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16 Generac
®
Power Systems, Inc.
1.17 THE BATTERY
Servicing of the battery is to be performed or super-
vised by personnel knowledgeable of batteries and
the required precautions. Keep unauthorized person-
nel away from batteries.
When replacing the battery, use the following type of
battery: Group 26/26R 12-volt battery with a rating of
350 cold-cranking amps at -17.8º C (0º F) minimum.
When using a maintenance-free battery, it is not nec-
essary to check the specific gravity or electrolyte level.
Have these procedures performed at the intervals
specified in the Owner’s Manual “Service Schedule.”
A negative ground system is used. Battery connec-
tions are shown on the wiring diagrams. Make sure
the battery is correctly connected and terminals are
tight. Observe battery polarity when connecting the
battery to the generator set.
NOTE:
Damage will result if the battery connections are
made in reverse.
Your generator is equipped with a battery trickle
charger that is active when your unit is set up for
automatic operation. The trickle charger is
designed to help extend the life of your battery by
maintaining the battery when the unit is
not running.
Do not dispose of the battery in a fire. The
battery is capable of exploding.
A battery presents a risk of electrical shock
and high short circuit current. The following
precautions are to be observed when working
on batteries:
• Remove watches, rings or other metal objects;
• Use tools with insulated handles;
• Wear rubber gloves and boots;
• Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the
battery; and
• Disconnect charging source prior to connecting or dis-
connecting battery terminals.
Do not open or mutilate the battery. Released
electrolyte has been known to be harmful to
the skin and eyes, and to be toxic.
The electrolyte is a dilute sulfuric acid that is
harmful to the skin and eyes. It is electrically
conductive and corrosive. The following
procedures are to be observed:
• Wear full eye protection and protective clothing;
• Where electrolyte contacts the skin, wash it off
immediately with water;
• Where electrolyte contacts the eyes, flush
thoroughly and immediately with water and seek
medical attention; and
• Spilled electrolyte is to be washed down with an
acid neutralizing agent. A common practice is to
use a solution of 1 pound (500 grams) bicarbonate
of soda to 1 gallon (4 liters) or water. The bicar-
bonate of soda solution is to be added until the
evidence of reaction (foaming) has ceased. The
resulting liquid is to be flushed with water and the
area dried.
Lead-acid batteries present a risk of fire
because they generate hydrogen gas. The
following procedures are to be followed:
• DO NOT SMOKE when near the battery;
• DO NOT cause flame or spark in battery area; and
• Discharge static electricity from your body before
touching the battery by first touching a grounded
metal surface.
Be sure the Auto/Off/Manual switch is set to
the OFF position before connecting the battery
cables. If the switch is set to AUTO or MANUAL,
the generator can crank and start as soon as
the battery cables are connected.
Be sure the utility power supply is turned off,
or sparking may occur at the battery posts as
you attach the cables and cause an explosion.
Section 1 — Installation
Guardian Air-cooled Generators