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.
Portable generator not producing power
A portable generator may not start if appliances are plugged in when starting the generator. Allow the generator to warm up and ensure the choke is in the RUN (or OPEN) position with no load applied. Once up and running, a generator can be tested using a known working appliance. Also, check the generator's breakers to see if any have been tripped and to reset them. Also, check the status of the GFCI receptacles and reset if needed.
Environment
This issue and the following troubleshooting steps apply to all Generac portable generators.
Cause
This is a general issue that may occur for a variety of reasons, including having the generator start under load (with appliances plugged in), running the generator while the circuits are tripped, attempting to power faulty appliances, and using a faulty power cable.
Troubleshooting
This troubleshooting will check the most common causes for a portable generator that does not produce power. If these steps do not resolve the issue, owners should reach out to a local authorized service dealer. See the How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area? article for more information.
1. Do not start the generator under load. Make sure everything is unplugged from the generator before starting it.
- If the engine was started cold, wait for the engine to start up, then put the choke in the RUN (or OPEN) position.
2. Use a working appliance to test output.
- Plug a known-working appliance directly into the generator outlet (do not use an extension cord).
3. Check the generator's breakers. If any breakers are tripped, reset them.
- For push button breakers, the button will pop out when tripped. Push them in to reset them.
- For switch-style breakers, make sure they are fully engaged in the ON position (when the switch is flipped up).
- For GFCI breakers, push the small reset button on the GFCI duplex outlet (see image below).
THD
Some portable generator models do not produce a "clean" enough signal for sensitive electronics. To learn more about THD and to determine if a generator is safe for sensitive electronics, reference the What Is Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)? article.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, owners should reach out to a local authorized service dealer. See the How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area? article for more information.
