DeWalt DG2900 Instruction Manual page 5

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR GENERATORS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE
WARNING! Read and understand all instructions. Familiarity and proper training are
required for the safe operation of generators. A generator operated improperly or by untrained
personnel can be dangerous. Become familiar with all of the generator's controls, output
receptacles and connections. Know how to stop generator in case of emergency. Failure to
follow all instructions listed below may result in electrical shock, property damage,and/or
serious personal injury or death. This manual contains IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
for models DG2900, DG4300, DG6000, DG7000, DG60000E and DG7000E. It is important to
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Do not operate the generator unless it is fully assembled.
NOTE: All D WALT generators come with a Honda engine owner's manual. The Honda
E
manual overrides this manual on all engine topics. Honda engine manuals are available through
D WALT at 1-800-4-D WALT.
E E
WARNING! CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARDS
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas. Breathing exhaust
can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death. If you run the generator in an area that
is confined, or even partially enclosed, the air you breathe could contain a dangerous amount
of exhaust gas. To keep exhaust from building up, provide adequate ventilation. Do not
operate the generator in a room, cave, or tunnel unless professionally installed exhaust hoses
are used.
WARNING! ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARDS
The generator produces enough electrical power to cause serious shock or electrocution if
misused. Using a generator or an electrical device in wet conditions — near water, on wet
grass, in damp areas, in rain or snow — could result in electrocution. Keep the generator dry
at all times. This generator is not designed to be stored outdoors unprotected from the weather.
Moisture or ice can cause a malfunction or short in electrical components, which could result in
electrocution. Test GFCI outlets and accessories before each use. Check all electrical
components on the control panel before each use.
Do not connect this generator to any building's electrical system unless a licensed electrician
has installed an isolation switch. Failure to do so can result in property damage or death.
WARNING! FIRE & BURN HAZARDS
The exhaust system gets hot enough to ignite some materials. Keep generator at least 1
meter (3 feet) away from buildings and other equipment during or immediately after operation.
Never enclose generator in any structure. Keep all flammable materials away from the
generator.
The muffler becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for some time after the engine
stops. Do not touch the muffler while the engine is running or hot. Allow the engine and the
muffler to cool before storing. See storing instructions on page 2 of this manual.
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous. Always stop the engine and allow the muffler to
cool before refueling. Never refuel while smoking or in the vicinity of an open flame or sparks.
Never smoke near the generator. Always check for spilled fuel or fuel leaks. Make sure that any
spilled fuel has been wiped up before starting the generator.
When operating or transporting the generator, be sure that it is
kept upright. If the unit tilts, fuel may leak from the carburetor or
fuel tank.
GROUNDING THE GENERATOR
Grounding the generator helps prevent electric shock from a
ground fault condition. To ground the generator you will need a
ground wire and grounding stake. These are not supplied with the
generator. The ground wire should be a #8, stranded-copper wire.
The grounding point should be copper or brass.
1. Locate the ground plug below the generator control panel (shown in figure 1).
2. Attach a ground wire to the ground plug.
3. Drive the grounding point into the ground.
4. Attach the ground wire to the grounding point.
The generator should be grounded to a good ground source in compliance with National
Electric Codes standards and local regulations. In some areas, generators are required to be
registered with local utility companies.
WARNING! Use only grounded extension cords. Use only three wire or double-insulated
power tools.
WARNING! Do not use metal pipe that is being used to carry combustible materials or
gasses for the grounding point.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPT (GFCI)
On D
DG6000E, and DG7000E), all 20 Amp receptacles are protected by a ground
fault circuit interrupt (GFCI). On the DG2900, both receptacles are linked to
the GFCI duplex. The GFCI shuts off the power to the receptacle when it
senses small imbalances caused by current leakage to the ground.
CAUTION: Each GFCI should be tested for proper operation every time
the generator is used.
TO TEST A GFCI:
Start the generator. Turn the auto idle switch (figure 13H) off. (See page 4 for
control panel layout information.) Push in the TEST button (A) on the
receptacle. The RESET button (B) will pop out. Power is now off at the
receptacle. If the RESET button does not pop out, the GFCI is not working. Do
not run generator until the problem can be corrected. To restore power to receptacle, push the
RESET button in. If the RESET button pops out during operation, stop the generator and
check the generator and equipment for defects.
USE OF EXTENSION CORDS
Only use grounded extension cords that are rated for outdoor use and equipment with a third-
wire ground. If using a twist-locking receptacle, you must connect through a GFCI Protected
spider box or use an in-line GFCI adapter.
When a long extension cord is used to connect an appliance or tool to the generator, a voltage
drop occurs. The longer the cord, the greater the voltage drop. This results in less voltage being
supplied to the appliance or tool and increases the amount of current (amp) draw or reduces
performance. A heavier cord with a larger wire size will reduce the voltage drop. Be sure to
choose a cord that will supply enough voltage to operate your tool or appliance. The tables
below indicate appropriate guage for extension cords and the voltage drop caused by the use
of extension cords, given different electrical loads.
CAUTION: Operating equipment at low voltage can cause it to overheat. Using an
excessively long extension cord can cause the cord to overheat.
WARNING: Keep electrical cords in good condition. Do not use worn, bare, or frayed cords
because they can cause electrical shock.
Volts
120V
240V
Ampere Rating
0–10 (A)
10–13 (A)
13–16 (A)
16–25 (A)
FIGURE 1: GROUNDING PLUG 25–30 (A)
1
WALT generator models (DG2900, DG4300, DG6000, DG7000,
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Minimum Guage for Extension Cord Sets
Total Length of Cord in Feet
0–25 26–50 51–100
0–50 51–100 101–200
AWG
16 16 14
16 16 14
14 14 12
12 12 12
10 10 10
RESET TEST
B A
RESET TEST
FIGURE 2
GFCI
RECEPTACLE
101–150
201–300
14
12
12
10
Not Recommended