During any major power outage, your generator is put to the test potentially running for multiple days in a row. But what do you need to do before, during, and after a major storm? Here are our most commonly asked questions!
Check to see if your generator is auto mode. You can check this by lifting the lid and looking at the controller of the generator.
Also, check to see if the auxiliary switch on the back of your generator was flipped by accident.
- If your generator is smaller than 14kW
- If your generator is larger than a 14kW, you will have two auxiliary switches
What color of light is your generator? If it’s red, your generator might not allow itself to run to prevent further issues. To learn about the different kind of indicator lights on your generator check out Generac’s walk through.
There are a few things you can do to help prepare:
- Clear the surrounding area around the generator to ensure proper ventilation. Generac recommends at least 3ft on each side.
- Request an inspection on your generator if your generator has a red light.
- Perform maintenance on your generator if you have a yellow light on your generator.
The process of performing a Hard Reset on a Generac Home Standby Generator removes all power from the generator’s control panel. Performing a hard reset may help resolve temporary control panel errors and issues.
A hard reset may resolve these symptoms:
- A controller with a blank display
- An unresponsive controller
- A Controller Displaying A “Not Activated” message
- An alarm that does not clear
- A controller displaying unintelligible characters or symbols
- “Model Ident Problem – Fix Harness Resistor” messages
Other error codes indicate that an issue is present that must be resolved before the error code will clear.
Extended outages require a home standby generator to run continuously for long stretches. This constant usage means that the generator will quickly reach maintenance periods, which are usually based on engine run hours. It is recommended that you schedule a preventative check up appointment with us or a full maintenance appointment to look over your generator.
Washington Generators offers remote monitoring services of your generator starting at $70 per year. If you travel frequently, it is highly recommended that you enroll in this program. To learn more, check out Generac’s Mobile Link.
Home standby generators are designed to run continuously during power outages and their extensive natural gas or propane fuel supply allow them to run for longer periods than portable generators, but ultimately the maintenance reschedule outlined in the owner’s manual should be followed. This includes required shutdown and inspection every 24 hours.
Air-cooled generators that are between 8-26 kW and were made from 2013 up to now, come with regular 5W-30 conventional oil. This also includes the 7.5 kW PowerPact model. This oil should be used for the generator’s break-in period.
When it comes to air-cooled generators, except for the 7.5 kW PowerPact, make sure to do the first oil change at 25 hours of use. Switch to the 5W-20 GEO synthetic oil at this point. The 7.5 kW PowerPact should have its initial oil change after 20 hours of use.
For liquid-cooled generators, the exact break-in time varies, so check the owner’s manual.
In summary, following the break-in period for both air-cooled and liquid-cooled generators smaller than 150 kW, we suggest using Generac’s 5W-20 GEO synthetic oil, no matter the temperature.
Do not use synthetic oil before the break-in period for any unit.
The unit is operating as it should.
Home standby generators are designed to run continuously during power outages and their extensive natural gas or propane fuel supply allow them to run for longer periods than portable generators, but ultimately the maintenance reschedule outlined in the owner’s manual should be followed. This includes required shutdown and inspection every 24 hours. The inspection should include the following:
- A 10 minute cool off period before you inspect the unit
- Check the oil levels
- Add oil as needed