Since 1959, Generac has been designing and manufacturing backup power generators for residential, commercial and industrial applications. We have grown to be the world’s largest provider of residential backup generators, selling five times as many generators as all of our competitors combined. Generac’s broad product line is available through the industry’s largest network of independent generator dealers, retailers and wholesalers.
HOME BACKUP FAQS
An automatic backup generator is a back up electrical system that operates whether you are home or away. Within seconds of an outage, it automatically supplies power directly to your home’s electrical circuit breaker box. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and waits for the next outage. It operates on natural gas or liquid propane gas and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit.
IMPORTANT – To avoid equipment damage, follow these steps, in order, during utility outages. Shutdowns may be required during utility outages to perform routine maintenance or to conserve fuel.
To turn the generator OFF:
- Set the main utility disconnect to OFF (OPEN)
- Set the generator MLCB (generator disconnect) to OFF (OPEN).
- Allow the generator to run for a cool-down period of approximately one minute.
- At the controller, set the generator to OFF.
- Remove the 7.5A fuse from the controller.
To turn the generator back ON:
- Install 7.5A fuse in controller.
- Confirm the generator MLCB (generator disconnect) is OFF (OPEN).
- At the controller, set the generator to AUTO mode.
- Generator will start and run. Allow generator to run and warm up for a few minutes.
- Set the MLCB (generator disconnect) to ON (CLOSED).
- Set the main utility disconnect to ON (CLOSED).
The system now operates in automatic mode.
After you go through these steps, the control panel may go through the programming. All of your settings should be held there so you’ll have to just hit enter through it (or you can make any adjustments that you need) and get the unit to the main screen (“Switched to off, hours of protection” or “system” is flashing.) Additionally, you will need to reconnect your WIFI if your router is not backed up by the gen.
It is very important to remove the load from the generator prior to shutting down.
When running the unit during a long term outage, it is vital that you shut the unit down every 24 hours to do a visual inspection of the unit and add any fluids it might need.
During a utility power outage, an automatic backup generator provides numerous advantages over a portable generator:
- The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators as a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.
- With an automatic backup generator properly installed outside, your home is protected from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much greater risk with portable generators.
- Running on the home’s natural gas or LP fuel supply, it is less expensive to run than gasoline and sources such as natural gas do not need to be refilled.
- They start automatically within seconds of a power outage, and eliminate the need to haul a portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout your home.
- They provide protection 24/7, whether you’re home or away, and they turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.
The most logical way to determine your needs is to envision your home without power. Some outages may be short in duration, while others could last for days or weeks. What would your family miss during an outage?
The very best way to understand your options and work within your budget is to schedule a free in-home assessment. During your consultation, you will receive the personalized attention and detailed evaluation you need to find a solution that works for your need.
With the broadest product line available, essential circuit coverage starts with the economically priced Generac PowerPact™ Series. Other systems are available to cover virtually any application:
Essential Circuit Coverage – Generac takes the guesswork out of sizing by offering prepackaged Guardian Series generator systems. The generator is paired with a transfer switch containing a predetermined number of circuits based on the generator’s kW power rating. Each circuit is directly connected to a matched circuit on the home’s main circuit breaker panel, providing electricity to that specific appliance or area of the home.
Managed Whole House Coverage – You can get more coverage with less generator, up to whole house coverage, by pairing a smaller generator with one of Generac’s load shedding options. This creates a managed power solution where non-essential circuits are shed when the generator approaches maximum capacity. They are cycled back on when essential circuits no longer require power, so all circuits receive power at different times.
Complete Whole House Coverage – Easily cover every circuit in your home by pairing one of Generac’s larger kW units and the proper transfer switch to provide full coverage. No circuit is ever left uncovered, so every appliance is available every minute.
All generators require periodic maintenance, such as oil and filter changes to ensure maximum performance for years of reliable service. Scheduled maintenance kits are available and many Generac authorized dealers offer annual maintenance contracts for a worry-free ownership experience. We recommend you have your unit serviced every 6 months by an authorized independent service dealer. Refer to the owner’s manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules.
Generac generators are equipped with overload protection. In the rare event of an overload, the generator’s circuit breaker will trip, disconnecting the unit from the load. Simply correct the overload and reset the breaker in the generator. For more information, please consult your owner’s manual or contact us.
An SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines, similar to your car. In general, when the temperature is over 40 degrees F, the most recommended oil is a 30-weight detergent product. When the temperature drops below 40 degrees F, you should use 10W-30. Refer to your owner’s manual for details. To find your owner’s manual online, visit our Product Support page and enter your serial number or model number.