1.3.2 General advice
On taking delivery of the generating set, check that it is complete and not damaged in any way. A generating set should be handled
gently and brusque movements should be avoided. Ensure that the place where it is to be stored or used is carefully prepared
beforehand.
Before use:
- make sure you know how to stop the generating set in the event of an emergency,
- make sure you completely understand all the controls and operations.
Warning
For reasons of safety, the maintenance intervals must be respected (see Maintenance table). Never carry out repairs or maintenance
procedures without the necessary experience and/or tools.
Never let other people use the generating set without having given them all the necessary instructions beforehand.
Never let children touch the generating set, even when it is not in operation. Do not operate the generating set near animals (as it could
cause them to panic or frighten them).
Never start the engine without an air filter or exhaust.
Never invert the positive and negative terminals on the battery (if fitted) when fitting them as this could cause serious damage to the
electrical equipment.
Never cover the generating set with any type of material while it is in operation or just after it has been turned off. Wait until the motor is
cold.
Never coat the generating set with oil, even to protect it from corrosion; preservative oils are flammable and can be dangerous if
inhaled.
In all cases, respect the local regulations currently in place concerning the use of generating sets.
1.3.3 Safety guidelines to prevent electrocution
Danger
Never touch stripped cables or disconnected connectors. Never handle a generating set with wet hands or feet. Never expose the
equipment to liquid splashes or rainfall, and do not place it on wet ground.
Always keep electric cables and connections in good condition. Never use equipment in poor condition: risk of electrocution or damage
to the equipment.
Specific protective measures to follow in accordance with the operating conditions.
1 – If the generating set is not equipped with an integrated differential protection device at delivery
In the case of occasional use of one or many mobile or rotating devices, the earthing of the generating set is not necessary, but the
following installation rules must be complied with:
a) The grounds of the equipment connected to the outlets of the generating set must be interconnected with the ground of the set
by a protection conductor. This equipotentiality is performed if all the connecting cables of class I equipment are fitted with a PE
protection conductor (GREEN and YELLOW) correctly connected to their patches to the generating set (this protection conductor is
not necessary for equipment of class II protection). The good condition of the cables and the ground connections is an essential
element to guarantee protection against electric shocks, therefore the usage of rubber sheathed cables is strongly recommended,
flexible and strong, in compliance with standard IEC 60245-4 Comply with the cable lengths indicated in the table of the paragraph
"Cable sizes".
b) Each channel (electrical cable) originating from the generating set must be protected by a complementary differential device
calibrated at 30mA, set up before each outlet less than 1 m from the set, and protected against external influences to which it could
be subjected.
2 – If the generating set is equipped with an integrated differential protection device at delivery (with the alternator ground connected to
the earth terminal of the generating set)
In the case of occasional use of one or many mobile or rotating devices, the earthing of the generating set is not necessary, but the
ground connection rules listed in point a) of paragraph 1 above must be complied with.
In the case of the supply of a temporary or semi-permanent station (site, show, fairs,.), connect the ground of the generating set to
the earth and follow the rules listed in point a) of paragraph 1 above.
In the case of the emergency re-supply of a fixed installation, the connection of the generating set to the ground of the installation to
re-supply and the electrical connection must be performed by a qualified electrician, in compliance with the regulation applicable on
the installation site. Do not connect the generating set directly to other power sources (e.g.: public distribution network); install a
power inverter.
Mobile applications (example: generating set installed in a moving vehicle)
If earthing is not possible, the grounds of the vehicle and of the equipment connected to the outlets of the generating set must be
interconnected with the ground of the generating set by a protection conductor, in compliance with the ground connection rules listed at
point a) of paragraph 1 above.
The protection against electric shocks is performed by circuit breakers provided specially for the generating set: if necessary, replace
them with circuit breakers having the same ratings and characteristics.
The generating sets supply electrical current when in operation: risk of electrocution.