Load Shed Before Return to Utility FAQ

Environment

This article is applicable to Field Pro and Next Generation Home Standby generators (Power Zone 200 controller models) only when installed with load management devices.

Q- What is the Load Shed Before Return to Utility Feature?

A – The Load Shed Before Return to Utility feature is used to produce an active load shed event when the residence is being supplied home backup power and utility power has returned. The Generac home backup generator controller will intentionally and momentarily reduce the frequency prior to the return to utility automatic transfer process begins. This reduction in frequency will activate any Generac Energy Management devices to enter a load shed event as the home transitions back to utility power thereby pausing operation of the managed home system(s) or device(s).

Q – How long will the Generac Energy Management Devices pause the operation of the managed system or devices?

A – The exact duration of the pause depends on the quantity of Generac Energy Management Devices present at the given residence. The average load shed event delay lasts roughly 5 minutes before resuming normal operation. When multiple Generac Energy Managers are installed, there is often a staggered sequential delay between each device of an additional 15-30 seconds. Thus, some devices or systems may be paused a bit longer to account for this staggered return to power sequence when multiple Energy Managers are present.

Q – How is the Load Shed Before Return to Utility Feature enabled?

A – This feature is accessible within the Field Pro application for installers in the “Configurations” page of the Generator Details dashboard. Simply toggle the Load Shed Before Return to Utility setting to “On” to enable the feature.

Note: the “Configurations” menu appears after you’ve completed the commissioning flow of the generator.

Q – When Should the Load Shed Before Return to Utility Feature be enabled?

A – It is a best practice to leverage this feature to prevent certain undesirable conditions for sensitive home devices or systems that are being managed and an immediate return to power on the transition to utility power is not needed. An example use case may be leveraging this feature to ensure protection of air conditioning equipment.