HOMELITE LR4400 (01) PDF Document

For safe operation, please follow these safety precautions for your HOMELITE LR4400 generator:

General Safety:

• If this generator is used for emergency standby service, it is necessary to install a manual transfer switch between the electric utility’s meter and the building’s distribution panel. This isolates the generator and load from the utility power line, avoiding the danger of electricity being fed back to the utility lines. The installation should be done by a licensed electrician.

• Never operate the machine in an explosive atmosphere, near combustible materials, or where ventilation is not sufficient to carry away exhaust fumes. Exhaust fumes can cause serious injury or death.

• When starting the machine, be sure that nothing is in a position to be hit by the operator’s hand or arm.

• Be sure the switch on electric power tools is in the “OFF” position before plugging them into the machine.

To Reduce the Risk of Injury:

• This generator is equipped with a grounding terminal for your protection. Always complete the ground path from the generator to an external ground source as instructed in the section labeled “Grounding the Generator”.

• Keep the immediate area free of all bystanders.

• Be sure each person who operates this machine is properly instructed in its safe operation.

• Do not operate this machine or any electrical tool in any area where water or similar materials constitute an electrical hazard. Do not operate on wet surfaces or in the rain.

• Always be sure that the machine is on secure footing so that it cannot slide or shift around, endangering workers.

• Avoid contacting the hot exhaust manifold, muffler, or cylinder. Keep clear of all rotating parts.

• Unless the tool or appliance is double insulated, ground it. Tools and appliances which have 3 prong plugs must be plugged into extension cords and electrical receptacles with 3 holes. Before operating any electrical item, be sure it is in good repair.

• Use HOMELITE genuine replacement parts. Failure to do so may cause poor fit and injury.

• Never operate the machine with any guard removed.

• Shut off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before working on any part of this machine.

• Always keep the machine and all associated equipment clean, properly serviced, and maintained.

DO NOT SMOKE!

• Observe all safety regulations for the safe handling of fuel.

• Handle fuel in safety containers.

• If the container does not have a spout, use a funnel.

• Do not refill the fuel tank while the engine is running.

• Fill the tank only on an area of bare ground. While filling the tank, keep heat, sparks, and open flame away. Carefully clean up any spilled fuel before starting the engine.

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a device that interrupts electricity if a fault to ground occurs, offering additional protection against electrical shock from defective attachments. For example, if a person in contact with the ground touches a defective tool, the GFCI would sense this and interrupt the electrical supply before serious injury occurs.

A GFCI can be used with generators that have the neutral wire internally grounded to the frame and the frame properly grounded to the earth. The HOMELITE LR4400 generator has its neutral wire ground to the frame. The GFCI may not function unless the generator is properly grounded.

NOTE: A GFCI will not protect against all electrical shock hazards. For example, if a person touches two or more conductors from a damaged cord set and is not in direct contact with the ground, the GFCI will not operate. The GFCI is an added safety precaution, not a substitute for good safety practices and proper equipment maintenance.

The wing nut and ground terminal on the frame must always be used to connect the generator to a suitable ground source. Use #8 size wire for the ground path. Connect the terminal of the ground wire between the lock washer and the wing nut, and tighten the wing nut fully. Connect the other end of the wire securely to a suitable ground source.

Examples of a good ground source include:

• A metal underground water pipe in direct contact with the earth for at least 10 feet.

• If a pipe is unavailable, an 8-foot length of pipe or rod may be used. The pipe should be 3/4 inch trade size or larger with a noncorrosive outer surface. A steel or iron rod should be at least 5/8 inch in diameter, and a nonferrous rod should be at least 1/2 inch in diameter. Drive the rod or pipe to a depth of 8 feet. If a rock bottom is encountered at less than 4 feet, bury the rod or pipe in a trench.

All electrical tools and appliances operated from this generator must be properly grounded by use of a third wire or be “Double Insulated”. It is recommended that you use electrical devices with 3-prong power cords and an extension cord with a 3-hole receptacle and 3-prong plug to ensure ground protection continuity.

Always check and adhere to all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations relating to grounding specifications.

If the HOMELITE LR4400 generator is used for standby service, it must have a transfer switch installed between the utility power service and the generator. The transfer switch prevents the utility power from feeding into the generator and also prevents the generator from feeding out into the utility company’s lines. This is crucial for protecting service personnel who may be working on a damaged line. THIS INSTALLATION SHOULD BE DONE BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN AND ALL LOCAL CODES MUST BE FOLLOWED.

CAUTION: This engine crankcase is not filled with oil at the factory, so be sure to fill it before operating the engine.

To check the oil level:

1. Ensure the engine is level.

2. Unscrew the oil fill plug to check the level.

Always use a high-quality detergent oil with an API classification of SE or SF. See the engine manual for specific recommendations on SAE viscosity grade, oil capacities, and oil change intervals.

This engine is equipped with a “Low Oil” shut-off system.

Do not mix oil with gasoline.

RECOMMENDED FUEL: Use any gasoline intended for automotive use. For normal use, purchase fuel that can be used within 30 days to ensure freshness and proper volatility. Consult engine operating instructions for the use of oxygenated fuels.

It is recommended to stabilize the fuel with an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer. Unstabilized fuel will stay fresh for only up to three months.

WHEN FILLING TANK:

1. Clean the area around the fuel cap and loosen it slowly. Rest the cap on a clean surface.

2. Carefully pour fuel into the tank, filling to approximately 1/4 inch (5mm) from the top. Avoid spillage.

3. Immediately replace the cap and hand tighten. Wipe up any fuel spillage.

DO NOT OPERATE THE ENGINE IF GASOLINE IS SPILLED. AVOID CREATING ANY IGNITION UNTIL THE GASOLINE HAS EVAPORATED.

Check engine oil before starting.

1. Turn the ignition switch to “ON” (I).

2. Turn the fuel valve counterclockwise to open (located under the fuel tank).

3. Set the choke to the “CHOKE” position. If the engine is warm, set the choke to the “RUN” position.

4. Grasp the starter grip and pull slowly until the starter engages, then pull rapidly to overcome compression and start the engine.

5. When the engine starts, gradually move the choke to the “RUN” position. Allow the engine to warm up before applying a load.

To stop the HOMELITE LR4400 generator, turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” (O) position.

NOTE: Unit ratings are established based on operation at standard conditions of 60° F and at sea level. The performance of the generator must be de-rated for temperature and altitude by 1% for every 10° F above 60° F and 3.5% for every 1000 feet above sea level. Due to the operational characteristics of the thermal type circuit breaker, the power available from the generator will decrease slightly with a corresponding increase in ambient temperature.

LOAD APPLICATION

The continuous duty rating should not be exceeded for long periods of time. Always be sure that the voltage, amperage, and frequency requirements of the equipment to be used can be satisfied by the generator. To avoid damage, the generator should not be operated at the intermittent rating for more than 10 minutes out of every hour.

CONTROL PANEL

The HOMELITE LR4400 generator is equipped with one 120 volt 15 amp, parallel slot, U-ground, NEMA 5-15R duplex receptacle and one 120/240 volt, 20 amp, twist lock receptacle, NEMA L14-20R. Simultaneous loading of the 120 and 240 volt circuits should not exceed the continuous duty rating of the generator. The circuit breaker protects against severe overloads or short circuits. If the circuit breaker trips, the cause should be determined and corrected prior to continuing use. NEVER EXCEED THE RATING OF A RECEPTACLE.

Equipment damage can result from low voltage. To prevent excessive voltage drop, the cable should be of adequate gauge for the length used. The table below gives the maximum allowable cable length for various gauges of wire which can adequately carry the loads shown.

Common electric motors can draw up to six times their running current while starting. This table helps estimate the watts required to start “CODE G” electric motors. If a motor fails to start or reach running speed, turn off the appliance or tool immediately to avoid equipment damage. Always compare the requirements of the tool or appliance with the rated output of the generator.

ENGINE:

See Engine Manual for Maintenance Procedures.

The engine is governed to operate at speeds close to 3600 RPM (60 Hz). The no-load speed is normally set to 3750 RPM.

WARNING: Do not tamper with the governor mechanism, change the setting experimentally, or push the throttle open in an attempt to generate more electrical current; equipment damage may result. Governor speed adjustment should be made only by an experienced serviceman.

GENERATOR:

• Keep all air vents clear.

• Keep clean.

• Periodically check all fasteners and tighten.

When the HOMELITE LR4400 generator is not used for a long period, it should be stored properly. Before storing, proceed as follows:

1. Drain the fuel tank completely.

2. Start the engine and allow it to run until fuel in the carburetor and fuel lines have been used.

3. Remove the spark plug and put 3 to 5 cc of oil into the spark plug hole in the cylinder head.

4. Install the spark plug and slowly pull the starter handle a few times to distribute the oil.

5. Retighten all bolts and nuts.

6. Clean the exterior surface of the generator and apply a rust inhibitor.

7. Store the generator in a dry, well-ventilated place.

If your engine will not start, follow these steps:

1. Is the engine switch ON? Ensure it is in the correct position.

2. Is there fuel in the tank? Check the fuel level.

3. Is there spark at the spark plug?

A) Remove the spark plug cap. Clean any dirt from around the plug base, then remove the spark plug.

B) Install the spark plug in the plug cap.

C) Turn the engine switch on.

D) Grounding the electrode to any engine ground, pull the recoil starter to see if sparks jump across the gap.

E) If there is no spark, replace the plug.

F) With the new plug installed, repeat step “D” above.

G) If okay, reinstall the plug and start the engine according to instructions. If not, consult a Servicing Dealer.

H) If the engine still does not start, take it to a Servicing Dealer.

4. Is there adequate oil in the engine crankcase? This engine is equipped with a low oil shut-off system. If oil levels are inadequate, the OIL-GARD® light will flash while the starter rope is pulled.

If the generator has no electrical output, please check the following:

1. Reset the circuit breakers.

2. Check your cord sets and extension cords for damage.

3. Consult a Servicing Dealer.