
• 4 Gallon Fuel Tank Capacity
• Spark Arrester
• Meets EPA Emission Standards
2014
www.wenproducts.com

GENERATOR IDENTIFICATION
For information and questions, please contact the Customer Service Help Line by calling 800-232-
1195. Certain information will be requested by the Customer Service Representative and to facilitate
that, please fill in the information below.
Refer to the illustration below for the location of Serial Number. Record generator information in the
spaces provided below.
DATE OF PURCHASE: ______________________________________________
PURCHASED FROM: ______________________________________________
GENERATOR MODEL NUMBER: ____________________________________
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER: _________________________________________
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
SERVICE RECORD
Record Service Dates:
Date Date Date Date Date Date
Oil Change
Change spark plug
Clean Fuel Tank
Clean Filter Cup
Clean Air Cleaner
i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERATOR IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................................ i
SERVICE RECORD ......................................................................................................................... i
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 2
GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES ........................................................................................... 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................... 5
PACKAGE CONTENTS ................................................................................................................. 6
GENERATOR COMPONENTS ..................................................................................................... 7
GENERATOR PREPARATION .................................................................................................... 8
Using the Generator for the First Time .......................................................................................... 8
Step 1 - Fill Oil ........................................................................................................................... 8
Step 2- Add Gasoline .................................................................................................................. 9
Step 3- Ground the Generator ................................................................................................... 10
STARTING THE GENERATOR ................................................................................................. 11
SUBSEQUENT STARTING OF THE GENERATOR ............................................................... 13
Step 1- Check the Oil................................................................................................................ 13
Step 2 – Check the Fuel Level .................................................................................................. 13
Step 3- Ground the Generator ................................................................................................... 14
USING THE GENERATOR ......................................................................................................... 15
STOPPING THE GENERATOR ................................................................................................. 19
MAINTENANCE / CARE ............................................................................................................. 20
Cleaning the Generator ................................................................................................................. 20
Checking the Oil ........................................................................................................................... 20
Changing/ Adding Oil .................................................................................................................. 21
Air Cleaner Maintenance .............................................................................................................. 22
Fuel Filter Cup Cleaning .............................................................................................................. 22
Spark Plug Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 23
Draining the Fuel Tank ................................................................................................................. 23
STORAGE / TRANSPORT PROCEDURES .............................................................................. 24
SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 25
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................................. 26
EXPLODED VIEW AND PARTS LIST ...................................................................................... 27
WIRING DIAGRAM ..................................................................................................................... 32
WARRANTY STATEMENT ........................................................................................................ 34
ii

INTRODUCTION
Thank You for Purchasing a WEN® Product.
.
This manual provides information regarding the safe operation and maintenance of this product.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this manual.
WEN® reserves the right to change this product and specifications at any time without prior notice.
Please keep this manual available to all users during the entire life of the generator.
Special Messages
This manual contains special messages to bring attention to potential safety concerns, generator
damage as well as helpful operating and servicing information. Please read all the information
carefully to avoid injury and machine damage.
Questions? Problems?
In order to answer questions and solve problems in the most efficient and speedy manner,
contact Customer Service at:
[phone] M-F 8-5 CST
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engines that are certified to comply with U.S. EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off
Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the
following emission control systems: (EM) Engine Modifications and (TWC) Three-Way Catalyst
(if so equipped).
1

SAFETY INFORMATION
Before operating this generator read and observe all warnings, cautions, and instructions on
this sheet, on the generator, and in the Owner’s Manual.
NOTE: The following safety information is not meant to cover all possible conditions and
situations that may occur. Read the entire Owner’s Manual for safety and operating
instructions. Failure to follow instructions and safety information could result in serious
injury or death.
This safety alert symbol is used to identify safety information about hazards that can result in
personal injury.
A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) is used with
the alert symbol to indicate the likelihood and the potential severity of injury. In
addition, a hazard symbol may be used to represent the type of hazard.
DANGER indicates a hazard, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING indicates a hazard, which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazard, which, if not avoided, might result in minor or
moderate injury.
CAUTION, when used without the alert symbol, indicates a situation that could
result in damage to the engine or generator.
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS
2

GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES
For any questions regarding the hazard and safety notices listed in this manual or on the
product, please call [phone] M-F 8-5 CST before using the generator.
DANGER: CARBON MONOXIDE. Using a generator indoors CAN KILL
YOU IN MINUTES.
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO). This is a poison gas you
cannot see or smell. If you can smell the generator exhaust, you are breathing CO.
But even if you cannot smell the exhaust, you could be breathing CO.
• NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, or other partly enclosed
areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up in these areas. Using a fan or
opening windows and doors does NOT supply enough fresh air.
• ONLY use a generator outside and far away from windows, doors, and vents. These
openings can pull in generator exhaust.
Even if you use a generator correctly, CO may leak into the home. ALWAYS use a battery-
powered or battery-backup CO alarm in the home.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after the generator has been running, move to fresh
air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
WARNING: The exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: This generator may emit highly
flammable and explosive gasoline vapors, which can
cause severe burns or even death, if ignited. A nearby open flame can lead to
explosion even if not directly in contact with gasoline.
• Do not operate near open flame.
• Do not smoke near generator.
• Always operate on a firm, level surface.
• Always turn generator off before refueling. Allow generator to cool for at least 2
minutes before removing fuel cap. Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tank.
• Do not overfill fuel tank. Gasoline may expand during operation. Do not fill to the
top of the tank. Allow for expansion.
• Always check for spilled fuel before operating.
• Empty fuel tank before storing or transporting the generator.
• Before transporting, turn fuel valve to off and disconnect spark plug wire.
3

WARNING: This generator produces powerful voltage, which can
result in electrocution.
• ALWAYS ground the generator before using it (see the “Ground the Generator”
portion of the “GENERATOR PREPARATION” section).
• Generator should only be plugged into electrical devices, either directly or with an
extension cord. NEVER connect to a building electrical system without a qualified
electrician. Such connections must comply with local electrical laws and codes.
Failure to comply can create a back-feed, which may result in serious injury or death
to utility workers.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in highly conductive areas such as
metal decking or steel work. GFCIs are available in-line with some extension cords.
• Do not use in rainy conditions.
• Do not touch bare wires or receptacles (outlets).
• Do not allow children or non-qualified persons to operate.
WARNING: This generator produces heat when running. Temperatures
near exhaust can exceed 150º F (65º C).
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Pay attention to warning labels on the generator identifying
hot parts of the machine.
• Allow generator to cool down after use before touching engine or areas of the generator
that become hot during use.
CAUTION: Misuse of this generator can damage it or shorten its life.
• Use generator only for its intended purposes.
• Operate only on dry, level surfaces.
• Allow generator to run for several minutes before connecting electrical devices.
• Shut off and disconnect any malfunctioning devices from generator.
• Do not exceed the wattage capacity of the generator by plugging in more electrical devices
than the unit can handle.
• Do not turn on electrical devices until after they are connected to the generator.
• Turn off all connected electrical devices before stopping the generator.
• Turn engine switch to “off” position when the engine is not running.
4

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important instructions for WEN
4050 generator that should be followed during installation and maintenance of the
generator.
• Generators vibrate in normal use. During and after the use of the generator, inspect the
generator as well as extension and power supply cords connected to it for damage resulting
from vibration. Have damaged items repaired or replaced as necessary. Do not use plugs or
cords that show signs of damage such as broken or cracked insulation or damaged blades.
• For power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for
providing backup power to the home. Even a properly connected portable generator can
become overloaded. This may result in overheating or stressing the generator components,
possibly leading to a generator failure.
• WARNING: When this generator is used to supply a building wiring system:
Generator must be installed by a qualified electrician and connected to a transfer switch as
a separately derived system in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.
The generator shall be connected to a transfer switch that switches all conductors other than
the equipment grounding conductor. The frame of the generator shall be connected to an
approved grounding electrode.
In addition to the previous safety notices, please become familiar with the safety and hazard
markings on the generator.
5

PACKAGE CONTENTS
WARNING: This generator is heavy. Some procedures may require lifting
equipment or two people.
Your generator comes with the items listed below. Please check to see that all of the following
items are included with your generator.
If there are any damaged or missing items, please call [phone] M-F 8-5 CST for
customer service
ITEM LIST
WEN 4050 Generator, Three-Prong Plug, NEMA L14-30 Plug, Spark Plug Wrench and Instruction
Manual
6

GENERATOR COMPONENTS
Please familiarize yourself with the locations and functions of the various components and controls
of your generator.
8
9
3
7
6
1 2 4
5
14
13
11
12
10
(1) Fuel Gauge- Indicates the amount of fuel in the
tank.
(2) Fuel Cap- Access to the fuel tank for adding
fuel.
(3) 120 Volt AC Duplex Receptacle- To connect
electrical devices that run 120 Volt, 60 Hz, single
phase, AC current.
(4) Circuit Reset Buttons- Reset buttons that
protect the generator from electrical overload.
(5) Power Indicator-Green lights that turn on to
indicate the output of power to each receptacle.
(6) 240/120 Volt AC Receptacle- To connect
electrical devices that run 120 and/or 240 Volt, 60
Hz, single phase, AC current.
(7) Ground Terminal- Connect grounding wires
here to properly ground unit.
(8) Voltage Selector-To switch between 120 and
240 Volt output.
(9) Oil Fill and Dipstick- Location for checking and filling
engine oil.
(10) Engine Switch- To start/stop engine.
(11) Recoil Starter- Pull-cord for starting engine.
(12) Air Cleaner- A removable, cleanable, sponge-like
element that limits the amount of dirt pulled into the engine.
(13) Fuel Valve- Allows fuel to enter engine.
(14) Choke Lever- Adjusts the amount of air let into the
engine.
7

GENERATOR PREPARATION
Using the Generator for the First Time
The following section describes steps necessary to prepare the generator for use. If after
reading this section, you are unsure about how to perform any of the steps please call (800)
232-1195 M-F 8-5 CST for customer service. Failure to perform these steps properly can
damage the generator or shorten its life.
WEN 4050 generator was completely assembled at the factory. If anything is damaged, contact
WEN customer service at 1 800 232 1195 M-F 8-5 CST.
Step 1 - Fill Oil
The generator is shipped without oil. User must add
the proper amount of oil before operating the
generator for the first time. The oil capacity of the
engine crankcase is 20 fluid oz.
Select good quality detergent oil bearing the
American Petroleum Institute (API) service
classifications SJ, SL, or SM. (Synthetic oils may be
used.) Use the SAE viscosity grade of oil from the
following chart that matches the starting temperature
anticipated before the next oil changes.
To fill oil to the crankcase, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the generator is on a level surface.
Tilting the generator to assist in filling will cause oil to flow into engine areas and will
cause damage. Keep generator level!
2. Remove the oil filler/dipstick cap from the engine as shown in figure 1.
3. Using a funnel, add the appropriate type and amount of oil into the crankcase. The
crankcase is full when the oil level has reached the second thread from the lip of the
opening (see figure 2).
4. Check for oil leaks. Reinstall oil filler cap before starting engine.
Figure 1- Unscrewing the oil cap Figure 2- filling oil
8

Step 2- Add Gasoline
WARNING: This generator may emit highly
flammable and explosive gasoline vapors, which can
cause severe burns or even death if ignited. A nearby
open flame can lead to explosion even if not directly in contact with gasoline.
• Do not operate near open flame.
• Do not smoke near generator.
• Always operate on a firm, level surface.
• Always turn generator off before refueling. Allow generator to cool for at least 2
minutes before removing fuel cap. Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tank.
• Do not overfill fuel tank. Gasoline may expand during operation. Do not fill to the
top of the tank. Allow for expansion.
• Always check for spilled fuel before operating. Clean up any spilled fuel before
starting.
• Empty fuel tank before storing or transporting the generator.
• Before transporting, turn fuel valve to off position and disconnect spark plug wire.
Use fresh (within 30 days from purchase), unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87 octane rating. Do
not use gasoline which contains Methanol. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
To add gasoline, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the generator is on a level surface.
2. Unscrew fuel cap (NOTE: the fuel cap may be tight and hard to unscrew).
3. Slowly add unleaded gasoline to the fuel tank. Be careful not to overfill. Please refer to the
chart in figure 3 for the fuel capacity. The fuel gauge on the top of the generator indicates
how much gasoline is in the generator fuel tank. NOTE: Do not fill the fuel tank to the
very top. Gasoline will expand and spill over during use even with the fuel cap in place.
4. Reinstall fuel cap and wipe off any spilled gasoline with a dry cloth.
IMPORTANT:
• Never use an oil/gasoline mixture.
• Never use old gasoline.
• Avoid letting dirt or water into the fuel tank.
• Gasoline can age in the tank and make it hard to start up the generator in the future. Never
store generator for extended periods of time with fuel in the tank.
Model number 4050
Fuel tank
capacity
4 gallons
Figure 3- Fuel Tank Capacity
9

Step 3- Ground the Generator
WARNING: Failure to properly ground the generator can result in
electrocution.
Ground the generator by tightening the grounding nut against grounding wire (see figure 4). A
generally acceptable grounding wire is a No. 12 AWG (American Wire Gauge) stranded copper
wire. This grounding wire should be connected at the other end to a copper or brass grounding rod
that is driven into the earth. Wire and grounding rod are not included in generator contents.
Grounding codes can vary by location. Please contact a local electrician to check the grounding
regulations for your area.
Grounding Nut
Figure 4- Grounding nut location
NOTE: After completing the 3-step Generator Preparation, the generator is ready to be
started.
10

STARTING THE GENERATOR
Before starting the generator, make sure you have read and performed the steps in the
“Generator Preparation” section of this manual. If you are unsure about how to perform any
of the steps in this manual please call [phone] M-F 8-5 CST for customer service.
DANGER: CARBON MONOXIDE. Using a generator indoors CAN KILL
YOU IN MINUTES.
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO). This is a poison gas you
cannot see or smell. If you can smell the generator exhaust, you are breathing CO.
But even if you cannot smell the exhaust, you could be breathing CO.
• NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, or other partly enclosed
areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up in these areas. Using a fan or
opening windows and doors does NOT supply enough fresh air.
• ONLY use a generator outside and far away from windows, doors, and vents. These
openings can pull in generator exhaust.
Even if you use a generator correctly, CO may leak into the home. ALWAYS use a battery-
powered or battery-backup CO alarm in the home.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after the generator has been running, move to fresh
air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
WARNING: This generator produces powerful voltage, which can result in
electrocution.
• ALWAYS ground the generator before using it (see the “Ground the Generator”
portion of the “GENERATOR PREPARATION” section).
• Generator should only be plugged into electrical devices, either directly or with an
extension cord. NEVER connect to a building electrical system without a qualified
electrician. Such connections must comply with local electrical laws and codes.
Failure to comply can create a back-feed, which may result in serious injury or death
to utility workers.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in highly conductive areas such as
metal decking or steel work. GFCIs are available in-line with some extension cords.
• Do not use in rainy or wet conditions.
• Do not touch bare wires or receptacles (outlets).
• Do not allow children or non-qualified persons to operate.
CAUTION: Disconnect all electrical loads from the generator before
attempting to start.
11

To start your generator, perform the following steps:
1. No electrical devices should be connected to the generator during starting. Devices can
make it difficult for the engine to start.
2. Check that the generator is properly grounded (see “Ground the Generator”).
3. Check the oil and fuel levels.
4. Turn the fuel valve to the “on” position (see figure 5).
5. Move the choke lever to the “closed” position (see figure 6).
6. Set the engine switch to the “on” position.
7. Pull on the recoil starter handle slowly until a slight resistance is felt. Then pull quickly to
start the engine. Return cord gently into the machine. Never allow the cord to snap back.
8. If engine fails to start, repeat step 7. NOTE: After repeated failed attempts to start the
engine, please consult the troubleshooting guide before attempting again. If problems
persist please call [phone] M-F 8-5 CST.
9. Once the engine has started, slowly return the choke lever all the way to the “open”
position.
10. Allow the generator to run for several minutes before attempting to connect any electrical
devices. This allows the generator to stabilize its speed and temperature.
Figure 5- Fuel Valve in the “on” position
Figure 6- Pull choke out for closed position.
Push `in for open position.
12

SUBSEQUENT STARTING OF THE GENERATOR
If this is not the first time using the generator, user should take the following steps to prepare it for
operation.
IMPORTANT: At this point the user should be familiar with the procedures described in the
section titled “Using the Generator for the First Time.” If the user has not yet read this
section, go back and read it now.
Step 1- Check the Oil
Oil consumption is normal during generator usage. The generator is equipped with a low-oil
shutoff to protect it from damage. The oil level in the engine should be checked before each use to
ensure that the engine crankcase contains sufficient lubricant.
To check or add oil, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the generator is on a level surface. Clean around oil fill.
2. Remove the oil filler/dipstick cap and check oil level.
3. If oil level is below the second thread from the lip of the oil fill opening, slowly add oil
until the engine crankcase is filled.
4. Reinstall and tighten oil filler cap before starting the engine. .
Step 2 – Check the Fuel Level
Before starting the generator, check to see that there is sufficient gasoline in the fuel tank. The fuel
gauge on top of the generator will indicate the fuel level in the tank. Add gasoline if necessary but
leave sufficient room in tank for expansion.
WARNING: This generator may emit highly
flammable and explosive gasoline vapors, which can
cause severe burns or even death if ignited. A nearby
open flame can lead to explosion even if not directly in contact with fuel.
• Do not operate near open flame.
• Do not smoke near generator.
• Always operate on a firm, level surface.
• Always turn generator off before refueling. Allow generator to cool for at least 2
minutes before removing fuel cap. Loosen cap slowly to relieve pressure in tank.
• Do not overfill fuel tank. Gasoline may expand during operation. Do not fill to the
top of the tank. Allow for expansion.
• Always check for spilled fuel before operating. Clean up any spilled fuel before
starting.
• Empty fuel tank before storing or transporting the generator.
• Before transporting, turn fuel valve to off and disconnect spark plug wire.
IMPORTANT:
• Use only UNLEADED gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Do not use old gasoline.
• Never use an oil/gasoline mixture.
• Avoid letting dirt or water into the fuel tank.
13

Step 3- Ground the Generator
WARNING: Failure to properly ground the generator can result in
electrocution.
Ground the generator by tightening the grounding nut on the front control panel against a
grounding wire. (Figure 11) A generally acceptable grounding wire is a No. 12 AWG (American
Wire Gauge) stranded copper wire. This grounding wire should be connected at the other end to a
copper or brass rod that is driven into the earth. Wire and grounding rod are not included in
generator contents.
Grounding codes can vary by location. Contact a local electrician for area codes.
14

USING THE GENERATOR
WARNING: When this generator is used to supply a building wiring system:
Generator must be installed by a qualified electrician and connected to a transfer switch
as a separately derived system in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.
The generator shall be connected to a transfer switch that switches all conductors other than the
equipment grounding conductor. The frame of the generator shall be connected to an approved
grounding electrode.
For power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for providing
backup power to the home. Even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded.
This may result in overheating or stressing the generator components, possibly leading to a
generator failure.
Before connecting electrical devices, allow the generator to run for a few minutes to stabilize the
speed and voltage output.
CAUTION: Become familiar with the markings on the panel before connecting electrical devices.
Connect electrical devices running on AC current according to their wattage requirements. The
chart in figure 7 shows the rated and surge wattage of your generator.
NOTE: Although the overall rated wattage of the machine is 3500 Watts, it is not recommended
that you attempt to draw more than 2400 Watts (20 A) from any ONE of the 120 Volt receptacles.
The rated wattage corresponds to the maximum wattage the generator can output on a continuous
basis.
The surge wattage corresponds to the maximum amount of power the generator can output for a
short period of time. Many electrical devices such as refrigerators require short bursts of extra
power, in addition to the rated wattage listed by the device, to stop and start their motors. The
surge wattage ability of the generator covers this extra power requirement.
Model Number Rated(Running) Wattage Surge Wattage
4050 3500 4050
Figure 7- generator wattage by model number.
The total running wattage requirement of the electrical devices connected to the generator should
not exceed the rated wattage of the generator itself. To calculate the total wattage requirement of
the electrical devices you wish to connect, find the rated (or running) wattage of each device. This
number should be listed somewhere on the device or in its instruction manual. If you cannot find
this wattage, you may calculate it by multiplying the Voltage requirement by the Amperage drawn:
Watts= Volts x Amperes
If these specifications are not available, you may estimate the Watts required by your device using
the chart in figure 8.
When the rated wattage requirement of each electrical device has been determined, add these
numbers to find the total rated wattage needed. If this number exceeds the rated wattage of the
15

generator, DO NOT connect all these devices. Select a combination of electrical devices, which
has a total rated wattage lower than or equal to the rated wattage of the generator.
CAUTION: The generator can run at its surge wattage capacity for only a short time.
Connect electrical devices requiring a rated (running) wattage equal to or less than the rated
wattage of the generator. Never connect devices requiring a rated wattage equal to the surge
wattage of the generator. This can trip the circuit protectors (circuit breakers).
tool or appliance rated (running) Watts additional surge Watts
electric water heater (40 gal) 4000 0
hot plate 2500 0
saw- radial arm 2000 2000
electric stove (each element) 1500-2800 0
saw- circular 1500 1500
air compressor (1 HP) 1500 3000
window air conditioner 1200 1800
saw- miter 1200 1200
microwave 1000 0
well water pump 1000 1000
reciprocating saw 960 1040
sump pump 800 1200
refrigerator freezer 800 1200
furnace blower 800 1300
computer 800 0
electric drill 600 900
television 500 0
deep freezer 500 500
garage door opener 480 0
stereo 400 0
box fan 300 600
clock radio 300 0
security system 180 0
DVD player/ VCR 100 0
common light bulb 75 0
NOTE: The above wattage figures are estimates. Try to check the wattage listed on your electrical
device before consulting this chart.
Figure 8- Estimated wattage requirements of common electrical devices.
Once you have determined what electrical devices you will be powering with the generator,
connect these devices according to the following procedure:
1. Plug in each electrical device with the device turned off. NOTE: Be sure to attach appliances
to the correct receptacles (outlets). Connect standard 120 Volt, single phase, 60 Hz loads only
to the 120 Volt receptacles. Connect 240/120 Volt, single phase, 60Hz loads with a NEMA
L14-30 plug only to the 240/120 Volt receptacle See Figure 9 for a depiction of each of these
receptacles.
2. Push in the circuit reset buttons to the “on” position (NOTE: They may be pushed in already).
16

3. Move the voltage selector to the desired position. Move the switch to the left to use the
standard 120 Volt receptacles. Move the switch to the right to use the 240/120 Volt NEMA
receptacle.
4. The power indicator lights will light accordingly as the Volt Selector is selected. They light up
when the receptacles receive power. In the case of the 240/120 Volt receptacle, both lights
MUST light up for 240/120 Volts of power. If only one light comes on, DO NOT USE the
receptacle. Press the circuit reset buttons and see if both lights come on. If both lights will still
not illuminate, call the customer service number for instructions.
CAUTION: Do not connect 50Hz or 3-phase loads to the generator.
120V/240V
Receptacle (L14-30)
120V Duplex
Receptacle
Figure 9- Receptacles available on the generator
CIRCUIT RESET BUTTONS
The circuit reset buttons help to prevent the generator from electrical overload. If your receptacle
short circuits or becomes overloaded by an electrical device or devices with too great a wattage
rating, the circuit protector may shut off power to the receptacle. If this happens, you will see the
voltage indicator light or lights turn off and you will not be able to draw power from the
overloaded receptacle. In the event of such an overload, disconnect all electrical devices from the
generator and press the circuit reset buttons. If power still does not return to the receptacle, call
our customer service line.
SOME NOTES ABOUT POWER CORDS
Long or thin cords can drain the power provided to an electrical device by the generator. When
using such cords, allow for a slightly higher rated wattage requirement by the electrical device.
See Figure 10 for recommended cords based on the power requirement of the electrical device.
Device Requirements Max. Cord Length (ft) by Wire Gauge
Amps Watts (120V) Watts (240 V) #8 wire #10 wire #12 wire #14 wire #16 wire
2.5 300 600 NR 1000 600 375 250
5 600 1200 NR 500 300 200 125
7.5 900 1800 NR 350 200 125 100
10 1200 2400 NR 250 150 100 50
15 1800 3600 NR 150 100 65 NR
20 2400 4800 175 125 75 50 NR
25 3000 6000 150 100 60 NR NR
30 3600 7200 125 65 NR NR NR
40 4800 9600 90 NR NR NR NR
*NR= not recommended
Figure 10- Maximum Extension Cord Lengths by Power Requirement
17