Miscellaneous / Off-topic: Generator on & off switch after it is running?

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Generator on & off switch after it is running?

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Forum Name: Miscellaneous / Off-topic
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Topic: Generator on & off switch after it is running?

Posted By: Woody.1
Subject: Generator on & off switch after it is running?
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2018 at 7:14pm

ok, just bought a generator and it as a toggle switch to flip the battery on to start it.

So do I leave the switch on or flip it off? I can’t find anything in the manual.

If I switch off while running it stays running.

It’s a westernhouse iGen 4500 if that matters.

Thanks

Replies:

Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2018 at 7:45pm

Woody, I looked at a picture of the generator and referred to the manual and I see only one switch. The one that is a push button that shows on/off. The other "T" handle on the top right appears to be the fuel shutoff. If this is the "switch" that you are talking about then it will run for a while until the gas in the lines is consumed. I believe you should be able to shut it off by pushing the on/off button or pushing stop on the remote.

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2022 RP-202
2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020)
2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed
Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020)
English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020)

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2018 at 7:47pm

Sounds a bit goofy. Ours (a Generac) has an "ignition" on/off switch. If it's off, it won't start at all. The starter will crank, but there is no spark.

Our shutdown procedure is to turn off the fuel, and let it run dry. Then I turn off the ignition. I've accidentally left it on for a day or two by accident, and it didn't seem to have any detrimental impact on the battery. I wouldn't want to try it for a month.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2018 at 7:58pm

Woody, sorry, I didn't read far enough. I see your problem now. That switch is probably there just so the battery is not drained during storage. You probably should turn it off when storing for extended periods.

-------------
2022 RP-202
2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020)
2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed
Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020)
English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020)

Posted By: Woody.1
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2018 at 9:12am

Thanks for the replies,

I guess after I start it I’ll flip the battery switch off.

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2018 at 9:25am

I would consider leaving it on in case it might affect the battery recharge. Turn it off when you shut it down.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: Woody.1
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2018 at 9:27am

Originally posted by GlueGuy

I would consider leaving it on in case it might affect the battery recharge. Turn it off when you shut it down.

Yeah that’s kind of what I was wondering if it’s in the off will it not charge the battery.

I’ll keep digging around on the web. I did send Westinghouse an email, but no response yet.

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2018 at 9:30am

Originally posted by Woody.1

Originally posted by GlueGuy

I would consider leaving it on in case it might affect the battery recharge. Turn it off when you shut it down.

Yeah that’s kind of what I was wondering if it’s in the off will it not charge the battery.

I’ll keep digging around on the web. I did send Westinghouse an email, but no response yet.

Just monitor the battery voltage while it's running with the switch on and off. If it affects the battery recharge, you should see the voltage go up by a volt or two (depending on the state of charge) depending on the switch. If the switch doesn't affect the battery voltage, you are good to go.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost