Read the owner's manual thoroughly to 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.
Shutting the generator down during an outage
When a generator is running during a long-term outage, it is vital to shut it down after every 24 hours of consecutive run time. This allows the generator to cool down, and provides owners an opportunity to do a brief visual inspection of the unit, perform required maintenance, and add oil if necessary.
Environment
Generac home standby generators:This article applies generally to Generac home standby generators, although the video shows the Guardian-series with Evolution controllers. To see this procedure for portable generators, see How should I safely shutdown and power up my portable generator?
Outage scenario: This article applies to situations where the home has switched over to home standby power during a utility outage.
Shut down procedure
IMPORTANT – To avoid equipment damage, carefully follow these steps in order during utility outages. Immediate shutdown while a generator is running under load can cause damage to engine components.
Video Instructions
This video shows the Guardian-series generator, but these steps apply generally to Generac home standby generators.
Written Instructions
IMPORTANT – To avoid equipment damage, carefully follow these steps in order for generators that are running during utility outages. Immediate shutdown while a generator is running under load can cause damage to engine components.
I. Shut down the generator
1. Open the generator's lid and set the main line circuit breaker to OFF.
2. Set the utility main line circuit breaker (or service disconnect) to off.
Note:the location and appearance of the utility service disconnect will depend on the home's electrical system:
1. If the home has a service entrance rated automatic transfer switch, the utility service disconnect will be found there. (see fig. 1 below)
2. If the home has a non-service entrance rated automatic transfer switch, the utility service disconnect will be found on the home's electrical panel (fig 2) or a stand-alone box (see fig. 3 below- image may not be an exact representation of your home's standalone box).
Figure 1: Service entrance rated automatic transfer switch
Figure 2: A home's electrical panel
Figure 3: Standalone box
3. Allow the generator to run and cool down for five minutes with no load applied.
4. Press the OFF button on the controller to turn off the generator.
Off button location on Evolution controllers
Off button location on Power Zone 200 controllers
5. Allow the generator to cool for another five minutes before working on it.
6. Remove the 7.5-amp fuse to prevent the battery from draining.
7.5-amp fuse location on Evolution controllers
7.5-amp fuse on Power Zone 200 controllers
7. Your generator is now completely off. Any required maintenance can be done at this time (continue below).
