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)

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.

Note: To reduce repetitive transfers back and forth between utility and generator power during brownouts, a brownout kit can be installed: What Is a Brownout Kit and How Does It Work?

How can I adjust the start-up delay?

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?