Back Up Generator Operations

If the power has been off for a while, especially if sundown is approaching, go ahead and set up the generator. Do your best to conserve fuel as it can be in short supply on GTC.

Note: The generator will provide power for the water pump (sinks, toilet, shower), fridge/freezer, wall outlets, lights, and air conditioner. It will NOT run the hot water heater, cooktop, or dryer. Don’t flip those breaker switches or try to use those appliances.

Note: Low power situations - Sometimes the power will brown out. This drop can ruin appliances and equipment in minutes. Check the plug-in voltage meter located between sliders if you If you see the lights dimming and wavering. If voltage is low, the meter light will be red. Turn off the main breaker immediately to protect the appliances and unplug your devices. Call the Caretaker who will help you decide when the power has stabilized. In the meantime, use the generator if needed.

Setting Up the Generator:

Follow these steps EXACTLY as listed! Call Taylor if you need help.

  1. In the shop, locate the circuit breaker panel on your right as you enter. Turn off all breakers with special attention to the upper “shore power” and lower “generator” breakers. 

  2. Locate the thick yellow power cable inside the shop above the generator.

  3. Move the Honda generator to the small deck outside the shop, towards the Sea of Abaco. It has folding handles that can be used to roll it and by pushing up and down on the handles you can “walk” it out of the shop and onto the deck up against the house. DO NOT FALL OFF THE DECK! BABY STEPS!

  4. Check the fuel level and use the red fuel container to fill if low. Do not overfill.

  5. Plug one end of the power cable into the generator and the other end into the electrical power plug on the outside wall of the house near where you rolled the generator.

  6. On the generator’s control panel:

  • Check to ensure that the 120/240 rocker switch is set on 120 volts.

  •  Make sure the Eco Throttle switch is in the OFF position.

  • Turn the orange MAIN switch to the ON position.

  • Press and release the ENGINE START button. If the engine fails to start, wait at least 10 seconds before trying again.

7. Return to the circuit breaker panel and flip the lower right breaker to “generator” NEVER FLIP THE UPPER RIGHT “SHORE POWER” SWITCH WHEN THE GENERATOR IS PLUGGED INTO THE HOUSE.

8. Toggle on the circuits you need one at a time with a pause as equipment starts up. Start-up loads are higher than running, so staggering reduces the load on the generator and prevents browning. Make sure your devices are not plugged into wall sockets before you flip that breaker.

Note: The generator will provide power for the water pump, fridge/freezer, outlets, and air conditioner. It will NOT run the hot water heater, dryer, or the cooktop.

Shutting Down the Generator

  1. Turn off all circuit breaker switches on the electrical panel with special attention to the upper right shore power and lower right generator switches.

  2. On the generator’s control panel, turn the ignition switch to “Off”.

  3. If normal electrical power has been restored (or you hope it has been restored) - follow the steps below

    1. Detach the power cable from both the generator and from the electrical power plug.

    2. With all the circuit breaker switches on the electrical panel off, flip the upper right shore power switch on.

    3. To test for power being restored, turn on a single breaker switch (like fridge) and see if its lights come on.

    4. If power is restored, turn on each circuit breaker switch on the electrical panel, one at a time.

    5. Check the voltage indicator plugged in between the sliders to make sure you are close to 120v. (light will be green)

Refueling the Generator

•      Always shut down the generator before adding gasoline to the fuel tank by turning the ignition switch to “Off”.

•      Let the engine cool down for 10 minutes before refueling. Take care to avoid spilling fuel on the engine while refueling.

•      A full tank will run the generator for about 8 hours. The tank holds just a smidgin over 5 gallons and will be full before the fuel gauge reaches the “full” mark. Take it slow.

•      Use clean, fresh gasoline, only.

•      DO NOT OVERFILL ! Turn off the generator to conserve fuel. You will be super happy you did if the power stays off for an extended period.