Westinghouse CONTRACTOR SERIES 10KPRO FULLY FEATURED Owner's Manual

24 

Location Selection – Before starting the generator, 
avoid exhaust and location hazards by verifying:
x You have selected a location to operate the 

generator that is outdoors and well ventilated.

x You have selected a location with a level and solid 

surface on which to place the generator.

x You have selected a location that is at least 6 feet 

(1.8 m) away from any building, other equipment or 
combustible material. 

x If the generator is located close to a building, make 

sure it is not located near any windows, doors  
and/or vents.

Only operate the generator on a solid, level surface. 
Operating the generator on a surface with loose 
material such as sand or grass clippings can cause 
debris to be ingested by the generator that could:

•  Block cooling vents

•  Block air intake system

Weather – Never operate your generator outdoors 
during rain, snow or any combination of weather 
conditions that could lead to moisture collecting on, in 
or around the generator.

Dry Surface – Always operate the generator on a dry 
surface free of any moisture.

No Connected Loads – Make sure the generator 
has no connected loads before starting it. To ensure 
there are no connected loads, unplug any electrical 
extension cords that are plugged into the control panel 
receptacles.

Starting the generator with loads already applied 
to it could result in damage to any appliance being 
powered off the generator during the brief start-up 
period.

Grounding the Generator – The National Electric 
Code (NEC), as well as many local electrical codes, 
require the generator to be connected to earth ground 
before operating. Before starting the generator, make 
sure it is connected to earth ground by connecting 
the ground terminal on the control panel (see Figure 
16) to earth ground using copper wire (minimum 10 
AWG). Consult a qualified electrician for local grounding 
requirements.