Read the manual thoroughly and understand all instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, contact Generac Customer Support at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or visit www.generac.com with any questions or concerns.

Home standby generators and snowstorm preparedness

When expecting a snowstorm or dealing with snow accumulation around your home standby generator, it is important to take proactive steps to ensure safe and reliable operation. This article provides guidance for managing your home standby generator during snowy conditions.

Issue

Accumulating snow may affect the generator’s operation or cause damage by restricting airflow to the exhaust system and other ventilation openings.

Environment

This article applies to:

• Generac Next Generation Series 10–28 kW air-cooled standby generators
• Generac Guardian Series 10–26 kW air-cooled generators (2017 to present)

Contents

• Preparation before a snowstorm
• What to do during snow accumulation
• Generator issues and error codes during snowstorms or extreme cold
• Generator control settings for cold weather
• Generator accessories for cold weather
• What to know about batteries and extreme cold

Before the snowstorm

During times when snowfall is expected:

• Ensure that snow and/or ice is cleared off of, and away from, the enclosure.
• There should be no snow piles or large accumulations of snow within three feet of the generator to ensure proper airflow if the generator is needed in an outage. See Clearing the surrounding area of debris and snow for home standby generators.
• If necessary, due to local codes or in areas with high precipitation, the generator may be installed on a structure to elevate the generator. The base for the generator must be level and meet all spatial recommendations in the owner’s manual, and comply with local and national codes.
• If prevailing winds will cause blowing or drifting, consider using a windbreak at a safe distance to help protect the generator.
• If you will be away and know that snow storms are possible, ask a trusted neighbor or family member to keep an eye on the generator. Alternatively, the generator can be turned to the OFF position, and the 7.5 amp fuse removed.
• If the generator will be turned to the OFF position for more than 90 days, remove the generator from service by following the remove from service procedures outlined in the owner’s manual.

Enclosures: Generac’s generators are not designed or intended to be placed in a secondary enclosure. Generac’s home standby generators include an all-weather housing with venting designed and tested to provide proper airflow and exhaust for the engine in open air.

See also

• Clearing the surrounding area of debris and snow for home standby generators

• Can I put my home standby generator in a secondary enclosure?

• What does it mean when my generator displays an error code: Underspeed, code 1600?

During snow accumulation

Airflow maintenance: Regularly check and clear the intake and exhaust areas of the generator to prevent ice buildup. Ice can restrict airflow and cause operational issues.

Air filter management: In conditions where blowing snow can fill the airbox with ice and snow, keep the air filter area clean. Although not a defect, such conditions can affect performance. Remove the air filter, clean out the airbox, and allow the filter to dry indoors. Consider installing a breather heater and an oil filter heater in colder areas to mitigate these issues.

Spare supplies: Keep additional supplies on hand, such as 2–3 air filters (store extras in a Ziploc bag), oil, and oil filters, especially for extended run times. Check the oil every 24 hours for home standby generators.

Ice removal: In case of ice storms, many operational issues can be resolved by removing ice from the generator’s intakes and exhaust. Ensure the air filter is not frozen and keep it clean and dry.

• For more information on how extreme cold weather affects home standby generator fuel systems and precautions to take, see How does cold weather impact home standby fuel systems?

Generator issues and error codes during snowstorms or extreme cold

During snowstorms or extreme cold, equipment performance can be affected by weather-related issues. Key areas of concern include:

Airflow restrictions

Snow buildup around the air intake or frozen moisture in the air filter can block airflow, causing starting or running issues and may trigger the following:

• Error code 1400–1401 – High temperature
• Error code 1100–1101 – Overcrank
• Error code 1600–1603 – Underspeed

Battery performance

Extreme cold reduces battery efficiency, which can lead to starting problems and may trigger the following:

• Error code 2750 – Low battery
• Error code 1100–1101 – Overcrank
• Error code 1500–1521 – RPM sensor loss

Gas supply concerns

For liquid propane (LP) systems, levels below 35% in extreme cold can disrupt proper fuel delivery and may trigger the following:

• Error code 1100–1101 – Overcrank
• Error code 1600–1603 – Underspeed
• Error code 1900–1916 – Undervoltage
• How does cold weather impact home standby fuel systems?

Are there specific generator settings that help in extreme cold?

• Yes. Home standby generators 10–28 kW have a Cold Smart Start setting that allows for a longer warm-up time before load is applied.
• What is Cold Smart Start?

Does Generac offer accessories that help in extreme cold?

• Yes. Generac offers Cold Weather and Extreme Cold Weather kits.
• These may include a battery warmer, an oil warmer, and/or a breather (intake) warmer.
• Learn more: Do Generac home standby generators have cold weather accessories or Cold Weather Kits?
• Purchase and installation: contact your local Generac Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD).

What should I know about batteries and the cold?

• An older battery may not have the power to start the engine when temperatures fall below freezing.
• As temperature drops, the chemical reactions within a battery slow down, reducing the current it can deliver.
• A battery near the end of its life or one that has seen above-average use might not have enough energy to start the engine in cold weather.
• A fully charged battery will typically display a voltmeter reading of about 12.6 to 12.8 volts. If your voltmeter shows anywhere between 12.4 and 12.8 volts, your battery is in good shape. See How can I test if my home standby battery is still good (multimeter test)?
• For areas where temperatures regularly fall below 32 °F, a battery warmer is recommended.
  • If using an AGM-style battery, a battery warmer is not required.

State of charge	Voltage
100%	12.7–13.2
75%	12.4
50%	12.2
25%	12.0
Discharged	0–11.9