Generac Power Systems GP2500i User manual

GP2500i Portable Generator

Owner’s Manual

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

011016

(000209b)

WARNING

Loss of life. This product is not intended to

be used in a critical life support application.

Failure to adhere to this warning could result

in death or serious injury.

WWW.GENERAC.COM

1-888-GENERAC

(1-888-436-3722)

MODEL:________________________

SERIAL:________________________

DATE PURCHASED:______________

Table of Contents

Section 1 Introduction and Safety 1

Introduction ..................................... 1

Safety Rules .................................... 1

Safety Symbols and Meanings ........ 1

Exhaust and Location Hazards ....... 2

Electrical Hazards ........................... 3

Fire Hazards .................................... 3

Standards Index .............................. 3

Section 2 General Information and

Setup .............................................. 4

Know Your Generator ..................... 4

Emissions ........................................ 5

Connection Plugs ............................ 6

Off/Run/Choke Switch ..................... 6

USB Outlet ...................................... 6

Economy Switch .............................. 6

Generator Status Lights .................. 6

Circuit Protectors ............................. 6

Remove Contents from Carton ....... 7

Add Engine Oil ................................ 7

Fuel ................................................. 8

Section 3 Operation ...................... 9

Operation and Use Questions ......... 9

Before Starting Engine .................... 9

Prepare Generator for Use .............. 9

Grounding the Generator When In Use

Special Requirements ..................... 9

Connecting to a Building Electrical

System ............................................ 9

Know Generator Limits .................. 10

Transporting/Tipping of the Unit .... 10

Starting Cold Engines ................... 11

Starting Hot Engines ..................... 11

Low Oil Level Shutdown System ... 11

Charging a 12 VDC Battery ........... 11

Parallel Operation ......................... 12

Section 4 Maintenance and

Troubleshooting ..........................13

Maintenance ..................................13

Maintenance Schedule ..................13

Preventive Maintenance ................13

Engine Maintenance ......................13

Storage ..........................................16

Troubleshooting .............................17

(000393a)

WARNING

CANCER AND REPRODUCTIVE HARM

www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 1

Section 1 Introduction and Safety

Introduction

Read This Manual Thoroughly

If any section of this manual is not understood,

contact the nearest Independent Authorized

Service Dealer (IASD) or Generac Customer

Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GEN-

ERAC), or visit www.generac.com for start-

ing, operating, and servicing procedures. The

owner is responsible for proper maintenance

and safe use of the unit.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS for future ref-

erence. This manual contains important

instructions that must be followed during

placement, operation, and maintenance of the

unit and its components. Always supply this

manual to any individual that will use this unit,

and instruct them on how to correctly start,

operate, and stop the unit in case of emer-

gency.

The information in this manual is accurate

based on products produced at the time of

publication. The manufacturer reserves the

right to make technical updates, corrections,

and product revisions at any time without

notice.

Safety Rules

The manufacturer cannot anticipate every

possible circumstance that might involve a

hazard. The alerts in this manual, and on tags

and decals affixed to the unit, are not all inclu-

sive. If using a procedure, work method, or

operating technique that the manufacturer

does not specifically recommend, verify that it

is safe for others and does not render the

equipment unsafe.

Throughout this publication, and on tags and

decals affixed to the unit, DANGER, WARN-

ING, CAUTION, and NOTE blocks are used to

alert personnel to special instructions about a

particular operation that may be hazardous if

performed incorrectly or carelessly. Observe

them carefully. Alert definitions are as follows:

NOTE: Notes contain additional information

important to a procedure and will be found

within the regular text of this manual.

These safety alerts cannot eliminate the haz-

ards that they indicate. Common sense and

strict compliance with the special instructions

while performing the action or service are

essential to preventing accidents.

Safety Symbols and Meanings

• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after

the generator has been running, move to

fresh air IMMEDIATELY. See a doctor, as

you could have carbon monoxide poison-

ing.

(000100a)

Consult Manual. Read and understand manual

completely before using product. Failure to

completely understand manual and product

could result in death or serious injury.

WARNING

(000001)

DANGER

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

(000002)

WARNING

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

(000003)

CAUTION

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in minor or moderate injury.

DANGER

Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is

a poison 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.

000657

(000103)

DANGER

Asphyxiation. Running engines produce carbon

monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.

Carbon monoxide, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

Asphyxiation. The exhaust system must be properly

maintained. Do not alter or modify the exhaust system

as to render it unsafe or make it noncompliant with

local codes and/or standards. Failure to do so will

result in death or serious injury.

(000179b)

DANGER

2 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator

• For safety reasons, it is recommended that

the maintenance of this equipment be per-

formed by an IASD. Inspect the generator

regularly, and contact the nearest IASD for

parts needing repair or replacement.

Exhaust and Location Hazards

• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after

the generator has been running, move to

fresh air IMMEDIATELY. See a doctor, as

you could have carbon monoxide poison-

ing.

• NEVER run a generator indoors or in a

partly enclosed area such as garages.

• ONLY use outdoors and far away from win-

dows, doors, vents, crawl spaces and in an

area where adequate ventilation is avail-

able and will not accumulate deadly

exhaust gas.

• Using a fan or opening a door will not pro-

vide sufficient ventilation.

• Point muffler exhaust away from people

and occupied buildings.

(000104)

DANGER

Electrocution. Water contact with a power source,

if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

(000116)

DANGER

Electrocution. Turn utility and emergency

power supplies to OFF before connecting power

source and load lines. Failure to do so will result

in death or serious injury.

(000146)

WARNING

Equipment and property damage. Do not alter

construction of, installation, or block ventilation for

generator. Failure to do so could result in unsafe

operation or damage to the generator.

(000178a)

WARNING

Asphyxiation. Always use a battery operated

carbon monoxide alarm indoors and installed

according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure

to do so could result in death or serious injury.

WARNING

Equipment and property damage. Do not operate unit on

uneven surfaces, or areas of excessive moisture, dirt, dust

or corrosive vapors. Doing so could result in death, serious

injury, property and equipment damage. (000250)

(000111)

WARNING

Moving Parts. Keep clothing, hair, and appendages

away from moving parts. Failure to do so could

result in death or serious injury.

(000108)

WARNING

Hot Surfaces. When operting machine, do not

touch hot surfaces. Keep machine away from

combustables during use. Hot surfaces

could result in severe burns or fire.

(000142a)

WARNING

Personal injury. Do not insert any object through the

air cooling slots. Generator can start at any time and

could result in death, serious injury, and unit damage.

WARNING

Risk of injury. Do not operate or service this machine

if not fully alert. Fatigue can impair the ability to

service this equipment and could result in death or

serious injury. (000215)

(000216)

WARNING

Injury and equipment damage. Do not use generator

as a step. Doing so could result in falling, damaged

parts, unsafe equipment operation, and could result

in death or serious injury.

WARNING

Equipment damage. Do not attempt to start or operate

a unit in need of repair or scheduled maintenance.

Doing so could result in serious injury, death, or

equipment failure or damage. (000291)

(000103)

DANGER

Asphyxiation. Running engines produce carbon

monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas.

Carbon monoxide, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

Asphyxiation. The exhaust system must be properly

maintained. Do not alter or modify the exhaust system

as to render it unsafe or make it noncompliant with

local codes and/or standards. Failure to do so will

result in death or serious injury.

(000179b)

DANGER

(000146)

WARNING

Equipment and property damage. Do not alter

construction of, installation, or block ventilation for

generator. Failure to do so could result in unsafe

operation or damage to the generator.

(000178a)

WARNING

Asphyxiation. Always use a battery operated

carbon monoxide alarm indoors and installed

according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Failure

to do so could result in death or serious injury.

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 3

Electrical Hazards

• The National Electric Code (NEC) requires

the frame and external electrically conduc-

tive parts of the generator be properly con-

nected to an approved earth ground. Local

electrical codes may also require proper

grounding of the generator. Consult with a

local electrician for grounding requirements

in the area.

• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter in any

damp or highly conductive area (such as

metal decking or steel work).

• Once generator has been started outside,

connect electrical loads to extension

cord(s) inside.

Fire Hazards

• Allow at least 5 feet of clearance on all

sides of the generator when operating to

prevent overheating and fire.

• Do not operate the generator if connected

electrical devices overheat, if electrical out-

put is lost, if engine or generator sparks, or

if flames or smoke are observed while unit

is running.

• Keep a fire extinguisher near the generator

at all times.

Standards Index

1. National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA) 70: The NATIONAL ELECTRIC

CODE (NEC) available from www.nfpa.org

2. National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA) 5000: BUILDING CONSTRUC-

TION AND SAFETY CODE available from

www.nfpa.org

3. International Building Code available from

www.iccsafe.org

4. Agricultural Wiring Handbook available

from www.rerc.org, Rural Electricity

Resource Council P.O. Box 309 Wilming-

ton, OH 45177-0309

5. ASAE EP-364.2 Installation and Mainte-

nance of Farm Standby Electric Power

available from www.asabe.org, American

Society of Agricultural & Biological Engi-

neers 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI

49085

6. CSA C22.2 100-14 Electric motors and

generators for installation and use, in

accordance with the Rules of the Cana-

dian Electrical Code

7. ANSI/PGMA G300 Safety and Perfor-

mance of Portable Generators. Portable

Generator Manufacturer’s Association,

www.pgmaonline.com

This list is not all inclusive. Check with the

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for any

local codes or standards which may be appli-

cable to your jurisdiction.

(000144)

DANGER

Electrocution. Contact with bare wires,

terminals, and connections while generator

is running will result in death or serious injury.

(000104)

DANGER

Electrocution. Water contact with a power source,

if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

(000145)

DANGER

Electrocution. In the event of electrical accident,

immediately shut power OFF. Use non-conductive

implements to free victim from live conductor. Apply

first aid and get medical help. Failure to do so will

result in death or serious injury.

(000105)

DANGER

Explosion and Fire. Fuel and vapors are extremely

flammable and explosive. Add fuel in a well

ventilated area. Keep fire and spark away. Failure to

do so will result in death or serious injury.

(000166b)

DANGER

Explosion and Fire. Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill to

1/2 inch from top of tank to allow for fuel expansion.

Overfilling may cause fuel to spill onto engine causing

fire or explosion, which will result in death or serious

injury.

(000142a)

WARNING

Personal injury. Do not insert any object through the

air cooling slots. Generator can start at any time and

could result in death, serious injury, and unit damage.

WARNING

(000281)

Fire risk. Fuel and vapors are extremely

flammable. Do not operate indoors. Doing

so could result in death, serious injury, or

property or equipment damage.

(000282)

WARNING

Explosion and fire risk. Do not smoke near unit.

Keep fire and spark away. Failure to do so could

result in death, serious injury, or property or

equipment damage.

WARNING

Explosion and Fire. Do not smoke while

refueling unit. Failure to do so could result in

death, serious injury, or property or equipment

damage. (000284a)

4 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator

Section 2 General Information and Setup

Figure 2-1. Features and Controls

TABLE 1. Generator Components

Figure 2-2. Control Panel

Know Your Generator

Replacement owner’s manuals are available

at www.generac.com.

17 16

011016

011017

1 Off/Run/Choke Switch

2 Economy Switch

3 120V, 20A Receptacle

4 Circuit Protector (if equipped)

5 Parallel Outlets

6 Grounding Location

7 2.1A, 5VDC USB Outlet

8 DC Receptacle (battery charger)

9LowOilWarning

10 Overload Warning

11 AC Power Light

12 Carrying Handle

13 Fuel Cap

14 Recoil Starter

15 Spark Arrestor

16 Muffler Cover

17 Service Door

18 Spark Plug Cover

10 11

5 6

011018

(000100a)

Consult Manual. Read and understand manual

completely before using product. Failure to

completely understand manual and product

could result in death or serious injury.

WARNING

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 5

Emissions

The United States Environmental Protection

Agency (US EPA) (and California Air

Resources Board (CARB), for engines/equip-

ment certified to California standards) requires

this engine/equipment to comply with exhaust

and evaporative emissions standards. Locate

the emissions compliance decal on the engine

to determine applicable standards. See the

included emissions warranty for emissions

warranty information. Follow the maintenance

specifications in this manual to ensure the

engine complies with applicable emissions

standards for the duration of the product’s life.

TABLE 2. Product Specifications

Generator Specifications 2500i

Rated Power 2200 W

Surge Power 2500 VA

Rated AC Voltage 120V

Rated AC Load at 120V 18.3 Amps**

Rated Frequency 60 Hz

Dimensions L x W x H (in/mm) 19.8 x 11.5 x 17.9 (504 x 293 x 454)

Weight (dry) 48 lb. (21.8 kg)

** Operating Temperature Range: -17.8 °C (0 °F) to 40 °C (104 °F). When operated above 25 °C (77

°F) there may be a decrease in power.

** Maximum wattage and current are subject to, and limited by, such factors as fuel Btu content,

ambient temperature, altitude, engine condition, etc.. Maximum power decreases about 3.5% for

each 1,000 feet above sea level; and will also decrease about 1% for each 6 °C (10 °F) above 16

°C (60 °F) ambient temperature.

Engine Specifications 2500i

Engine Type Single Cylinder, 4-stroke

Displacement 98 cc

Spark Plug Part Number 0K95530157

Spark Plug Type E6TC / E6RTC / BPR6HS or equivalent

Spark Plug Gap (in/mm) 0.024-0.028 (0.6-0.7)

Fuel Capacity / Type 3.8 L (1.0 U.S. gallons) / Unleaded

Oil Type See Add Engine Oil

Oil Capacity 0.35 L (0.36 qt.)

Run Time at 50% Load 4.0 Hours

* Go to www.generac.com or contact an IASD for replacement parts.

6 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator

Connection Plugs

120 VAC, Duplex Receptacle

The 120 Volt outlet is overload protected by

the 20 Amp push button circuit protector. See

Figure 2-3. Each receptacle will power 120

Volt AC, single phase, 60 Hz electrical loads

requiring up to 2200 watts (2.2 kW).

Figure 2-3. 120 VAC, Duplex Receptacle

Off/Run/Choke Switch

This controls the ON/OFF functions, choke

and fuel valve operation. See Figure 2-4.

• The OFF position (1) stops the engine and

shuts off fuel flow.

• The RUN position (2) is for normal opera-

tion and to gradually reduce the use of the

choke.

• The CHOKE position (3) switches the fuel

valve on to start the engine.

NOTE: The CHOKE is not required to start a

warm engine.

Figure 2-4. Dial (example)

USB Outlet

The 5 VDC, 2.1 Amp USB outlet allows

charging of compatible electronic devices.

Economy Switch

The economy switch has 2 modes of opera-

tion:

•On: The quietest mode and best when run-

ning appliances or equipment that are

resistive loads (non-motor starting), (exam-

ple: TV, video game, light, radio).

•Off: Best when running a both inductive

(motor-starting loads) and resistive (non-

motor starting loads), especially when

these loads are turning on and off (exam-

ple: RV, air conditioner, hairdryer).

Generator Status Lights

See Figure 2-5.

•Overload LED (orange): Indicates system

overload (2). During motor starting it is nor-

mal for the overload LED to illuminate for a

few seconds. If LED stays illuminated and

the ready LED turns off, the engine will con-

tinue to run without output power. Remove

all applied loads and determine if attached

devices exceed recommended output

power. Check for faulty or shorted connec-

tions. To restore electrical output, turn dial

OFF to reset. Start engine. If condition was

corrected, the orange LED will not illumi-

nate and electrical output will be restored.

Loads can be applied once the green LED

illuminates. If the orange LED returns, con-

tact an IASD.

•Low Oil Level LED (red): Illuminates when

oil level is below safe operating level.

Engine shuts down (1).

•Power LED (green): Indicates output from

generator (3) (unless there is a low oil or

overload condition).

Figure 2-5. Status Indicators

Circuit Protectors

The AC receptacles are protected by an AC

circuit protector. The DC receptacles are pro-

tected by a DC circuit protector. If the genera-

tor is overloaded or an external short circuit

occurs, the circuit protector will trip. If this

occurs, disconnect all electrical loads to deter-

mine the cause of the problem before using

the generator again. Reduce the load if the cir-

cuit protector is tripped.

000424

002347

002335

1 2 3

Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator 7

NOTE: Continuous tripping of the circuit pro-

tector may cause damage to generator or

equipment.

Push the button of the protector to reset the

circuit protector.

Remove Contents from Carton

1. Open carton completely by cutting each

corner from top to bottom.

2. Remove and verify carton contents prior to

assembly. Carton contents should contain

the following:

TABLE 3. Accessories

3. Call Generac Customer Service at 1-888-

GENERAC (1-888-436-3722) with the unit

model and serial number for any missing

carton contents.

4. Record model, serial number, and date of

purchase on front cover of this manual.

Add Engine Oil

NOTE: The generator is shipped without oil in

the engine. Add oil slowly and verify oil level

often during filling process to ensure overfilling

does not occur.

1. Place generator on a level surface.

2. Remove screws and side cover. See Fig-

ure 2-6.

Figure 2-6. Remove Side Cover

3. Clean area around oil fill cap.

4. Remove oil fill cap and wipe dipstick clean.

See Figure 2-7.

Figure 2-7. Remove Dipstick

5. Insert funnel into oil fill opening. Add rec-

ommended engine oil as necessary. Cli-

mate determines proper engine oil

viscosity. See chart to select correct vis-

cosity.

NOTE: Use petroleum based oil (supplied) for

engine break-in before using synthetic oil.

6. To check oil level, remove funnel and

insert dipstick into oil filler neck without

screwing it in. See Figure 2-8.

Figure 2-8. Safe Operating Range

7. Remove dipstick and verify oil level is

within safe operating range.

NOTE: Verify oil level often during filling pro-

cess to ensure overfilling does not occur.

8. Install oil fill cap/dipstick and hand-tighten.

9. Replace side cover and screws.

Item Qty.

Main Unit 1

Owner’s Manual 1

Engine Oil 1

Oil Funnel 1

DC Charging Cable 1

Tool Kit 1

Service Warranty 1

Emissions Warranty 1

(000135)

Engine damage. Verify proper type and quantity of

engine oil prior to starting engine. Failure to do so

could result in engine damage.

CAUTION

002542

002404

SAE 30

10W-30

Synthetic 5W-30

000399

001792

8 Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator

Fuel

Fuel requirements are as follows:

• Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.

• Minimum rating of 87 octane/87 AKI (91

RON).

• Up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) is acceptable.

• DO NOT use E85.

• DO NOT use a gas oil mix.

• DO NOT modify engine to run on alternate

fuels. Stabilize fuel prior to storage.

1. Verify unit is OFF and cooled entirely prior

to fueling.

2. Place unit on level ground in a well venti-

lated area.

3. Clean area around fuel cap.

4. Turn cap slowly to remove.

5. Slowly add recommended fuel. Do not

overfill.

NOTE: Fill to red insert inside filler neck. See

Figure 2-9.

6. Install fuel cap.

Figure 2-9. Internal Fuel Tank Level

NOTE: Allow spilled fuel to evaporate before

starting unit.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is important to pre-

vent gum deposits from forming in fuel

system parts such as the carburetor, fuel

hose or tank during storage. Alcohol-

blended fuels (called gasohol, ethanol or

methanol) can attract moisture, which

leads to separation and formation of acids

during storage. Acidic gas can damage the

fuel system of an engine while in storage.

To avoid engine problems, the fuel system

should be emptied before storage of 30

days or longer. See the Storage section.

Never use engine or carburetor cleaner

products in the fuel tank as permanent

damage may occur.

(000105)

Explosion and Fire. Fuel and vapors are extremely

flammable and explosive. Add fuel in a well

ventilated area. Keep fire and spark away. Failure

to do so will result in death or serious injury.

DANGER

(000166b)

DANGER

Explosion and Fire. Do not overfill fuel tank. Fill to

1/2 inch from top of tank to allow for fuel expansion.

Overfilling may cause fuel to spill onto engine causing

fire or explosion, which will result in death or serious

injury.

(000362)

WARNING

Explosion and Fire. Verify fuel cap vent is set to

ON for operation, and OFF for transportation and

storage. Failure to do so could result in poor unit

performance, death, or serious injury.

002543

Table of contents

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