Craftsman MGP-679580 - Manuel (Page 11)

11 — ENG
Extension Cord
When using an appliance or tool at a considerable distance
from the generator, a 3-wire extension cord that has a
3-blade grounding plug and 3-slot receptacle that accepts
the tool’s plug should be used. A cord of adequate size
must be used. A minimum of 12 gauge wire size with at
least a 20 amp draw can be used. When amperage ex-
ceeds 20 amps a10 gauge wire size should be used.
Connecting Generator To Main Electrical
Supply
Potential hazards exist when a electrical generator is con-
nected to the main electrical supply coming into the house.
It is at that point that the generator could feed back into the
utility company’s system causing possible electrocution of
workers who are repairing electrical lines. To avoid back
feeding of electricity into utility systems, a double-throw
transfer switch should be installed between the genera-
tor and utility power. This device should be installed by a
licensed electrician and in compliance with all local electri-
cal codes.
NOTE: When installing a Double-Throw Transfer Switch,
a minimum of 10 gauge wiring must be used.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
CAUTION: Always check engine oil level before
every start. Running engine low of oil or out of oil
could result in serious damage to the engine.
Adding Engine Oil
Your generator has been shipped without oil in the
engine. Begin by removing the oil dipstick and plug. Start
pouring the oil in slowly.
The engine will hold approximately 48 ounces of oil.
Before filling engine with oil, make sure the generator is
on level ground. Next, pour the oil in slowly until the oil
level reaches the second to last thread. Once the oil level
reaches this point, the engine will be full of oil.
NOTE: When adding oil to the engine crankcase, use a
high quality detergent oil classified “For Service SF,SG,SH”
rated SAE 30 weight. Use no special additives. Select the
oil’s viscosity grade according to your expected operating
temperatures.
The guide below is provided to assist you in determining
the appliances and tools that can be run with the wattage
capacity of your generator.
• Resistive load appliances such as light bulbs, TV’s
and microwaves, have the same starting and running
wattage. The wattage used for calculating the capacity
can usually be found on each of these appliances.
Some inductive appliances and tools will list on the motor
name plate, the starting and running voltage and amperage
requirements. Use the following formula to convert voltage
and amperage to wattage:
(Volts X Amp = Watts)
Inductive load appliances and tools such as refrigerators,
air compressors and washers require approximately 2 to
4 times the listed running wattage for starting the equip-
ment. This initial load only lasts for a few seconds on
start-up but is very important when figuring your total
wattage to be used.
NOTE: Always start your largest electric motor first, and
then plug in other items, one at a time.
OBTAINING ELECTRICITY FROM
GENERATOR
There are basically two ways to obtain electricity form a
generator:
• Use of extension cords directly form the generator
to the appliance, lights, tools, etc.
• Use of a double-throw transfer switch installed
directly to the main electrical supply outside of the
house.