Operator’s Manual
17
PREPARING THE GENERATOR
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or
breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for
electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock.
DANGER - IMPROPER CONNECTION OF THE
EQUIPMENT-GROUNDING CONDUCTOR CAN
RESULT IN A RISK OF ELECTROCUTION. CHECK
WITH A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN OR SERVICE
PERSON IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT AS TO WHETHER
THE UNIT IS PROPERLY GROUNDED.
The ground terminal on the frame must always be used to
connect the generator to a suitable ground source. The ground
path should be made with #8 size wire. Connect the grounding
wire securely to the ground terminal. Connect the other end of
the wire securely to a suitable ground source.
The National Electric Code contains several practical ways in
which to establish a good ground source. Examples given be-
low illustrate a few of the ways in which a good ground source
may be established.
A metal underground water pipe in direct contact with the earth
for at least 10 feet can be used as a grounding source. If an
pipe is unavailable, an 8 foot length of pipe or rod may be used
as the ground source. The pipe should be 3/4 inch trade size
or larger and the outer surface must be noncorrosive. If a steel
or iron rod is used it should be at least 5/8 inch diameter and if
a nonferrous rod is used it should be at least 1/2 inch diameter
and be listed as material for grounding. Drive the rod or pipe to
a depth of 8 feet. If a rock bottom is encountered less than 4
feet down, bury the rod or pipe in a trench. All electrical tools
and appliances operated from this generator, must be properly
grounded by use of a third wire or be “Double Insulated”.
It is recommended to:
1. Use electrical devices with 3 prong power cords.
2. Use an extension cord with a 3 hole receptacle and a 3 prong
plug at the opposite ends to ensure continuity of the ground
protection from the generator to appliance.
We strongly recommend that all applicable federal, state and lo-
cal regulations relating to grounding specifications be checked
and followed.
LINE TRANSFER SWITCH
If this generator is used for standby service, it must have a
transfer switch between the utility power service and the gen-
erator. The transfer switch not only prevents the utility power
form feeding into the generator, but is also prevents the gen-
erator form feeding out into the utility company’s lines. This is
intended to protect the serviceman who may be working on a
damaged line.
THIS INSTALLATION MUST BE DONE BY A LICENSED
ELECTRICIAN AND ALL LOCAL CODES MUST BE FOL-
LOWED.
