Homelite HG1800 User Manual - Page 7

major generator features  Subaru OHC engine  Receptacles on endbell  Battery charger  1.3 gallon fuel tank  Spark arrester  Brushless generator The battery charger on this generator is referred to as an unregulated taper charger - the most widely used in the market today. The amount of current flowing will depend on the charging voltage and battery's state of charge. As the battery becomes more fully charged, the output current to the battery decreases and nearly becomes constant. Taper chargers are intended to be used with the provision that they will be disconnected from the battery after a maximum time on charge. Normally a period of 30 to 120 minutes is sufficient to recharge a weak battery. The charge level of the battery should be checked periodically. control panel A . 120 V, 15 Ampere Duplex Receptacle 15 amps of current may be drawn from each half of the receptacle. However, total power drawn must be kept within nameplate ratings. B. Circuit Breaker The receptacles are protected by an AC circuit breaker. If the generator is overloaded or an external short circuit occurs, the circuit breaker will trip. If this occurs, disconnect all electrical loads and try to determine the cause of the problem before attempting to use the generator again. If overloading causes the circuit breaker to trip, reduce the load. NOTE: Continuous tripping of the circuit breaker may cause damage to generator or equipment. The circuit breaker may be reset by pushing the button of the breaker. C. Engine Switch caution: This battery charging system is intended to recharge weak batteries, not to "boost start" vehicles. Do not overcharge battery or leave battery unattended. Note: When the battery charger circuit is in use, the AC capacity is reduced by 180 watts. Make sure the combined load is within the rated limits. Before charging a storage battery, check the electrolyte fluid level in all the cells. Add distilled water to each cell, if necessary, to bring the level back up to the manufacturer's required level. warning: Storage batteries give off EXPLOSIVE hydrogen gas while charging. Do not allow smoking, open flames,sparks, or spark producing equipment in the area while charging. Use cables approved for battery charging. Connect a red clip to the positive terminal of the battery. Connect a black clip to the negative terminal of the battery. Connect the other end of the cable to the DC accessory receptacle on the generator panel. After the battery is fully charged, remove the battery charging cable from the generator and then disconnect from the battery posts. warning: Battery electrolyte fluid is comprised of sulfuric acid that can be very dangerous and cause severe burns. Do not allow this fluid to contact eyes, skin, clothing, etc. If contact or spillage does occur, flush the area with water immediately. RECEPTACLE PANEL RECOIL PANEL D. Battery Charger NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE WITH GEL PACK, SEALED OR SMALL (MOTORCYCLE) BATTERIES. This generator contains an additional circuit used for battery charging purposes. A DC accessory receptacle is provided on the control panel. A battery charging cable equipped with a matching plug for this receptacle has been supplied with the unit. Line up metal prongs on plug with arrows on receptacle to secure. warning: Do not continue to charge a battery that becomes hot or is fully charged. DC CIRCUIT BREAKER: The maximum current available from the battery charger circuit is 15 amps. An automatic DC circuit breaker has been provided to protect the circuit from overloads and assure that the battery gets recharged. If an overload occurs, the circuit breaker will trip. After it cools, it will automatically reset itself. The battery's maximum rate of charge will eventually reduce to less than 15 amps and then to zero as the battery approaches a 100 percent state of charge.