Read the manual thoroughly and understand all instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or visit www.generac.com with any questions or concerns.
Running your generator for extended periods during a major outage
When your generator runs continuously for 24 hours, it is essential to shut it down for at least 30 minutes. This downtime allows the unit to rest, oil levels to be checked, and a visual inspection to be performed. Completing these steps proactively can help identify potential issues early and maintain the longevity and reliability of your generator.
Environment
This article applies to home standby generators that have been or will be running continuously during an extended power outage.
Key procedures
Safely shutting down and restarting while under load
Note: After removing loads from the running generator, it is very important to continue running the generator without loads for a minimum of 5 minutes, then allow the generator to cool for an additional 5 minutes. Immediate shutdown after running under load can cause damage to engine components.
Continuous use maintenance checks
- It is crucial to follow continuous use maintenance protocols. In some cases, outages may last several days. To help ensure continued operation and reliability throughout the outage, check the generator every 24 hours.
- Detailed instructions can be found in the following article: Continuous use maintenance for home standby generators
Additional considerations
In addition to maintaining your generator during an extended outage, owners should also take the following steps to be prepared:
