Troubleshooting intermittent or difficult-to-replicate alarms
Diagnosing the issue can be challenging when a home standby generator only intermittently triggers an alarm, fault, or error code. Follow these steps to help identify potential root causes and improve communication with your service dealer for quicker diagnosis and resolution.
Environment
This article applies to all home standby generators with intermittent alarms, faults, or error codes.
Step-by-step guide
1. Initial steps for alarm troubleshooting
- Check the control panel: Identify the alarm code.
- Consult the owner's manual: Review relevant troubleshooting steps outlined for the specific alarm code.
- Clear alarm: Attempt to clear the alarm and manually restart the unit.
If the same alarm reappears, Contact a Generac authorized service dealer.
2. Handling intermittent or irregular alarms
Generators rely on fuel, which is maintained within a specific gas pressure range for proper function. Weather conditions and seasonal changes can affect fuel pressure, causing fluctuations due to extreme temperatures that could potentially disrupt the unit's performance. External factors like low fuel levels (LP Tanks) or simultaneous use of other appliances can also reduce the gas supply pressure, leading to potential faults.
When an alarm appears inconsistently, consider the following factors that may help identify the cause.
Timing of the issue: Does the alarm appear around specific times or patterns? For example, does it occur during routine exercises or only in certain seasons (e.g., winter or summer)?
Weather conditions: Do the alarms tend to show up during extreme temperatures, such as cold spells or heat waves?
External factors: Check if other appliances are turned on simultaneously or if fuel levels are low when the alarm occurs. These could be contributing factors.
By tracking these conditions, you may be able to identify a pattern or external trigger that can assist in diagnosing the issue.
3. Documenting and reporting the issue:
A log of alarm occurrences is available on the generator's control panel and in the Mobile Link app. Documenting the time and conditions surrounding an issue can provide valuable insights when discussing it with a technician, making it easier to pinpoint the root cause and expedite the resolution.
Additional Resources
Where can I find a list of error codes for my generator?
How Do I Clear an Error or Alarm Code On My Home Standby Generator?
Where can I find a user manual or other documentation for my home standby generator?
How do I check the alarm log on my generators control panel?
How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?
