Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns. 

Setting the start-up delay

When utility power is interrupted, there is a brief pause before the standby generator starts and begins supplying power. This pause is called the start-up delay. By default, the start-up delay is set to five seconds. The delay helps prevent the generator from running during very short outages or voltage dips that resolve on their own. This reduces unnecessary wear on the generator, avoids repeated start-up cycles, and helps ensure smoother operation when true power outages occur.

Environment

This article applies to:

• Generac Next Generation Series 10-28 kW air-cooled standby generators
• Generac Guardian Series 10-26 kW air-cooled generators (2017 to present)
• Generac liquid-cooled generators with a Power Zone 410 controller
  • Note: The Power Zone 410 is also featured on industrial generators, however this article is not applicable to Generac Industrial products (often 3 phase). For support with your industrial generator, please reach out to Generac's Industrial Support team.

Transfer delay vs. start-up delay

These two delays serve different purposes:

• Start-up delay: The waiting period before the generator engine starts after a utility outage is detected.

  • This setting is dealer programmable and can be adjusted by a certified technician.

  • The adjustable range is 2 to 1,500 seconds (2 seconds up to 25 minutes).​

• Transfer delay: The time it takes for the automatic transfer switch (ATS) to shift the electrical load from the utility to the generator after the generator has started and stabilized.

  • This delay is built into the ATS and cannot be changed.

Adjusting the start-up delay: Next Generation & Guardian series generators

For Guardian Series generators with an Evolution control panel and Next Generation Series generators with a Power Zone 200 control panel, a Generac certified technician can adjust the start-up delay to any time between 2 to 1,500 seconds (2 seconds up to 25 minutes).​

Note: For assistance, please contact your authorized service dealer: How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area? 

Adjusting the start-up delay: Liquid cooled generators with a Power Zone 410 controller

Note: the start-up delay time should only be configured by a Generac certified technician

When utility voltage fails (falls below 60% of nominal), the startup delay timer is started. If voltage rises above the utility voltage low threshold, the timer is reset. If utility voltage remains below the threshold during the duration of the timer, the unit cranks and starts. The factory default setting is five seconds but is adjustable from 2 to 1,500 seconds. 

1. At the control panel, use the arrows to toggle to the settings screen (select the gear icons)
2. Toggle to Start up delay. Press enter.
3. Use the up and down arrows to set the start up delay. Press enter.