Portable Generator Owner's Guide
This Owner's Guide should be read in conjunction with your Engine Manual
Important Hints for General Operation
1Refer to your Engine Manual
2Use correct fuels
3Use correct oils
4Change oil regularly
5DO NOT overload unit
6If in doubt, ask!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fuel should I use for my petrol powered generator?
Unleaded Fuel is the best fuel to use for your AusPowered petrol powered generator. Failure to use unleaded fuel will cause carbon build up and service will be required at more frequent intervals.
Which oil should I use for my AusPowered generator?
In most cases, your engine manual will suggest a Multi-Grade or SAE Grade 30 / Heavy Duty Oil. Care is required when selecting an oil for your air-cooled petrol and diesel engines. DO NOT use High Performance Oils with additives required for water-cooled engines such as friction modifiers, Teflon and other oil additives. Oil selection should be made AFTER referring to your engine manual.
How often should I change the oil in my petrol generator?
Change the oil in your unit according to the recommendations in your Engine Manual. Frequent oil changes where units are used regularly will extend engine life significantly.
Unleaded Fuel is the best fuel to use for your AusPowered petrol powered generator. Failure to use unleaded fuel will cause carbon build up and service will be required at more frequent intervals.
Which oil should I use for my AusPowered generator?
In most cases, your engine manual will suggest a Multi-Grade or SAE Grade 30 / Heavy Duty Oil. Care is required when selecting an oil for your air-cooled petrol and diesel engines. DO NOT use High Performance Oils with additives required for water-cooled engines such as friction modifiers, Teflon and other oil additives. Oil selection should be made AFTER referring to your engine manual.
How often should I change the oil in my petrol generator?
Change the oil in your unit according to the recommendations in your Engine Manual. Frequent oil changes where units are used regularly will extend engine life significantly.
CHANGING YOUR OIL REGULARLY, AND USING THE CORRECT TYPE OF OIL IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LOW-COST SERVICE YOU CAN GIVE YOUR UNIT
USE CORRECT FUELS TO AVOID CARBON BUILD UP AND REDUCE SERVICE COSTS
Before you use your AusPowered Generator
The following procedures should be observed before using your generator for the first time:
- Read Engine Manual
- Check Engine Oil Level
- Use Correct Fuel
- Do not change engine settings
- Observe safety when using electrical leads and tools
When starting your unit observe:
- Check Engine Oil level prior to starting the engine. Ensure the unit is on a flat surface and change oil on a frequent basis.
- Observe the Air Cleaner element is free from dirt, clean daily in dusty areas.
- Check Fuel Levels while stopped. It is also important to check for any fuel leakage prior to starting.
- When starting, always disconnect heavy electrical loads.
- Do not enclose the unit in a confined area; carbon monoxide fumes from the engine may cause injury or death.
- Exhaust must go to the open air as internal damage will occur if the engine does not receive fresh air whilst running.
- Do not overload the engine. Consult with your electrical advisor if in doubt as to the requirements of any appliance to be used.
- With air cooled units it is imperative that you do not restrict air flow due to enclosure in any way. If you have any doubts, please contact us for more information.
- Always turn off appliances before stopping your generator. This will prevent damage to electronic components in the generator or any equipment being used.
FOLLOW THE ABOVE CHECKLIST EACH AND EVERY TIME YOU START YOUR GENERATOR
Electrical Hazards
Follow these tips to protect against electrical hazards:
- NEVER try to power your house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. This is a practice known as 'back-feeding'. It is an extremely dangerous practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbours served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices
- If you intend to connect the generator to your household wiring to power appliances, have a licensed Electrical Contractor install the appropriate equipment in accordance with the Australian Wiring Rules and your local Electricity Provider's requirements.
- 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 cause stress to generator components. This could possibly lead to generator failure.
- Keep the generator dry and do not use in the rain or in wet conditions. To protect your generator from moisture, operate on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure. Dry your hands if wet before touching the generator.
Fire Hazards
Follow these tips to protect against fire hazards:
- Never store fuel for your generator inside your home. Petrol, propane, kerosene and other flamable liquids should be stored outside of living areas. Fuels should be in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers. Do not store them near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage. If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapours from the fuel can travel along the ground and can be ignited by the appliances pilot light or by arcs from electrical switches in the appliances.
- Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
Permanently Connected Generators
A generator may be connected to your household circuit. This MUST be done be a Licensed Electrical Contractor, and must meet Local Supply Authority requirements. It must also be installed in accordance with Australian Standards for electrical safety.
- AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.
- AS 3010.1 Electrical Installations - Supply by Generating Set.
- Australian Standard AS2790 - Electricity Generating Sets - Transportable (up to 25kW)
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Never use a generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Generators can produce high levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) very quickly. When you use a portable generator, remember that you cannot smell or see CO. Even if you don't smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, GET TO FRESH AIR RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY. The CO from generators can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death.
If you experience serious symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Inform medical staff that CO poisoning is suspected. If you experience symptoms while indoors, have someone call the fire brigade to determine when it is safe to re-enter the building.
If you experience serious symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Inform medical staff that CO poisoning is suspected. If you experience symptoms while indoors, have someone call the fire brigade to determine when it is safe to re-enter the building.
Protect against CO Poisoning
Follow these safety tips to protect against CO poisoning:
- NEVER use a generator indoors. This includes inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO build-up in the home.
- Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Locate the unit outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.
- Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home according to the manufacturer's installation instructions. Test your CO alarms frequently and replace dead batteries.
Avoid Electrocution
- Plug individual applianced into the generator using heavy duty, outdoor-rated cords with a current rating / wire size adequate for the appliance load.
- Observe the generator manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.
- Do not plug the generator into a wall outlet.
- If you need to connect the generator to the house wiring, have a Licensed Electrical Contractor install the standby electrical system.
Featured Product
APH 2000 2.5kVA Camping / Farm Work $1,220
|
||||||||
