Home standby generator power transfer issues: Troubleshooting the automatic transfer switch
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.
This article addresses common scenarios in which operational issues occur when power is transferred to or from a utility during an outage or when utility power is present. Scenarios are presented with troubleshooting overviews and resources to address each scenario.
Environment
This article applies to home standby generators with 100 and 200 Amp single-phase automatic transfer switches.
Identification
Automatic transfer switches are ONLY used with home standby generators.
Note: The example is only for identification purposes; automatic transfer switch may vary in appearance or configuration.
Troubleshooting scenarios
To jump to a relevant section, click the below link that best describes your scenario:
Transfer to generator power does not occur during an outage
Power does not transfer back to utility when utility power returns
The generator starts, and a power transfer to the generator occurs with utility power present
Blown fuses and wiring issues
Automatic transfer switch operation - how does it work?
Home standby systems with an automatic transfer switch (ATS) should automatically transfer power to the generator when an outage is detected. The ATS requires two things to transfer power automatically:
- Voltage available from the generator, and
- Voltage on the transfer circuit (194/23 wires)
Note: Generac does NOT recommend untrained end users attempt to modify or service internal generator wiring. Generac independent authorized service dealers are trained to service Generac generators and can be contacted using the dealer lookup tool on Generac.com: How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?
Utility Failure - automatic sequence of operation
Note: Percentages and delay times listed below are factory default values. These can be adjusted by an IASD and may not reflect configuration of your system.
1. If the generator is set to AUTO when utility power fails (below 65% of nominal), a five-second line interrupt delay time is started.
2. The engine will crank and start (if utility power is unavailable when the timer expires).
3. Once the engine is started, an engine warm-up timer will be initiated. The timer duration will depend on whether Cold Smart Start has been enabled.
4. The controller will transfer the load to the generator when the warm-up time expires.
5. If utility power is restored (above 80% nominal) at any time from the initiation of engine start until the generator is ready to accept load (warm-up time has not elapsed), the controller completes the start cycle and runs the generator through its normal cool-down cycle.
6. During this cool-down, the load will remain on the utility source.
Can the start-up delay time be adjusted?
Yes. A Generac independent authorized service dealer (IASD) can adjust the start-up delay time. This may be done for various reasons, but it is most common in areas with frequent brownouts: Can the Startup Delay Time for a Home Standby Generator Be Adjusted?
Transfer handle position
Single Phase Automatic Transfer Switches
Note: The example is only for identification purposes; actual items may vary in appearance or configuration.
Manual transfer operation
A manual transfer of an automatic transfer switch can be performed in urgent outage scenarios, or to test the equipment. For more information, see the following article: How do I manually operate an automatic transfer switch?
Scenarios
In this scenario, utility power is out, the generator is running, but the transfer switch does not move to standby generator power.
If power transfer to the generator does not occur, check the following:
1. Confirm that the generator's Main Line Circuit Breaker (MLCB) is in the ON position. If it is in the OFF position when the generator is in AUTO mode, the generator will start, but the ATS will not transfer power because it needs generator power to move to the standby position.
2. In some scenarios, manually operating the transfer switch can provide power the home, although it does not resolve the underlying issue, and should only be performed after consulting with and understanding the generator's user manual: How do I manually operate an automatic transfer switch?
3. To resolve the underlying issue with power transfer, confirm the 194 and 23 control wire connections were made: What is the layout of the control wires and what do they do?
Note: Generac does NOT recommend untrained end users attempt to modify or service internal generator wiring. Generac independent authorized service dealers are trained to service Generac generators and can be contacted using the dealer lookup tool on Generac.com: How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?
- The 23 wire is the signal ground side of the transfer circuit and is controlled by the generator control panel. This wire is grounded when a generator automatically starts after a power loss.
- The 194 wire provides 12 VDC to the ATS and is always powered.
In this scenario, the generator starts when utility power is lost, and the ATS successfully moves to the standby position. However, when utility power returns, the generator shuts down, but the ATS fails to return to the utility position, leaving the home without power.
If power transfer back to utility does not occur, check the following:
1. Confirm utility power is in fact present.
2. In some scenarios, manually operating the transfer switch can provide power to the home, although it does not resolve the underlying issue, and should only be performed after consulting with and understanding the generator's user manual: How do I manually operate an automatic transfer switch?
3. To resolve the underlying issue with power transfer, confirm the 194 and 23 control wire connections were made: What is the layout of the control wires and what do they do?
Note: Generac does NOT recommend untrained end users attempt to modify or service internal generator wiring. Generac independent authorized service dealers are trained to service Generac generators and can be contacted using the dealer lookup tool on Generac.com: How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?
- The 23 wire is the signal ground side of the transfer circuit and is controlled by the generator control panel. This wire is grounded when a generator automatically starts after a power loss.
- The 194 wire provides 12 VDC to the ATS and is always powered.
Note: Generators can also start in "brown out" situations where the utility voltage drops too low to safely power the house. This can cause the generator to start when it appears that utility power is still present. If brown outs happen regularly in your area, a brown out kit can be purchased to manage this: What Is a Brown out Kit and How Does It Work?
If your generator is running and you have confirmed that utility power is present in your home, follow these troubleshooting steps:
1. The generator may be exercising. Guardian series home standby generators with Evo 1 or Evo 2 controllers do not power the home (transfer loads) during an exercise. See What Is a Generator Exercise? for more information
2. Check the generator's control panel for error codes or alarms: Where can I find a list of error codes for my generator?
- If there is an error code, turn the generator MLCB to OFF. Allow it to cool down for 5 minutes with no load applied.
- Clear the error code by pressing OFF, then ENTER. Then, press MANUAL.
- If the error code returns, follow the recommended troubleshooting to resolve it. Some error codes require attention from a service dealer: What Error Codes Do I Need to Call a Dealer For?
3. Verify the utility service disconnect is ON or CLOSED.
- The utility service disconnect is the breaker immediately after the utility meter. This may be in the home's main panel, automatic transfer switch, or a stand-alone box.
- If you have confirmed that utility power is present, and the transfer switch is in the utility position, it is safe to turn the generator OFF at the control panel.
- If you have confirmed that utility power is present, and the transfer switch is in the standby source or generator position, follow this process to safely shut down the generator: How Do I Shut Down My Generator When It’s Powering My House (During an Outage)?
- For next steps, we recommend reaching out to a Generac authorized service dealer.
The automatic transfer switch has three fuses, each of which protects a corresponding connection wire, providing a pathway for the generator and the transfer switch to communicate. If a fuse is blown, or if a wire is not properly installed, the communication pathway will be disrupted. This prevents communication between the generator and transfer switch, resulting in operational issues.
Warning: The automatic transfer switch contains live wires and is dangerous. If you suspect a blown fuse or wiring issue, consult a Generac Authorized Service Dealer for help: How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?
Next steps
Once the immediate problem has been resolved, check the generator control panel or Mobile Link for errors, which may help determine the root cause of the issue: What Error Codes Do I Need to Call a Dealer For?
To resolve the underlying issue with power transfer, we recommend scheduling service with a Generac IASD.
