Changing the fuel source

To allow for installation flexibility and support a variety of needs, most of our home standby generators can have the fuel type converted in the field: How Do I Perform a Fuel Conversion on My Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator?

While we understand the importance of having flexibility, we do not recommend converting a home standby generator's fuel source on an as-needed basis. 

 

Why can't I switch back and forth between natural gas and liquid propane?

• Natural gas and liquid propane configurations require different pipe sizes and fuel pressures.
• External fuel lines need to be sized according to the distance between the generator and the fuel source (whether a propane tank or natural gas from utility) and account for how many elbows and Ts are present in the fuel line.
• Fuel pipe sizing is also determined by BTUs, which are calculated differently for NG vs LP.
• When a generator's fuel type is converted, a Generac authorized service dealer or licensed plumber is required to purge the pipes, perform a leak test, and verify the connected fuel source is adequate and safe for generator operation and ensure adherence to all local and national codes.
  
  

For these reasons, it is not practical, safe, or recommended to switch back and forth between natural gas and liquid propane depending on the immediate situation.
For additional questions or support on fuel line conversion or sizing, we recommend contacting a Generac authorized service dealer, your gas provider, or a licensed plumber.