Page 2 - CONTENTS
2 SECTION PAGE Safety Information ....................................................................... 3 Product Identification .................................................................. 6 General Information .................................................................... 7 Specifica...
Page 3 - WARNINGS; Carbon monoxide poisoning may lead to death!; WARNING
3 SAFETY INFORMATION WARNINGS IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s manual and the engine owner’smanual carefully. Become familiar with this generator before trying tooperate or service it. Know its uses, limitations, and any hazardsinvolved. Improper use of generator can cause severe injury or deathfrom exp...
Page 6 - PRODUCT
6 FUEL F FUEL F FULL POWER SELECTOR 120 ONLY 120 240V RESET TEST RESET 120 VOLTS 120/240 VOLTS RESET RESET ControlPanel Gas Cap/Fuel Gage PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION CircuitBreaker 120/240 VoltReceptacle Roll Cage 120 VoltReceptacle(GFCI) Full PowerSelectorSwitch 120 VoltReceptacle Run Lamp Provision for...
Page 7 - Additional Features; • Circuit breaker protection; SPECIFICATIONS; MODEL; UNPACKING
7 GENERAL INFORMATION Master portable generators are rugged and compact. These models provide depend-able, trouble-free service. The alternators are brushless with revolving fields. Hondagasoline engines provide long life under heavy use. Honda engines have overheadvalves (OHV). This provides high p...
Page 8 - VENTILATION; DANGER; SNOW; ture rise above 60
8 VENTILATION DANGER Use only in well-vented areas. Make sure area hasplenty of free-moving, fresh, outside air. Never rungenerator in an enclosed or confined area. Never rungenerator inside occupied building. Engine exhaustcontains poisonous carbon monoxide gas.Overexposure will cause loss of consc...
Page 9 - Figure 3 - Full Power Selector Switch; GENERATOR; OIL ALERT SYSTEM; Figure 2 - Engine Switch Location; FULL POWER SELECTOR SWITCH
9 IMPORTANT: Do not move the full power selector switch while powering electrical items. Unplug all items before moving switch. Failure to do so candamage switch. Model MGH7000 does not have this switch. This model providesfull power to all receptacles. 120/240 VOLT Position 120 VOLT ONLY Position F...
Page 10 - GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER RECEPTACLE; Infants and very small children may still be affected.; Test Procedure; back in. The test lamp should work at this time.; Figure 5 - Engine Circuit Breaker; ENGINE CIRCUIT BREAKER (Model MGH7000 Only); Figure 4 - GFCI Receptacle
10 GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER RECEPTACLE All models have a 120-volt ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. TheGFCI receptacle is on the control panel or top cover of alternator (modelMGH3000 only). The GFCI protects you against hazardous electrical shockcaused when your body becom...
Page 11 - RECEPTACLE CIRCUIT BREAKER; Figure 6 - Receptacle Circuit Breaker Button; ENGINE OIL; CHECKING OIL LEVEL AND ADDING OIL; of filler neck. Oil should cover most of dipstick.; Figure 7 - Checking Oil Level
11 RECEPTACLE CIRCUIT BREAKER The circuit breakers protect the receptacles and alternator. Overloading generatorwill trip circuit breaker. A short circuit in item being powered will also tripbreaker. If this occurs, unplug electrical load from receptacle. Let circuit breakercool down. Push circuit b...
Page 12 - See engine owner’s manual for more information.; BATTERY
12 FUEL Continued WARNING Battery gives off explosive gases. Keep sparks,flames, and cigarettes away. Do not remove or installbattery cables when engine is cranking or running.Only service or use battery in a well-vented area. WARNING Battery contains sulfuric acid. Contact with skin oreyes may caus...
Page 13 - CAUTION; Make sure battery connections are the correct polarity. Electric; INSTALLING BATTERY CABLES TO ENGINE
13 CAUTION If you remove battery, insulate the red, positive (+)battery cable terminal. Insulate with electrical tape.Exposed terminal may spark when generator runs. IMPORTANT: Make sure battery connections are the correct polarity. Electric start generators use negative ground, 12-volt DC starting ...
Page 14 - MOUNTING BATTERY TO GENERATOR; Figure 11 - Connecting Positive and Negative Cables to Battery
14 MOUNTING BATTERY TO GENERATOR 1. Secure battery to generator by battery hold-down system. This system consists of the battery mounting bracket, hook bolts, and nut (see Figure 10). 2. Locate the red, positive (+) battery cable from starter solenoid. Connect it to the positive (+) battery terminal...
Page 16 - Recommended Minimum Wire; Ampere; This generator will not power your entire home. Most home utility
16 EXTENSION CORDS Only use grounded extension cords. Be sure to use extension cord with proper wiregauge size. See chart below. Recommended Minimum Wire Gauges (AWG) for Extension Cords Ampere AWG for Length of Cord in Feet Load 50' 100' 150' 2 18 18 18 3 18 18 18 4 16 16 16 5 16 16 16 6 16 16 14 8...
Page 17 - Some motors require nearly the; DETERMINING; Chart 2
17 other. For standby service to home or building, only include items you mustpower. 2. Enter running watts of each item except motors. The light bulb or appliance nameplate lists its wattage. Remember, 1KW = 1000 watts. Note: The name- plate may not list wattage. It may only list volts and amps. Th...
Page 18 - OPERATION; Figure 13 - Receptacle Locations; Model MGH3000 has only the 120V, 15-amp GFCI duplex receptacle.; GENERAL INFORMATION; for questions concerning engine operation.; USING RECEPTACLE; receptacle circuit breaker.
18 120 VOLTS 120/240 VOLTS FULL POWER SELECTOR 120 ONLY 120 240V RESET RESET TEST RESET RESET OPERATION Figure 13 - Receptacle Locations 120V, 30-AmpTwist-Lock 120V, 15-Amp GFCI Duplex Model MGH3000 has only the 120V, 15-amp GFCI duplex receptacle. 120/240V, 20 or30-Amp Twist-Lock GENERAL INFORMATIO...
Page 19 - POWER CORD AND PLUG REQUIREMENTS; Ground; Neutral; Amp; Figure 14 - Cord and Plug Configurations
19 POWER CORD AND PLUG REQUIREMENTS 120V, 30-amp twist-lock receptacle • NEMA L5-30P plug• Three-wire, 30-amp cord 120/240V, 20 or 30-amp twist-lock receptacle • NEMA L14-20P (20-amp) or L14-30P (30-amp) plug• Four-wire, 20-amp or 30-amp cord W (Neutral) X (Hot) Ground (Green) 120 Volt 30 Amp G W X ...
Page 20 - PRESTART; STARTING; The engine speed is preset. The throttle is locked in preset posi-; Figure 15 - Fuel Valve Lever On, Choke Lever Closed
20 PRESTART Operate generator on a firm, dry, and clean surface. The surface must be level.Protect generator from heavy dust, sand, dirt, rain, or snow. Do not locate genera-tor near standing water and snow. Make sure area is well-vented. WARNING Only responsible adults should use generator. Neverle...
Page 21 - Figure 16 - Engine Switch In ON Position (All Models Except MGH7000); Do not let starter grip snap back against engine. Return it gently.
21 HONDA OFF ON START ENGINE SW CIRCUIT BREAKER ON/push OFF OPERATION Continued Figure 16 - Engine Switch In ON Position (All Models Except MGH7000) Continued Figure 17 - Engine Switch (Model MGH7000 Only) 4. Start the engine. A. Recoil Starter Turn engine switch to the ON position (see Figures 16 a...
Page 22 - Figure 18 - Choke Lever Opened; HIGH ALTITUDE OPERATION; Do not overload generator. Make sure total wattage of all electri-; DISCONNECTING ELECTRIC LOADS
22 Choke Lever(Open Position) Figure 18 - Choke Lever Opened OPERATION Continued HIGH ALTITUDE OPERATION This generator will not perform well at high altitudes without proper adjustment.See engine owner’s manual for details. ADDING ELECTRICAL LOADS IMPORTANT: Do not overload generator. Make sure tot...
Page 23 - STOPPING ENGINE; Figure 19 - Engine Switch In OFF Position
23 STOPPING ENGINE IMPORTANT: The engine speed is preset. The throttle is locked in preset posi- tion. Do not adjust throttle. Follow the steps below to stop engine. 1. Remove all electrical loads from generator (see Disconnecting Electrical Loads, page 22). Remove electrical loads one at a time. 2....
Page 24 - Shut off generator before performing maintenance.; STORAGE
24 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS WARNING Only a qualified electrical service person shouldservice and repair the alternator on this generator.Use only factory approved replacement parts. CAUTION The engine speed is preset. The throttle is locked inpreset position. Do not adjust throttle. Presetposition le...
Page 25 - SHOOTING; REMEDY; ELECTRICAL
25 TROUBLE- SHOOTING Note: See engine owner’s manual for engine troubleshooting. WARNING Only a qualified electrical service person shouldservice and repair generator. Use only factoryapproved replacement parts. POSSIBLECAUSE 1. Defective capacitor 2. Winding short circuit or loose connections 3. De...
Page 26 - Figure 21 - Wiring Diagram, Model MGH3000
26 WIRING DIAGRAMS Figure 22 - Wiring Diagram, Models MGH4000A, MGH5000A, and MGH6000 Circuit Breaker 20A, 25A or 30A 120/240V 20A Receptacle Circuit Breaker 20A, 25A or 30A T4 Full Pwr Selector Switch 120V, 15A Receptacle T2 120V, 30A Receptacle White White Green Black Red Red Black Black Red Black...
Page 27 - Figure 23 - Wiring Diagram, Model MGH7000; PARTS
27 WIRING DIAGRAMS Continued 120/240V 30A Receptacle T4 120V, 15A Receptacle Circuit Breaker 20A Green Black Black Black Red Black T3 White Green Red T1 T2 White Circuit Breaker 30A Circuit Breaker 30A Black Red Yellow Green/Yellow Stator 110/120V T1 T2 T3 T4 L2 L1 110/120V 220/240V T2 Green Red Bla...
Page 28 - Honda; Parts Under Warranty
28 TECHNICAL SERVICE You may have further questions about installation, operation, or troubleshooting.If so, contact DESA International’s Technical Service Department at 1-800-323-5190. SERVICING THE ENGINE Honda parts and services should be handled by your nearest authorized engineservice firm. Che...
Page 29 - Alternator Assembly
29 This list contains replaceable parts used in your generator. When ordering parts,follow the instructions listed under REPLACEMENT PARTS on page 28 of thismanual. ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST For Model MGH3000 Alternator Assembly † Includes fastening hardware.* Part not available by itself. Must purchas...
Page 30 - For Models; KEY
30 This list contains replaceable parts used in your generator. When ordering parts,follow the instructions listed under REPLACEMENT PARTS on page 28 of thismanual. 1 6 2 10 13 3 9 8 4 7 5 11 26 12 16 17 18 14 19 20 15 21 22 9 23 25 24 ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST For Models MGH4000A,MGH5000A, MGH6000, an...
Page 35 - NOTES
Page 36 - KEEP THIS WARRANTY; WARRANTY INFORMATION; TWO-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
KEEP THIS WARRANTY WARRANTY INFORMATION TWO-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY GASOLINE PORTABLE GENERATORS DESA International warrants each alternator, generator, or electric product of its manufacture, to be free from defectsin material and workmanship for two years from the date of first purchase from an auth...