Portable generators are widely used in outdoor operations, emergency power supply, camping and other scenarios due to their portability and flexibility. But if used improperly, it may cause safety hazards or equipment damage. The following are key precautions for the use of portable generators, covering safe operation, maintenance, and compliance requirements:

1、 Safety operation standards

1. Fuel and exhaust safety

Keep away from fire sources: When refueling, the machine must be stopped and cooled for at least 10 minutes (to prevent fuel vapor from exploding when exposed to open flames). It is strictly prohibited to add fuel while the generator is running.

Ventilation requirements: It is prohibited to operate the generator indoors, in a closed garage, or near doors and windows to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning (1 hour of exposure to 50ppm CO can cause headaches).

Fuel storage: Use dedicated metal oil drums to store gasoline, avoid direct sunlight, keep away from sources of fire and children, and store no more than daily usage (usually ≤ 20L).

2. Electrical connection safety

Grounding protection: The generator casing must be connected to a reliable grounding electrode through a grounding wire (copper wire with a cross-sectional area ≥ 4mm ²) to prevent electric leakage and shock.

Load matching:

Calculate the total load power (such as lighting 100W+drill 500W=600W), ensuring that it does not exceed 80% of the rated power of the generator (leaving a 20% margin to deal with start-up shocks).

Avoid starting multiple high-power devices (such as air conditioners and welding machines) simultaneously to prevent voltage drops from damaging electrical appliances.

Anti reverse power transmission:

It is prohibited to directly connect the generator to the household power grid (which may cause "reverse power transmission" and endanger the safety of power grid maintenance personnel).

If it is necessary to supply power to buildings with power outages, a double throw switch or automatic transfer switch (ATS) must be installed.

3. Safe operating environment

Rainproof and moisture-proof: When used on rainy days, a rain shelter (height ≥ 1.5m) should be built to prevent rainwater from entering the exhaust outlet or control panel.

Dust and sand prevention: When used in deserts or construction sites, cover the air intake with a dust cover and clean the dust on the heat sink in a timely manner after operation.

Anti tilt: Ensure that the generator is placed on a level ground (tilt angle ≤ 15 °) to prevent fuel leakage or insufficient oil lubrication.

2、 Precautions for startup and shutdown

1. Check before startup

Fuel inspection: Confirm that the fuel tank level is above 1/2 and that there are no leaks in the fuel lines (check for bubbles by applying soapy water to the joints).

Oil inspection: Check the oil level through the dipstick (should be between the upper and lower marks), low oil level can cause engine cylinder pulling.

Air filter: Gently tap the filter element to remove dust, and replace it immediately if it is damaged (to prevent impurities from entering the cylinder and wearing the piston).

2. Startup operation

Cold machine startup:

Turn off all load switches;

Place the air damper lever in the "closed" position (to reduce the intake volume and increase the starting concentration);

Pull the starting rope or press the electric start button, and immediately push the air door back to the "open" position after starting.

Hot engine start: If the generator has just stopped, the air door can be directly placed in the "open" position to start.

3. Shutdown specifications

Normal shutdown:

First, turn off all load switches;

Run without load for 3-5 minutes (to cool down the engine and prevent oil shortage in the turbocharger bearings);

Press the stop button or turn off the fuel switch.

Emergency stop: In case of abnormal conditions (such as severe vibration or black smoke), immediately press the red emergency stop button.

3、 Key monitoring points during operation

1. Instrument parameters

Voltage: Measure the output voltage with a multimeter (220V single-phase generator fluctuation range ± 5%, i.e. 209-231V).

Frequency: Use a frequency meter to detect (50Hz generator fluctuation range ± 0.5Hz, i.e. 49.5-50.5Hz).

Oil pressure: Small generators usually do not have an oil pressure gauge, but can be judged by the engine sound (there will be a "click" sound when the oil pressure is low).

Water temperature: For air-cooled models, the temperature of the heat sink is used to determine the temperature (it is normal to stay for 3 seconds when touched by hand), while for water-cooled models, the water temperature gauge should be observed (≤ 95 ℃).

2. Handling of abnormal phenomena

Voltage instability:

Check if the load is overloaded;

Adjust the AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) knob (if any);

Replace the carbon brush (wear can cause poor contact).

Engine shaking:

Check for carbon buildup on spark plugs (clean electrodes with sandpaper);

Adjust the valve clearance (intake valve 0.15~0.20mm, exhaust valve 0.20~0.25mm when cooling).

Exhaust emits black smoke:

Clean the air filter;

Adjust the carburetor mixture ratio (tightening the mixture ratio screw clockwise can reduce fuel consumption).

4、 Maintenance cycle

1. Daily maintenance

Clean the body: Use a dry cloth to wipe the dust on the surface of the generator to prevent blockage of the heat dissipation holes.

Check fasteners: Use a wrench to check if the engine bolts and control panel screws are loose.

Run test: Run without load for 10 minutes and observe for any abnormal noise or oil leakage.

2. Maintenance every 50 hours of operation

Change engine oil: Drain the old engine oil (collect waste oil in a container and hand it over to a professional organization for disposal), and add new engine oil (10W-30 mineral oil suitable for -5 ℃~40 ℃ environment).

Cleaning spark plugs: Use a wire brush to remove carbon deposits and adjust the electrode gap to 0.7~0.8mm.

Check the fuel pipe: Blow through the fuel filter with compressed air (pressure ≤ 0.2MPa).

3. Maintenance every 100 hours of operation

Cleaning carburetor: Disassemble the carburetor and soak the float chamber and fuel injector with carburetor cleaning agent.

Check the muffler: tap the muffler and listen for any debris sound (internal insulation cotton needs to be replaced if it falls off).

Lubricating bearings: Add 2-3 drops of lubricating oil (such as No. 3 lithium grease) to the generator fan bearings.

5、 Storage and Transportation Standards

1. Long term storage (≥ 30 days)

Fuel treatment: Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank and carburetor (to prevent gum buildup from blocking the fuel circuit).

Anti corrosion treatment: Spray a small amount of engine oil into the cylinder and rotate the engine 2-3 times to make the oil adhere to the cylinder wall.

Storage environment: Place in a dry and ventilated place, cover with a dust cover, and avoid direct sunlight and moisture.

2. Transportation requirements

Secure firmly: Use specialized transport boxes or straps to fix the generator in the vehicle to prevent damage from bumps.

Vertical placement: Keep the generator vertical (tilt angle ≤ 15 °) during transportation to avoid fuel leakage.

Avoid collision: Keep away from hard and sharp objects to prevent deformation of the casing or heat sink.