North Star M165912I.3 Owner's Manual

Manual is about: Portable, Outdoor Use-Only, Gasoline Generator

Summary of M165912I.3

  • Page 1

    M165912i.3 owner’s manual instructions for installation/set-up, operation, servicing, & storage portable, outdoor use-only, gasoline generator 2,400 watt continuous (2,700 watt surge) capacity can be used to power individual appliances plugged directly into the generator’s outlets, or as a back-up c...

  • Page 2

    Hazard signal word definitions 2.

  • Page 3

    Table of contents 3 hazard signal word definitions ................................................................................................. 2 about your generator ................................................................................................................. 4 specificatio...

  • Page 4: About Your Generator

    About your generator 4 thank you for purchasing your northstar portable generator! About your generator this engine-driven, portable generator is designed to provide up to 2700 watts of electrical power (2400 watts continuous, 2700 watts surge). It can supply power: 1. As a portable power source. Yo...

  • Page 5: Warranty Registration

    About your generator (cont’d) 5 proper preparation, operation, and maintenance will result in operator safety, as well as best performance and long life of the generator. For detailed engine operation and maintenance information, always refer to the engine owner’s manual furnished with the generator...

  • Page 6: Specifications

    Specifications 6 specifications item number #165912 maximum output 2700 watts (w) continuous output 2400 watts (w) generator type brushless voltage 120 volt (v) phase single phase frequency 56.5 - 63.3 hertz (hz) power factor 1.0 p.F. Engine 5 hp honda gc160 avxa engine speed 3390 - 3798 rpm fuel ty...

  • Page 7: Warning

    Safety label locations 7 pn 39260 burn hazard do not touch hot muffler. ©2005 nt+e 1-800-270-0810 warning fig02663 always make sure safety labels are in place and in good condition. If a safety label is missing or not legible, order new labels or unsafe operation could result. To order replacement s...

  • Page 8

    Machine component identification – 165912i.3 8 figure 1 (ref. 1-7) ref. Description ref. Description 1 circuit breaker 7 choke lever 2 120v 20a duplex receptacle 8 ignition switch lever 3 generator head 9 recoil 4 oil drain plug 10 gas tank 5 vibration isolation mount 11 air cleaner 6 muffler figure...

  • Page 9: Reference Guide

    Machine component identification – 165912i.3 (cont’d) 9 reference guide reference 1 – circuit breaker this portable single phase generator has 1, 20 amp (a) push to reset circuit breaker to protect against electrical overloads. Reference 2 – (2) 120v 20a duplex receptacles the generator has a contro...

  • Page 10

    Power load planning & management 10 warning never exceed the rated wattage capacity of your generator. Overloading may cause serious damage to the generator and attached electrical devices, and may result in fire. Your generator must be sized properly to provide both the running and starting (surge)...

  • Page 11

    Power load planning & management (cont’d) 11 device running watts device running watts electric range (1 element) 1500 refrigerator 600 (b) electric skillet 1250 slow cooker 200 furnace fan (1/3 hp) 1200 (a) submersible pump (1-1/2 hp) 2800 (a) freezer 800 (b) submersible pump (1 hp) 2000 (a) hair d...

  • Page 12

    Installation / initial set-up 12 there are a number of important steps required to set up your generator for initial use. These steps are: steps for installation / initial set-up 1. Unpacking & delivery inspection. 2. Planning the power load to stay within the generator’s rated capacity. 3. Setting ...

  • Page 13

    Installation / initial set-up (cont’d) 13 3. Set-up either as a building back-up or portable power source this generator is designed to provide up to 2700w of electrical power. It can supply electricity in two ways: 1. As a back-up, standby power source for a building. For this application, you must...

  • Page 14

    Installation / initial set-up (cont’d) 14 in addition to isolating your generator from the utility system, the transfer switch connects your generator to a limited set of circuits in your building that have been chosen as critical to operate during a power outage. The generator cannot power your ent...

  • Page 15

    Installation / initial set-up (cont’d) 15 extension cords may be used to power devices that are located at a distance from the generator. However, use only ul-listed, outdoor-rated, grounded extension cords of the proper size. Use table 2 below to choose an adequately sized extension cord according ...

  • Page 16

    Installation / initial set-up (cont’d) 16 4. Select a suitable site before using the generator, you must select a suitable outdoor location for installation and operation. This location should meet all of the criteria listed below. Warning: you must choose a suitable site for operating your generato...

  • Page 17

    Installation / initial set-up (cont’d) 17 adequate cooling ventilation the generator needs adequate, unobstructed flow of air to allow for proper cooling of engine and generator head. Warning: heat build-up from inadequate ventilation can result in fire, posing a serious risk to nearby persons and s...

  • Page 18

    Installation / initial set-up (cont’d) 18 5. Grounding the generator always ensure the generator is properly grounded to prevent electrical shock. You must always ground the generator by the following method when using the generator as a portable electrical source: 1) drive a ¾” or 1” copper pipe or...

  • Page 19

    Operation 19 once you have set up your generator for use, it is time to start your generator. The following are the procedures necessary for safe, successful operation of your generator. Operation procedures 1. General safety rules for operation 2. Preparing for operation 3. Starting the engine 4. C...

  • Page 20

    Operation (cont’d) 20 malfunction during operation. Immediately turn off the generator if any of the following conditions arise during operation: o excessive change in engine speed, slow or fast o overheating in load connecting devices o sparking or arcs from generator o loss of electrical output o ...

  • Page 21

    Operation (cont’d) 21 static electricity and filling the gasoline tank: static electricity can initiate from ungrounded gasoline tanks or containers, from flowing gasoline, and from persons carrying a static electric charge static electricity can explosively ignite gasoline vapors that are present d...

  • Page 22

    Operation (cont’d) 22 2. Preparing for operation position generator position generator in accordance with the instructions given in “installation & initial set-up, step 4: select a suitable site” of this manual. Operate outside only, on dry, level ground with at least 20 feet from the home, away fro...

  • Page 23

    Operation (cont’d) 23 warning : gasoline fire/explosion hazard gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. Heat, sparks, and flames can ignite gasoline vapors, which can become widespread during fueling. A flash fire and/or explosion could result and cause serious injury or death. Use extreme care w...

  • Page 24

    Operation (cont’d) 24 keep nozzle in contact with portable container while filling. Manually control the flow of gasoline; do not use the nozzle’s lock-open device. A portable container made of metal or conductive plastic is preferred because it dissipates charge to ground more readily. 5) clean up ...

  • Page 25

    Operation (cont’d) 25 3. Starting the engine after you have completed the pre-start checklist procedures, you are ready to start the engine. To start the engine: 1) disconnect all loads to the generator. 2) adjust choke: a) to start a cold engine, pull the choke rod to the closed position. B) to res...

  • Page 26

    Operation (cont’d) 26 4. Checking generator output although the speed of the engine was carefully adjusted at the factory so that the generator produces the proper voltage and frequency, output voltage should be checked periodically to ensure the generator is working properly before connecting loads...

  • Page 27

    Operation (cont’d) 27 5. Connecting loads you will want to be careful when connecting loads so as not to overload the generator, especially if you are powering devices with motors that require a higher starting power load. Instructions are provided below for connecting loads when you are using the g...

  • Page 28

    Operation (cont’d) 28 7. Storage & exercise when you are finished using the generator, you must: o disconnect all loads o store the generator properly o plan on exercising the engine regularly unless the generator is prepared for long-term storage. Detailed instructions are provided below. Disconnec...

  • Page 29

    Operation (cont’d) 29 prepare engine for long term storage if needed if you will not be able to exercise the generator regularly, you must prepare the engine for long term storage to prevent gum deposits from forming and causing malfunction of the engine. Prepare engine for long term storage by: o r...

  • Page 30

    Maintenance & repair 30 inspect and maintain your generator as specified below in order to keep it in safe and optimal working order. Follow all safety rules and recommended maintenance steps. Warning always shut off the engine, disconnect the spark plug(s) and discharge the capacitor before cleanin...

  • Page 31

    Maintenance & repair (cont’d) 31 check gfci (if equipped) once a month, test the ground fault circuit interrupter (gfci) to protect against electrical shock due to failure of the gfci. (only for those models equipped with gfci – see the “specifications” section.) to test the gfci: 1. Depress the tes...

  • Page 32: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting 32 troubleshooting problem possible causes possible remedies engine will not start. A) low oil level. B) fouled spark plug. C) out of fuel. D) ignition switch lever in off position. A) fill crankcase to proper oil level. B) clean or replace spark plug. C) fill fuel tank. D) place ign...

  • Page 33

    Summary of important safety information for operation 33 this section provides a summary of the various safety procedures and measures that have been presented throughout the manual. Keep this summary handy and refer to it to refresh your memory about how to safely use your generator. Warning carefu...

  • Page 34

    Summary of important safety information for operation (cont’d) 34 licensed electrician installs the generator with a connection to your building’s electrical circuit for use as a standby power system, grounding will be complete through the building’s grounding system. Isolate connection to building’...

  • Page 35

    Summary of important safety information for operation (cont’d) 35 safety – during use safety equipment / controls . Always operate the generator with all safety covers, guards, and barriers in place and in good working order, and all controls properly adjusted for safe operation. Know how to stop . ...

  • Page 36

    Summary of important safety information for operation (cont’d) 36 safety – after use cool engine before storing. Let engine cool for at least five minutes before storing. A hot engine can be a fire hazard. Prevent accidental starting. When generator is not in use, remove key from starter (key start ...

  • Page 37

    Generator exploded view 165912 - rev i.3 37.

  • Page 38

    Generator exploded view 165912 – rev i.3 38 diag # part # description qty 1 305491 honda 5 hp engine 1 2 780422 engine adapter plate 1 4 780423 fan & bolts 1 5 31193 drive end bracket 1 7 780424 enclosing band 1 9 306426 120v, 20a, nema 5-20r receptacle 2 10 30643 20a circuit breaker 1 11 31177 end ...

  • Page 39

    Wiring diagram 165912 - rev i.3 39 diag # part # description qty 1 305555 connector wire harness 1 2 306496 wire assembly (w43, g41, g42) 1 b46 306571 black terminated wire 1 b52 305556 black terminated wire 1 w55 305557 white terminated wire 1.

  • Page 40

    40 this page has intentionally been left blank..

  • Page 41

    Limited warranty 41 dear valued customer: the northstar product you just purchased is built with the finest material and craftsmanship. Use this product properly and enjoy the benefits from its high performance. By purchasing a northstar product, you show a desire for quality and durability. Li ke a...

  • Page 42

    42 assembled by northern tool & equipment company, inc. Burnsville, mn 55306 northerntool.Com.