Electrical System
Installation Guidelines for Spark-Ignited Stationary Emergency Generators 35
Storage batteries give off EXPLOSIVE hydrogen gas. This gas can form an explosive mixture around
the battery for several hours after charging. The slightest spark can ignite the gas and cause an explo-
sion. An explosion can shatter the battery and cause blindness or other injury. Any area that houses a
storage battery must be properly ventilated. Do not allow smoking, open flame, sparks, or any spark
producing tools or equipment near the battery.
When working on the battery, always remove watches, rings, or other metal objects, and only use tools
that have insulated handles. Do not lay tools or metal parts on top of the battery.
Discharge static electricity from the body before touching the battery by first touching a grounded
metal surface.
Wear full eye protection, protective clothing, and gloves when handling a battery.
Battery electrolyte fluid is an extremely caustic sulfuric acid solution that can cause severe burns. Do
not permit fluid to contact eyes, skin, clothing, painted surfaces, etc. Where electrolyte contacts the
skin, wash it off immediately with water. If contact is with eyes, flush thoroughly and immediately with
water and seek medical attention.
NOTE: Immediately wash down spilled electrolyte with an acid neutralizing agent. Use a solution of 1 pound (500
grams) bicarbonate of soda to 1 gallon (4 liters) of water. Add the bicarbonate of soda solution until evidence of reac-
tion (foaming) has ceased. Flush the resulting liquid with water.
6.10.2— Battery Size
The ability to start the engine depends upon battery capacity, ambient temperatures and coolant and oil temperatures.
The engine/generator set Data Sheet lists minimum recommended battery capacity at various ambient temperatures.
The recommended battery capacities are listed under cold cranking amps (CCA) at 0 °F (−18 °C). Battery capacities
decrease as ambient temperatures decrease, so it is important to specify batteries with the appropriate CCA rating at a
temperature no higher than the minimum ambient temperature for the application.
6.10.3— Battery Installation
Always connect the positive battery cable first. If the positive cable should contact ground with the
negative cable installed, the resulting sparks may cause a battery explosion which could result in seri-
ous injury.
NOTE: Use appropriate tools when working with battery terminals. The use of terminal pullers, expansion pliers and
terminal cleaning brushes will greatly extend the life of the battery terminals.
1. Install rubber protective cover over battery positive (+) terminal. See A of Figure 6-6.
2. Grasp battery strap and lift battery. See B of Figure 6-6.
3. Set battery onto battery tray.
4. Tighten two screws with nylon washers to secure hold-down clamp to battery tray.
5. Remove rubber protective cover from battery positive (+) terminal.
6. Install battery positive cable (red) to battery positive (+) terminal.
7. Install battery negative cable (black) to battery negative (-) terminal.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
