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. 

Pre-storm home standby generator preparation: ensuring your backup power is ready

This article outlines the critical steps to prepare your generator before a storm. It covers checking for error codes and how to address them if they are present, when to contact a Generac Service Dealer, and final pre-storm checks. 
 

Environment

This article applies in general to both air-cooled and liquid-cooled home standby generators. 

 

Pre-storm generator check 

Just like checking your car before a road trip, ensuring your generator is ready before a storm is crucial. You might not need it, but you'll be prepared if you do.  

 

1. Check the Mobile Link App (if applicable) or generator controller for error codes.

• Error codes are displayed on the generator's control panel and will be indicated by the exterior LED status light.  
• If the generator has an error code present, the LED indicator will be yellow or red: What Do the Green, Yellow, and Red Status Indicator Lights Mean on Home Standby Generators?

2. Reference the error code on your generator's controller and consult the owner's manual:

• Where can I find a user manual or other documentation for my home standby generator?  

3. Troubleshoot: Address any issues you're comfortable with. 

• What Error Codes Do I Need to Call a Dealer For?

4. Clear the Error Code: After troubleshooting, clear the error code at the controller. 

• How Do I Clear an Error or Alarm Code On My Home Standby Generator?

5. Start manually: Try starting the generator in manual mode.  

• If it starts: The issue might have been temporary. Monitor for any further problems.  
• If the Error Persists: Proceed to the next step. 

Review status history 

1. Check the status history to see if the error has occurred before. This will help determine if it's a recurring issue. 
2. Consider calling a service technician. If the error code is continues to occur, or if you're unsure how to resolve it, contact a Generac Service Dealer.  

Final pre-storm checks 

• Oil levels - Check and refill as needed. 
  • How Do I Check the Oil Level in My Home Standby Generator?
• Air filter condition: Clean or replace if dirty. 
  • How Do I Check and Change the Air Filter On My Home Standby Generator?
• Battery health: Check battery health in mobile link or at the controller. 
• Battery connections: Inspect battery terminals and connections. 
  • How Do I Inspect the Battery On My Home Standby Generator?

Additional pre-storm considerations

Spare Supplies: Additional oil, oil filters, air filters, and spark plugs are on hand for extended use.  
Maintenance Schedule: Keep a copy of your maintenance schedule and know when the next maintenance is due. 

• Where Can I Find the Maintenance Schedule for My Generac Home Standby Generator?
• Running your generator for extended periods during a major outage

Keys and tools: Ensure you have the keys to unlock the generator and know the location of the manual transfer rod.  

IASD (Generac Dealer) Contact Info: Have contact information for local service dealers and which ones have weekend/ emergency hours.  

• How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?

Contingency Plan: If you're away from home during an extended outage, arrange for a friend or family member who can turn off the generator according to maintenance requirements. It is typical for home standby generators to run for long periods of time, however, home standby generators should never run continuously in excess of 24 hours.