North Star 5500 IPG Owner's Manual

Contents

North Star 5500 IPG Owner's Manual Manual pdf 7 page image

6ALWAYS remove the spark plug or spark plug wirebefore working on the engine or generator, to preventaccidental starting.ALWAYS provide adequate ventilation. Do not operategenerator in any enclosed or narrow space. Enginesconsume oxygen and give off deadly carbon monoxidepoisonous gas. Improper ventilation will cause damage togenerator and possible injury to people.NEVER touch hot muffler, hot exhaust manifold orengine cooling fins.ALWAYS remove all oil or gasoline deposits andaccumulated dirt from generator and immediate area.Keep generator head and engine clean.NEVER operate the generator under the followingconditions:A. Excessive change in engine speed, slow orfast.B. Overheating in load connecting devices.C. Sparking or arcs from generator.D. Loss of electrical output.E. Damaged receptacles.F. Engine misfire.G. Excessive vibration.H. Enclosed compartments, or confined areas.I. Flame or smoke.J. Rain, snow or wet conditions.K. Operator non-attendance.L. Excessive overload of generator.M. Wire with too small a gauge for the load.WARNING Check fuel system on a regularbasis. Look for signs of leaks, deterioration, chafed orspongy fuel hose, loose or missing fuel hose clamps,damaged fuel tank or a defective fuel shut-off valve.Correct any defects before operation.WARNING Keep fire extinguisher close byyour generator and be familiar on how to use it. Consultyour local fire department for correct extinguisher type.INSTALLATIONOUTDOORS: Choose a location where the generatorwill not be exposed to rain, snow or direct sunlight.Position the generator on secure, level ground so it will nottip or slide down a hill. Place the generator so that theexhaust fumes will not be directed towards people.The installation site must be free from water, moisture,or dust. All electrical components should be protectedfrom excessive moisture or the insulation system willdeteriorate and result in grounding or shorting out thegenerating system.Foreign matters, such as dust, dirt, sand, lint, orabrasive materials can cause damage to the generatorhead and engine if allowed into its cooling system.NEVER install your generator inside confined areas.Inside installation can cause health hazards or death.DANGER Remember, exhaust fumes aredeadly carbon monoxide gas, and must be vented to theoutside where there are no people. Cooling air ofsufficient amounts must be allowed to flow in andexhausted out to ensure proper cooling of the engine andgenerator head.LOAD APPLICATIONIt is important to determine the total electrical loadbefore it is connected to the generator. The two majorfactors in determining the life of a generator head are: heatbuild up, caused by overloading the generator andcorrosive contaminants, that attack the wiring insulation. Ifthe generator is overloaded, the wires become excessivelyhot and cause the insulation to break down, reducing itsability to resist corrosive contaminants. Over time theeffectiveness of the insulation is eliminated and a deadshort can result.Always compare the generator nameplate data withthat of the equipment to be used to ensure that watts,volts, amperage, and frequency requirements are suitablefor operating equipment. The wattage listed on theequipment nameplate is its rated output. However, someequipment may require three to ten times more wattagethan its rating on the nameplate, as the wattage isinfluenced by the equipment efficiency, power factor andstarting system. NOTE: If wattage is not given onequipment nameplate, approximate wattage may bedetermined by multiplying nameplate voltage by nameplateamperage.VOLTS X AMPS = WATTSExample: 120V X 5A = 600WWhen connecting a resistive load such asincandescent lights, heaters or common electric powertools, a capacity of up to the generator full rated wattageoutput can be used.When connecting a resistive-inductive load such as afluorescent or mercury light, transformers or inductivecoils, a capacity of up to 0.6 times the generator’s full ratedoutput can be used.Always allow the generator to reach operating speedbefore a load is applied.STARTING ELECTRIC MOTORSElectric motors require much more current (amps) tostart than to run. Some motors, particularly low cost split-phase motors, are very hard to start and require 5 to 7times more current to start than to run. Capacitor motors