Generac Home Generator FAQS

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Since 1959, Generac is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of power generation equipment, particularly standby generators and portable generators for a wide range of backup power solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

An automatic backup generator is a back up 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 just like a central air conditioning unit 

The very best way to understand your options and work within your budget is to contact us here at Adonis Professional Services of Naples, FL and schedule an assessment.  During your consultation, you will receive the personalized attention and detailed evaluation you need to find a solution that works for your need.  However with some basic information you can determine an estimated size by using Generac's Generator Sizing Calculator.

The 3 primary options for sizing your home generator are:

Essential Circuit Coverage: Generac's Guardian Series generator systems come prepackaged with a transfer switch containing a set number of circuits based on the generator's power rating. Each circuit is directly connected to a matched circuit on the home's main panel, providing power to specific appliances or areas.

Managed Whole House Coverage: Pairing a smaller generator with Generac's load shedding options allows for more coverage with less generator. Non-essential circuits are temporarily turned off when the generator nears capacity, ensuring essential circuits always have power. Circuits are cycled back on as needed, providing power to different circuits at different times.

Complete Whole House Coverage: For full coverage, choose one of Generac's larger kW units and the appropriate transfer switch. This setup ensures every circuit in your home is covered, with no appliances left without power at any time

IMPORTANT – To avoid equipment damage, follow these steps, in order, during utility outages.  Shutdowns may be required during utility outages to perform routine maintenance or to conserve fuel. 

To turn the generator OFF:

1. Set the main utility disconnect to OFF (OPEN)
2. Set the generator MLCB (generator disconnect) to OFF (OPEN).
3. Allow the generator to run for a cool-down period of approximately one minute.
4. At the controller, set the generator to OFF.
5. Remove the 7.5A fuse from the controller.

To turn the generator back ON:

1. Install 7.5A fuse in controller.
2. Confirm the generator MLCB (generator disconnect) is OFF (OPEN).
3. At the controller, set the generator to AUTO mode.
4. Generator will start and run.  Allow generator to run and warm up for a few minutes.
5. Set the MLCB (generator disconnect) to ON (CLOSED).
6. Set the main utility disconnect to ON (CLOSED).

The system now operates in automatic mode.

After you go through these steps, the control panel may go through the programming.  All of your settings should be held there so you’ll have to just hit enter through it (or you can make any adjustments that you need) and get the unit to the main screen (“Switched to off, hours of protection” or “system” is flashing.) Additionally, you will need to reconnect your WIFI if your router is not backed up by the gen.   

It is very important to remove the load from the generator prior to shutting down. 

When running the unit during a long term outage, it is vital that you shut the unit down every 24 hours to do a visual inspection of the unit and add any fluids it might need.  

The transfer switch is an essential part of the home backup system. Its primary function is to prevent your home from being powered by utility and generator power at the same time. If utility power is lost, the generator control panel senses the loss and tells the transfer switch to close off the connection with utility and complete the connection with the generator so it can begin providing power to the home. 

 This can vary by the type of transfer switch and depends on the number of circuits you would like covered. In a partial home application, the transfer switch is installed similarly to a subpanel, and the circuits that are covered by the generator are moved either into a circuited transfer switch, or are installed in a subpanel that is protected by a non-circuited transfer switch. In a whole home application, the transfer switch is installed between the incoming utility power source and the home’s distribution panel. 

 Each application is different, as homes and businesses have varying power needs. Providing the correct size generator and transfer switch is important to ensuring proper coverage, and offering the generators and transfer switches separately allows you to get exactly the size you need, helping to keep cost down. A Generac Authorized Dealer can help you size the right generator and transfer switch for your needs.

The very best way to understand your options and work within your budget is to contact us here at Adonis Professional Services of Naples, FL for an in home assessment.