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.
Operation and maintenance
When your generator runs continuously for 24 hours, shutting it down for at least 30 minutes is essential. This downtime allows the unit to rest, oil levels to be checked, and a visual inspection to be conducted. Performing these steps proactively can help catch any potential issues early and maintain the longevity and reliability of your generator.
Environment
This article is intended for 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:
- When you need to shut down your generator while it is under load (powering your home) or return it to service under load, a specific procedure must be followed to prevent any damage or hazards. Detailed instructions can be found in the following Knowledge Article: How Do I Shut Down My Generator When It’s Powering My House (During an Outage)?
- Note: After removing loads from the running generator, it is very important that you continue to run 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 operation maintenance protocols. In some situations, outages may last several days, and to ensure continued operation and reliability throughout the entirety of the outage, regular checks on the unit every 24 hours are essential. Detailed instructions can be found in the following Knowledge Article: Continuous use maintenance for home standby generators
Oil maintenance
Proper oil maintenance is the most critical maintenance task. During continuous operation, oil levels should be checked every 24 hours and topped off as necessary.
In addition to checking the oil levels, normal maintenance schedule must be maintained.
Where Can I Find the Maintenance Schedule for My Generac Home Standby Generator?
- For common questions about oil usage, maintenance, and types, check out our Oil FAQ
For detailed step-by-step guides on how to check and replenish oil, see the following Knowledge Articles:
