OPERATION
Generator Location
When deciding on the location to place your generator,
keep in mind the following safety rules:
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
overturned, fuel spillage may result. Also, if
generator is overturned or sinks into a soft sur-
face, sand, dirt, or water may enter generator.
WARNING
NEVER operate generator in rain or snow, or
when the generator is set on wet surface.
WARNING
Keep generator at least 6 feet (2 meters) away
from buildings, other equipment, and combustible
materials during operation.
HW5500/HW5500E/HW5500EL/HW5500L Portable Electrical Generator Owner's Manual
DANGER
WARNING
Preparing for Operation
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.
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 back-up
power. The generator must be connected to build-
ing's electrical system via a transfer switch. See
"Using Generator for Back-up Power" on page 11.
Before connecting to a building's electrical system,
consult utility company or qualified electrician.
• Connecting to a building's electrical system
without using a transfer switch can cause elec-
trical current from generator to feed back into
utility lines, resulting in death or serious injury
to utility company workers or others who con-
tact utility lines during a power outage.
Check/add engine oil— See "Engine Oil" on
page 22. For initial start-up, follow instructions on oil
container provided with generator.
*
Check/add fuel
—See "Adding Fuel" on page 24.
Be sure ground terminal is properly connected to
earth ground—See "Grounding the Generator" on
page 11.
Check extension cords—be sure cords are:
In good condition.
Rated for outdoor use and match amperage and
voltage ratings of generator outlet.
Equipped with proper plugs that contain grounding
blades.
*
You must add fuel before using the generator for the first time
See "Adding Fuel" on page 24.
www.honeywellgenerators.com
DANGER
Only use OUTSIDE and far
away from windows, doors, and
vents.
DANGER
15