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. 

Can I use a liquid propane tank from a grill as a fuel source for my home standby generator?

Generac home standby generators are powered by various fuel types depending on the model, including Pipeline Natural Gas (NG), Liquid Propane Vapor (LP), or Diesel. Certain models are also capable of being converted between fuel types. For details, see Can a Generator Be Converted for a Different Fuel Type? Periodically, owners or installers consider connecting their generator to a small liquid propane bottle, like those used for gas grills. Some users want to do this to avoid the cost of a larger stationary tank or to test-start the generator.

Environment

Air-cooled & liquid-cooled home standby generators: This article applies to Generac air-cooled or liquid-cooled home standby generators. 

Only qualified service personnel may install, operate, and maintain this equipment.

Can I use a liquid propane tank from a grill as a fuel source for my home standby generator?

LP bottles, such as 20 lb. grill tanks, SHOULD NOT be used to run a home standby generator. A minimum tank size of 250 gallons is required. The 250-gallon tank size accounts for fuel pressure needs and hourly fuel consumption. 

• Improper Fuel Supply: Generac generators are designed to operate with specific fuel sources and flow rates. A tank that's too small might not deliver sufficient propane vapor to meet the generator's needs, leading to performance issues and potential damage.
• Vaporization Rate: Propane needs to vaporize to be used by the generator. A small tank has a smaller surface area for vaporization, which can limit the amount of gas available, especially in cold temperatures.
• Warranty Note: The warranty specifically excludes coverage for damage caused by factors outside of normal operation or manufacturer defects, such as the use of improper fuel or installations that don't meet specifications. Damage resulting from an insufficient fuel supply would likely fall under these exclusions and not be covered by the warranty.

See also:

• What Is the Minimum Size of Propane Tank that Can Be Used with a Home Standby Generator?
• How long will my home standby generator run?
• What Types of Things Can Void the Home Standby Warranty?
• How Do I Determine the Fuel Line Sizing for My Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator?
  
• How Much Fuel Does My Home Standby Generator Use?
• How Do I Determine the Proper Fuel Pressure for My Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator?