Can the pickup and dropout voltage for a standby generator be adjusted?

Standby generator systems monitor utility voltage and use two voltage thresholds, called dropout and pickup, to decide when to switch power.

What do “dropout,” “pickup,” and “power transfer” mean?

• Dropout voltage: Utility power is too low, so the system starts the generator and switches the home to generator power.
• Pickup voltage: Utility power has returned to an acceptable level, so the system can switch the home back to utility power.
• Power transfer: The automatic transfer switch (ATS) changes the home's power source from utility power to generator power, or back again.

Can these settings be adjusted?

Yes. On supported systems, a Generac independent authorized service dealer can adjust the pickup and dropout voltage. These are not settings homeowners can change.

To find a dealer, use the dealer locator.

Can power transfer be prevented for brown outs and power flashes?

Brown outs are brief drops in utility voltage (not a full outage). Power flashes are very short outages that quickly return.

• Next Generation Series generators: include built-in brownout protection to help reduce unwanted switching when utility power is unstable.
• Startup delay: In some cases, a dealer can adjust the startup delay, so the generator does not start for very short outages. Learn more: Can the Startup Delay Time for a Home Standby Generator Be Adjusted.
• Brownout kits (Discontinued): Guardian Series and older systems used this add-on. Learn more: What Is a Brown-out Kit and How Does It Work.