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HW5500/5500E Portable Generator Owner’s Manual www.honeywellgenerators.com 15
OPERATION
Preparing for Operation
Before starting generator, complete the following prepara-
tion tasks:
Be sure generator is placed outdoors in a well
ventilated area. See “Generator Location”.
Consult a licensed electrician or utility company if
you will be using your generator for backup
power. The generator must be connected to build-
ing’s electrical system via a transfer switch. See
“Using Generator for Backup Power” on page12.
Check/add engine oil— See “Engine Oil” on
page20. For initial start-up, follow instructions on oil
container provided with generator.
Check/add fuel
*
—See “Adding Fuel” on page22.
Be sure ground terminal is properly connected to
earth ground—See “Grounding the Generator” on
page11.
Check extension cords—be sure cords are:
In good condition.
Rated for outdoor use and match amp and voltage
ratings of generator outlet.
Equipped with proper plugs that contain grounding
blades.
Generator Location
When deciding on the location to place your generator,
keep in mind the following safety rules:
Starting Generator
To start generator:
1. Be sure generator is placed outside, in well-ventilated
area.
Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is a poi-
son you cannot see or smell.
NEVER use inside a home
or garage, EVEN IF doors
and windows are open.
Only use OUTSIDE and far
away from windows, doors, and
vents.
Before connecting to a building’s electrical system,
consult utility company or qualified electrician.
• Connecting to a building's electrical system with-
out using a transfer switch can cause electrical
current from generator to feed back into utility
lines, resulting in death or serious injury to utility
company workers or others who contact utility
lines during a power outage.
* You must add fuel before using the generator for the first time.
See “Adding Fuel” on page22.
Depressed areas such as construction foundations,
pools, or any low-lying areas, can cause carbon
monoxide to accumulate. Inhalation of carbon mon-
oxide can kill you in minutes.
• NEVER use generator inside homes, garages,
crawl spaces, sheds, or similar enclosed spaces.
Use generator only outdoors and far away from
windows, doors, and vents.
If generator is placed on an uneven or flexible sur-
face, generator could tilt or overturn, causing fuel to
spill from gas tank. Spilled fuel could ignite.
• Place generator on firm, level surface and avoid
loose sand or snow. If generator is tilted or over-
turned, fuel spillage may result. Also, if generator
is overturned or sinks into a soft surface, sand,
dirt, or water may enter generator.
NEVER operate generator in rain or snow, or
when the generator is set on wet surface.
Before starting generator, be sure to thoroughly read
all information provided in this Owner’s Manual.
It is very important to maintain proper level of engine oil to
keep engine in good running condition.
• Check engine oil level prior to each use.
Starting generator with appliances connected can cause
permanent damage to appliances.
• NEVER start generator with electrical appliances plugged
in and turned on.