Finding your generator's emissions data

Environment

This article applies to all Generac residential generators that use a combustion engine.

What is emissions data?

The EPA requires that combustion engines undergo specific testing to determine the amount of emissions given off. Data include measurement of pollutants released into the atmosphere during the engine's operation, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. It is essential for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, optimizing engine performance, and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, emissions data helps with maintenance, sustainability reporting, and risk management. This data is made available on the EPA site.

What kind of emissions data exists?

An EPA report for a generator engine typically provides the following types of data:

• Engine Specifications:

  • Engine make, model, and serial number
  • Engine power output (kW or HP)
  • Engine type (e.g., diesel, natural gas, etc.)
  • Engine configuration (e.g., 2-stroke or 4-stroke)

• Emissions Data:

  • Levels of carbon monoxide (CO)
  • Levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx)
  • Levels of particulate matter (PM)
  • Levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2)
  • Levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC)
  • Levels of carbon dioxide (CO2)

• Fuel Data:

  • Type of fuel used (e.g., diesel, natural gas)
  • Fuel consumption rates
  • Emissions factors based on fuel type

• Compliance Information:

  • Compliance with EPA emission standards (e.g., Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4)
  • Certification of compliance or non-compliance

• Operating Hours and Maintenance:

  • Total hours of operation
  • Maintenance schedules and performance history

• Test Results:

  • Data from emissions testing (e.g., in-use testing or certification testing)
  • Results of transient or steady-state emission tests

• Performance Data:

  • Efficiency of the engine (fuel-to-power conversion)
  • Load factors during testing or operation

• Environmental Impact Assessment:

  • Estimations of the engine’s total emissions over a specific period
  • Emissions per unit of electricity generated (e.g., g/kWh)

Who needs emissions data for Generac generators?

Emissions data may be requested to confirm that a generator meets local emissions code requirements. This information may be requested by an installer, homeowner, or insurance company.

Where can I find emissions data?

The EPAs official site

See this page on the EPA site to find annual certification data for generator engines.

EPA Certificate of Conformity documents

Contact Generac customer support if you need an EPA certification document: How Do I Contact Generac Customer Support?

Product document lookup tool on Generac.com

Use the Product Lookup tool on Generac.com to find:

• Emissions warranty statements
• User manuals listing emissions information
• Spec sheets listing emissions data

EPA certification labels on generators

Generators will have emissions data labels on them. The location of this label may vary. Refer to the above instructions or this article to lookup a generator's user manual for more detailed information.

See also

• Why Do Some Portable Generator Model Names End in "49ST", "CARB", "50ST", and "CSA"?
• What Should I Know About Clearance Requirements When Installing My Generator?