FAQs

An automatic backup generator is a backup electrical system that operates whether you are home or away. Within seconds of an outage, it automatically supplies power directly to your home's electrical circuit breaker box. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and waits for the next outage. It operates on natural gas or liquid propane gas and sits outside like a central air conditioning unit.

During a utility power outage, an automatic backup generator provides numerous advantages over a portable generator:

• The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators as a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.

• Installing an automatic backup generator outside your home protects from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much higher risk with portable generators.

• They start automatically within seconds of a power outage and eliminate the need to haul a portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout the home.

• They provide protection 24/7, whether you are home or away, and they turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.

All generators require periodic maintenance, such as oil and filter changes to ensure maximum performance for years of reliable service. Scheduled maintenance kits are available. We recommend you have your unit serviced every six months by an authorized independent service dealer. Refer to the owner's manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules.

Generators come equipped with overload protection. In the rare event of an overload, the generator's circuit breaker will trip, disconnecting the unit from the load.

An SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines, like your car. In general, when the temperature is over 40 degrees F, the most recommended oil is a 30-weight detergent product. When the temperature drops below 40 degrees F, you should use 10W-30.

The engines! Air-cooled generators come with engines that use fans to force air across the engine for cooling, while liquid-cooled generators use enclosed radiator systems for cooling, like an automobile. Generally, liquid-cooled engines power larger kW generators due to the larger engines required for higher power output.

Unlike other engines used in backup power generation, Generac G-Force engines are made specifically for generators and engineered to run for the long periods required during a severe power outage or on a job site. G-Force® engines utilize the same type of pressurized oil lubrication used to give automobile engines long and trouble-free lives.

Aluminum enclosures are naturally rust and corrosion-resistant. For salt air or high humidity conditions, aluminum ensures decades of worry-free service.

No. Generator fuel costs would be much more expensive than buying power from the utility company. 

It is a maintenance reminder light. You can reset the light by pressing the Enter key on the control panel. Service reminders include items like inspect the battery, change oil and filter, change the air filter, inspect spark plugs, and change spark plugs.

No. We engineer backup generators to run on one fuel source. They are factory set to run on natural gas; however, at the time of installation, your generator can be reconfigured to run on liquid propane. 

At a minimum, a 250-gallon tank is necessary for automatic standby units.