32 Generac
®
Power Systems, Inc.
2.7 BATTERY INSTALLATION
2.7.1 RECOMMENDED BATTERY
Install a battery that meets the following require-
ments:
• The battery must be a 12-volt, automotive type
storage battery.
• For prevailing ambient temperatures above 32° F (0°
C), use a battery rated 70 amp-hours and capable of
delivering at least 400 cold-cranking amperes.
• For prevailing ambient temperatures below 32° F
(0° C), use a battery rated 95 amp-hours and capa-
ble of delivering at least 600 cold-cranking
amperes.
NOTE:
If the battery is to be used to power other vehicle
accessories, as well as start the generator, you may
need a battery with a larger capacity.
2.7.2 BATTERY CABLES
Using battery cables that are too long or too small in
diameter may cause a drop in voltage, which causes
starting problems. For the best cold weather starting,
the voltage drop between battery terminals and the
generator connection point should not exceed 0.12
volts per 100 amperes of cranking current.
PRIMEPACT generators are rated at about 100 DC
amperes of cranking current.
Select battery cables based on (a) cable length and (b)
prevailing ambient temperatures. Generally, the
longer the cable and the colder the weather, the larg-
er the cable size must be, as shown in the chart.
* For warm weather, use No 2 cable up to 20 feet.
2.7.3 BATTERY CABLE CONNECTIONS
1. Connect the battery cable from the battery post or
terminal indicated by a POSITIVE, POS or (+) to
the lug on the starter contactor (Figure 2.20).
NOTE:
Check to be sure the battery cable boot for the
starter cable has been installed.
2. Connect the battery cable from the battery post
indicated by a NEGATIVE, NEG or (-) to the
frame ground connection (Figure 2.20).
3. Connect cables so the connectors are clean
and tight.
Figure 2.20 – Connecting Battery Cables
2.7.4 BATTERY COMPARTMENT
Install the generator battery in its own, vented com-
partment. Place the battery compartment away from
any source of heat, sparks or flame.
Provide ventilation openings in the battery compart-
ment. The minimum size of openings should be 2
square inches at the top of the compartment. Mount
the battery on a strong, rigid supporting structure,
where leaks and spills of battery fluid will not cause
damage.
2.8 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
A plug-in receptacle (Figure 2.21) is provided on the
generator set, above the muffler enclosure. Use this
receptacle to connect an optional remote-mounted
start/stop panel to the generator. Installation of such
a panel will permit you to start and stop the genera-
tor engine from any convenient location inside the
vehicle.
Figure 2.21 – Remote Panel Plug-in Receptacle
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Section 2 – Installation
PRIMEPACT 50 and 70 (50Hz) Recreational Vehicle Generators
CABLE LENGTH
in Feet (meters) CABLE SIZE
0to10(0to3) 2*
11 to 15 (3.4 to 4.5) 0
16 to 20 (4.5 to 6) 000