MQ Power WHISPERWATT DCA45SSIU4F, Operation Manual

DCA45SSIU4F 60 HZ GENERATOR• OPERATION MANUAL — REV. #5 (02/28/20) — PAGE 13

INSTALLATION

OUTDOOR INSTALLATION

Install the generator in an area that is free of debris, 

bystanders, and overhead obstructions. Make sure the 

generator is on secure, level ground so that it cannot slide 

or shift around. Also install the generator in a manner so 

that the exhaust will not be discharged in the direction of 

nearby homes.
The installation site must be relatively free from moisture 

and dust. All electrical equipment should be protected 

from excessive moisture. Failure to do so will result in 

deterioration of the insulation and will result in short circuits 

and grounding.
Foreign materials such as dust, sand, lint and abrasive 

materials have a tendency to cause excessive wear to 

engine and alternator parts.

INDOOR INSTALLATION

Exhaust gases from diesel engines are extremely 

poisonous. Whenever an engine is installed indoors the 

exhaust fumes must be vented to the outside. The engine 

should be installed at least two feet from any outside wall. 

Using an exhaust pipe which is too long or too small can 

cause excessive back pressure which will cause the engine 

to heat excessively and possibly burn the valves.

MOUNTING

The generator must be mounted on a solid foundation 

(such as concrete) and set firmly on the foundation to 

isolate vibration of the generator when it is running. The 

generator must be mounted at least 6 inches above the floor 

or grade level as referenced in the National Fire Protection 

Association (NFPA 110, Chapter 7, section 7.4) handbook. 

DO NOT

 remove the metal skids on the bottom of the 

generator. They are to resist damage to the bottom of the 

generator and to maintain alignment.

  CAUTION

Pay close attention to ventilation when operating the 

generator inside tunnels and caves. The engine exhaust 

contains noxious elements. Engine exhaust must be 

routed to a ventilated area.

GENERATOR GROUNDING

If applicable, to guard against electrical shock and possible 

damage to the equipment, it is important to provide a good 

EARTH 

ground (Figure 2).

Article 250 (Grounding) of the NEC handbook provides 

guidelines for proper grounding and specifies that the cable 

ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the 

building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
1.  Use one of the following wire types to connect the 

generator to earth ground.
a.  Copper
b.  Aluminum

2.  When grounding of the generator (Figure 2) is required, 

connect one end the ground cable to the ground lug 

on the generator. Connect the other end of the ground 

cable to the ground rod (earth ground).

3.  NEC Article 250 specifies that the earth ground rod 

should be buried a minimum of 8 feet into the ground.

NOTICE

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

(OSHA) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) 

recommend that if the generator is providing electrical 

power to a structure (home, office shop, trailer or 

similar), it 

must

 be connected to a grounding electrode 

system, such as a driven ground rod (Figure 2).

NOTICE

ALWAYS

 check with State, Province, District and 

Municipalities for electrical grounding requirements 

before using the generator.

NOTICE

Reference Conductor Grounding Table, Article 250 

of the NEC handbook for proper conductor wire size. 

Wire size is determined by the maximum amperage of 

the generator.

NOTICE

When connecting the generator to any building’s 

electrical system 

ALWAYS

 consult with a licensed 

electrician.