North Star M165955A Owner's Manual

Manual is about: Portable, Outdoor Use-Only, Dual Fuel Generator

Summary of M165955A

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    M165955a owner's manual instructions for installation/set-up, operation, servicing, & storage portable, outdoor use-only, dual fuel generator can be used to power individual appliances plugged directly into the generator's outlets, or as a back-up connection to a building's power supply (via a profe...

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    Hazard signal word definitions 2.

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    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 its rated amount of electrical power. (see specifications section of this manual for model specific ratings) it can supply power...

  • Page 5: Read This Manual

    About your generator (cont’d) 5 generator unassisted. Other optional accessories available from northstar include a cover for storage, ul-listed transfer switches, and extension cords. Contact northstar product support at 1-800-270-0810 with questions about optional accessories or to order. Read thi...

  • Page 6: Specifications

    Specifications 6 specifications item number 165956 165955 maximum output 10,000 watts (w) 13,000 watts (w) continuous output: liquid propane gas (lp) natural gas (ng) 9,450 watts (w) 8,400 watts (w) 12,150 watts (w) 10,800 watts (w) voltage 120 / 240 volt (v) 120 / 240 volt (v) phase single phase (4...

  • Page 7: On-Product Warning Labels

    Safety label locations 7 . 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 safety labels , call northstar product support at 1-800-270-0810. On-product warning labe...

  • Page 8

    Machine component identification 8 ref. Description ref. Description 1 air cleaner 7 generator head 2 engine key switch 8 fuel inlet 3 oil drain plug 9 vibration isolation mount 4 oil fill port 10 lp/ng regulator assembly kit 5 battery (not included) 11 muffler 6 control panel.

  • Page 9: Reference Guide

    Machine component identification 9 reference guide reference 1 – air cleaner refer to your honda engine manual for air cleaner care. Reference 2 – engine key switch the engine key switch is located on the engine. Always locate this switch and be familiar with its location before operating the genera...

  • 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)...

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    Power load planning & management (cont’d) 11 device running watts (continuous) starting watts (surge) deep freezer 700 1000 desktop computer w/ 17" monitor 800 - dishwasher (hot dry) 1500 1500 drill: 1/2in., 5.4 amps 600 900 drill: 3/8in., 4 amps 440 600 dvd/cd player 100 - electric fence: 25 miles ...

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    Power load planning & management (cont’d) 12 to calculate the running and starting wattage requirements for the devices you will be powering, follow these steps: 1. Make a list of all electrical devices you will be powering at the same time with the generator. 2. List the greater of the running or s...

  • Page 13

    Installation / initial set-up 13 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. Gas hook...

  • Page 14

    Installation / initial set-up 14 3. Gas hook-up installation for natural gas or lp you can power this generator with natural gas (ng) or liquid propane gas (lp). However, there are special initial hook-up requirements for natural gas and propane: warning: you must have the fuel line system installed...

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    Installation / initial set-up 15 natural gas (ng) requirement contact your gas utility company for installation of a natural gas hook- up for the generator. Warning: natural gas is a highly explosive gas. All natural gas hook-ups must be completed by trained personnel from your natural gas utility c...

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    Installation / initial set-up 16 you will need a minimum 100 lb. Lp gas tank to operate the generator. This generator will not work with 20-lb gas cylinders used in gas grills and recreational equipment, or 40-lb gas cylinders used in forklifts and tractors. These smaller tanks do not have a suffici...

  • Page 17

    Installation / initial set-up 17 transformer will step up the current to the normal line voltage. An unsuspecting utility line worker working on what he thinks is a deactivated line could be electrocuted. If your generator is connected (running or not) when utility power is restored, your generator ...

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    Installation / initial set-up 18 1. Make sure you plug each electrical device/appliance into the correct generator outlet based on the device’s plug configuration and voltage/amperage rating. Never exceed the amperage rating of an outlet. 2. Extension cords may be used to power devices that are loca...

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    Installation / initial set-up 19 table 2 current/power maximum extension cord length amps at 240v load (watts) #10 ga. Cord #12 ga. Cord #14 ga. Cord #16 ga. Cord 10 2400 250' 150' 100' 75' 20 4800 125' 75' 50' 25' 30 7200 60' 35' 25' 10' 40 9600 30' 15' 10' * 50 12000 15' * * * warning: use of unde...

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    Installation / initial set-up 20 never run the generator inside any closed or semi-enclosed spaces (even if outdoors), including homes, garages, basements, sheds, or boxes. These spaces can trap poisonous gases, even if you run a fan or open windows. Never place the generator immediately adjacent to...

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    Installation / initial set-up 21 make sure your generator's exhaust system is at least 7 feet from all combustible materials and structures. Equip the engine with a spark arrestor if the generator will be used near any ignitable forest, brush, or grassy land. (see the "specifications" section of thi...

  • Page 22

    Installation / initial set-up 22 6. 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 3/4" or 1" copper pipe or rod in...

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    Installation / initial set-up 23 7. Battery installation your generator's engine is equipped with an electric starter, which requires the installation of a 12- volt battery. See the "specifications" section of this manual for more specific battery requirements for this generator model, such as minim...

  • Page 24

    Operation 24 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...

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    Operation (cont’d) 25 adjusting / repairing . Always turn off generator and remove spark plug(s) or spark plug wire(s) before working on the generator to prevent accidental starting. Always discharge the capacitor before working on the generator head to prevent electrical shock. (see maintenance & r...

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    Operation (cont’d) 26 ground generator make sure the generator is grounded in accordance with instruction given in "installation & initial set-up, step 6: grounding the generator" of this manual. Warning: electric shock hazard always ensure generator is properly grounded to prevent electrical shock....

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    Operation (cont’d) 27 inspect fuel system / check for leaks inspect fuel system & check for leaks before starting generator. Do not start generator until all needed repairs have been completed. Warning: fuel leak hazard lp gas (propane) and ng (natural gas) are highly explosive and fuel leaks can re...

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    Operation (cont’d) 28 3. Starting the engine after you have completed the pre-start checklist procedures, you are ready to start the engine. The following directions detail how to start the engine with either lp/ng as the fuel source: using lp/ng to start engine using lp or natural gas: warning : do...

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    Operation (cont’d) 29 note: slight variation in voltage/speed with changing electrical loads all engines have a tendency to slow down when a load is applied. When electrical loads are connected to the generator, the engine is more heavily loaded and as a result the speed drops slightly. This slight ...

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    Operation (cont’d) 30 6. Stopping stop the engine using the following steps: 1. Disconnect all loads to the generator. 2. Turn engine key switch to off position. 3. The fuel lock-off solenoid automatically stops the flow of lp or ng to the engine. 4. Remove key from starter to prevent accidental sta...

  • Page 31

    Operation (cont’d) 31 monthly exercising of the generator will: o dry out any moisture that has accumulated in the windings. If left, this moisture can cause corrosion in the winding. O ensure that the unit is operating properly should it be needed in an emergency. Perform regular maintenance perfor...

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    Maintenance & repair 32 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 33

    Maintenance & repair (cont’d) 33 inspect fuel system / check for leaks inspect the fuel system and check for leaks on a regular basis. 1) inspect the entire fuel system. Look for: signs of leaks or deterioration, chafed or spongy fuel hose, loose connections, loose or missing fuel hose clamps. 2) if...

  • Page 34: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting 34 troubleshooting problem possible causes possible remedies engine will not start. A) low oil level. B) fouled spark plug. C) no fuel supplied. D) stop switch in off position. E) battery disconnected or dead. F) inlet fuel pressure is incorrect. A) fill crankcase to proper oil level...

  • Page 35

    Summary of important safety information for operation 35 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 36

    Summary of important safety information for operation (cont’d) 36 installation / initial set-up safety dry, level surface . Situate generator on a dry, firm, level surface. Ensure generator sits level and will not slide or shift during operation. Block wheels if applicable. Operate outside only – da...

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    Summary of important safety information for operation (cont’d) 37 personal protective equipment hearing protection . The use of earplugs or other hearing protection device is recommended for those in close proximity to the generator while it is operating. Loose / dangling . Loose or dangling apparel...

  • Page 38

    Summary of important safety information for operation (cont’d) 38 electrical cords. Use only ul-listed, outdoor-rated, three prong extension cords of the proper size. All extension and appliance cords must be in good condition and not worn, bare, frayed, or otherwise damaged. Use of inadequate or da...

  • Page 39

    Generator exploded view rev - a 39.

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    Generator exploded view rev - a 40 ref # part # description qty used on 1 791096 decal, side 1 all 2 791097 decal, end 1 165956 791095 1 165955 3 790846 roll cage 1 all 4 790894 lp/ng regulator assembly kit 1 165956 790893 165955 5 790844 regulator bracket 1 all 6 32821 lanyard 1 all 7 791083 lp/ng ...

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    Generator control panel view rev - a 41 ref # part # description qty used on 1 783058 300v volt meter 1 all 2 783061 20 amp circuit breaker 4 all 3 783050 nema l14-30 receptacle 1 all 4 783053 nema 5-20 receptacle (4) duplexes all 5 783091 30 amp circuit breaker 2 all 6 783085 nema l5-30 receptacle ...

  • Page 42

    Generator head exploded view rev - a 42.

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    Generator head parts list rev - a 43 item # part # description qty used on 1 ma30991 drive end bracket 1 all 2 ma30994 protection screen 2 all 3 ma31013 phillips screw 10 all 4 ma30995 fan 1 all 5 307489 grommet 1 all 6 305605 terminal box cover w/grommet 1 all 7 n/a m5 x .8, 16mm long 2 all 8 n/a m...

  • Page 44: Limited Warranty

    Limited warranty 44 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. Like al...

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    45 this page left intentionally blank.

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