¡¤Generator FAQ
Q: Why should I add generator motor oil to the engine before starting it?
A: It is important to add generator motor oil prior to starting your new generator. Your engine has most likely been shipped from the factory without motor oil in the engine crankcase. You should check the motor oil level prior to starting it because operating your generator without motor oil will ruin the engine. Check engine oil level every time you use your generator.
Q: What kind of generator engine oil should I use in the engine?
A: Using the right generator engine oil is critical to long lasting generator operation. Generally, high-quality 10W-30 engine oil is generally acceptable, but refer to your engine manual for oil recommendations. Every time you use your generator be sure to check the engine oil level.
Q: How do I check the generator motor oil in the engine?
A: It is important to check your generator motor oil every time you use your gas generator. Most generators come with a dipstick to check the oil level. Fill the generator motor oil level to the FULL mark on dipstick. If a dipstick does not exist, place some cardboard on the ground under the generator, open the engine oil cap and fill to where the oil is just dripping on to the cardboard.
¡¤Running FAQ
Q: How do I start my new generator
A: 1) Make sure that nothing is plugged into the generator (tools, equipment, etc.
2) Place the generator on a flat surface.
3) Fill the gas tank with plenty of fresh gas
4) Turn the fuel valve (under the gas tank) to the "on" position.
5) Fill the crank case (engine) with oil up to the edge of the fill spout (just before it spills out, simply filling it to the bottom of the dip stick is not enough.
6) Put the choke lever to the ¡°Start¡± position.
7) Turn the engine power switch to its ¡°ON¡± position.
8) Hold the pull start handle loosely and pull it slowly several times to allow the gasoline to flow into the carburetor. Then hold the pull start cord handle hard and fast (all the way out and repeat until engine starts).
9) Allow the engine to run for several seconds. And then open the choke lever all the way.
Q: Can I connect my portable generator to my house?
A: Yes. If your generator is to be used as a stand-by power source in case of utility power failure, it should be installed by a licensed and registered electrician and in compliance with all applicable local electrical codes, generally some types of manual transfer switch is required. Back feeding electricity is extremely hazardous. Do not plug your generator into your home through a dryer outlet. For Emergency power to appliances it is recommended to use a 12 ga. Outdoor Extension Cord and a multi-outlet power strip with a minimum of 100 joules rating.
Q: What are some common safety and operating tips for generator?
A:- Do not store fuel can near flammable sources- Check with local authorities when operating in national parks and camp grounds
- Dry off any excess fuel off the generator after re-fuelling- Ensure you connect an earth source to the generator as per the manual
- Whilst re-fuelling do not smoke or expose to any naked flame
- Position generator on a flat stable surface
- Keep objects clear of exhaust
- Ensure the generators can handle the requirement of the appliance
- Never plug a lead from a generator to any mains socket
- Keep the unit protected from rain
- Do not operated with wet hands
- Avoid poisonous exhaust gases by operating outdoors
- Ensure all appliance leads are in excellent condition
- Only a qualified electrician can connect a generator
- Allow generator to cool for 10min before re-fuelling.
Q: In an electrical Blackout, can I run my home off a portable generator?
A: It¡¯s forbidden! Appliances come in many different sizes and power requirements. A typical home supplied with a standard 200amp electric service can support approximately 45,000 watts (45kW) of electric demand, that would be a very big portable generator!
Q: How often should I shut the generator down?
A: Your generator must be shut down during refueling and when checking and adding oil.
Q: So what can I run off my portable generator?
A: To determine what loads you can support with your portable generator, you must first look at both the "RATED WATTS" and the "MAXIMUM WATTS¡± of the appliance/s you will want to run from it and then know the power specification available from your generator.
This information should be gathered prior to deciding on which size generator you will need based on your application/s
Q: So what can I run off my portable generator?
A: To determine what loads you can support with your portable generator, you must first look at both the "RATED WATTS" and the "MAXIMUM WATTS¡± of the appliance/s you will want to run from it and then know the power specification available from your generator.
This information should be gathered prior to deciding on which size generator you will need based on your application/s
Q: What does ¡°Rated Power¡± refer to?
A: RATED (measured in watts)
Appliances ¨C It is the continuous power that an appliance requires. This is generally the power in watts as noted on the compliance label.
Generators - This is the maximum continuous power that the generator can supply.
Q: What does ¡°Maximum Power¡± refer to?
A: MAXIMUM (measured in watts)
Appliances ¨C This is the maximum short term power that an appliance requires.
This is generally only noted on appliances that have an initial short term start up power requirement greater than the rated power. For example each time the thermostat in a refrigerator starts up£¬ it draws a much higher power rating than the continuous rated power. Though this is just for a few seconds it is important that the generator can handle this higher requirement otherwise the overload switch will shut your generator down for it¡¯s protection.
Generators ¨C This is the maximum short term power that the generator can supply.
Q: What does the term Kilovolt refer to?
A: KVA is typically used in 3-phase applications. The actual KW output is affected by the power factor which is determined by the type of power application/use.
In single-phase applications KVA and KW are the same because the power factor is 1.0. We are only concerned with single phase generators.
So in a standard single phase application which we are dealing with, the KVA rating for example would be as follows,
- A 850w generator can also be rated as .85kva
- A 3,500w generator can also be rated as 3.5kva
Q: What size generator do I need to buy to run my appliance/s?
A: It is important to select a generator that can supply both rated and maximum power in excess of what is required to ensure operational head room and specification variances.
If the appliance/s you wish to run only note only an ¡°Amp¡± rating then this can be converted to watts by multiplying the amp rating by the voltage (P = V x A). EG: Electric Sander 220v x 1.5A = 330watts.
Q. How many watts does it take to power basic items in an average size house?
A. In a typical home, essential items will average 5000 watts of power to run around.
Q: How do I know what the rating are of my appliances?
A: Every appliance has a compliance plate with this information. Though many don¡¯t state the maximum/start up power which you would need to obtain from the supplier..
Q: What does AVR refer to?
A: AVR stands for Automatic Voltage Regulator. It is usually only found in the larger capacity, and/or better quality portable generators and is used for example to eliminate the flickering of incandescing light globes.
AVR is used to maintain the AC output voltage to a tolerance of +/-5volts of the 220v output.
¡¤Storage FAQ
Q: How do I add engine oil through the spark plug hole?
1. Remove the spark plug.
2. Pour one teaspoon of engine oil through the spark plug hole.
3. Pull the recoil starter several times and replace the plug. Pull the starter slowly until you feel the increased pressure, indicating the piston is on its compression stroke and the intake and exhaust valves are closed.
Q: Why should I add engine oil through the spark plug hole?
A: Adding oil inside the cylinder will prevent it from rusting. This should be done if you don¡¯t plan to use your generator for a long duration.
Q: When should I drain the gasoline from the engine?
A: You should always remove the gasoline from the engine if you plan to store the unit in your basement or garage. You should never store combustible materials in your home or vehicle. Remember never operate your generator in confined spaces especially inside your home. Carbon Monoxide can cause death.
Q: Why should I use a fuel stabilizer?
A: The use of a gas stabilizer or additive will minimize the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Additives and stabilizers may be added to the gasoline in the fuel tank of the engine, or to the gasoline in a storage container. Make sure your fuel supply is reliable over time with the appropriate additives or stabilizers.
Q: Where is the best place to store my generator?
A: Store your generator in a clean, dry place that is well ventilated away from open flames or sparks. If you plan to store it in a basement, you should remove all gasoline from the engine. Remember never operate your generator in confined spaces especially inside your home. Carbon Monoxide can cause death. |
