Honeywell HW4000 User Manual

Page of 47
HW4000 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
‰
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 page 11.
‰
Check/add engine oil
page 20. For initial start-up, follow instructions on oil 
container provided with generator.
‰
Check/add fuel
*
‰
Be sure ground terminal is properly connected to 
earth ground
‰
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. 
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.