Congratulations, you are the proud new owner of a Generac generator. Now that you have a reliable source of backup power, you may be wondering, “How do I turn my Generac generator on and off?” While it may seem like a simple question, turning on and off a Generac system does require a few steps that may not be clear to new owners.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to shut down your generator the right way, how to power it back on, and what to do when things don’t go quite as planned. Whether you’re prepping for a storm or doing a little maintenance, these steps will help you handle your generator with confidence.
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How to Shut Down Your Generac Generator
Shutting off your Generac generator isn’t complicated, but doing it properly can help protect the system and avoid unwanted repairs. Whether your utility power has returned or you’re just performing some upkeep, here’s how to shut it down the right way.
Turning Off Your Generator
Here’s a step-by-step guide to turning off your Generac generator safely:
- Go to the generator’s control panel. You’ll usually find this mounted on the side of the unit.
- Set the toggle switch or keypad to “OFF.”
- Wait for the engine to fully shut down. Give it a few seconds to power off.
- Turn off the main utility disconnect if you’re doing any electrical maintenance (this is usually near the transfer switch).
- Don’t use the emergency stop button unless it’s a true emergency. It cuts power abruptly and isn’t ideal for regular shutdowns.
Doing this properly helps keep your system in sync and prevents it from restarting when it shouldn’t.
Powering Your Generator Back On
When it’s time to get your generator ready again, follow these steps to power it back on and set it to automatic mode:
- Flip the main utility disconnect back on if you turned it off earlier.
- Switch the generator from “OFF” to “AUTO.”
- Let the unit enter standby mode. This tells the system to wait and activate automatically when the power goes out.
- Check the indicator light. Green is good; yellow or red means we’ll need to look into something.
- Test the system (Optional). You can temporarily shut off utility power to ensure your generator takes over like it should.
After that last step, your system should be back in business and ready to keep your home up and running when the next storm rolls through.
Generac Generator Troubleshooting Tips
Even if you follow every shutdown and startup step perfectly, there are times when your generator might throw you a curveball. The good news? Most common issues are easy to spot and fix, with a little guidance.
Here are some quick solutions to the most frequent Generac standby generator issues.
Generator Has a Red or Yellow Light and is Not Operating
If your generator shows a red or yellow light and isn’t turning on, here’s what that usually means:
- Red light = Something’s wrong. The generator won’t operate until it’s addressed.
- Yellow light = Not urgent, but it’s asking for attention, often a routine reminder.
In this situation, you can start by checking the control panel for any error codes. Then, review your generator’s maintenance history; it might be due for an oil change, filter replacement, or battery check.
If you’re still not sure what the issue is, don’t ignore the warning lights. It’s best to schedule professional generator maintenance to get everything back on track.
Generator is Running, but It Is Not Providing Power to Your Home
So your generator’s humming along—but your lights and appliances aren’t responding? That usually points to a problem with power transfer.
Here’s what to check:
- Breakers: Look at your home’s main electrical panel for any tripped breakers.
- Control Panel Mode: Make sure your generator is set to “AUTO” and not “OFF” or “MANUAL.”
- Transfer Switch: If it isn’t engaging, it may require a professional inspection.
This can be especially frustrating during an outage, but our team handles Generac standby generator repair services across South Florida to get you powered up again quickly.
Generator is Operating and Supplying Power With a Yellow Light
If your generator is working as expected but the indicator light is yellow, don’t worry—it’s not an emergency.
A yellow light typically indicates one of two things. First, you have a maintenance task due soon for your system. The other means that the generator needs a check-up, which can include swapping out a filter, changing the oil, or inspecting the battery’s condition.
If you’re not sure how to reset the light or perform routine upkeep, just schedule a visit for generator maintenance from a trusted electrician for guidance.
Generator is Running and Providing Power for 24 Hours or Longer
Generac generators are built to go the distance—but if your unit has been running for a full day (or longer), it’s smart to check in on it.
Here’s how to keep your generator in good shape during extended use: Check the oil level every 24 hours of continuous operation, and stay alert for unusual sounds, strange smells, or signs of overheating. If conditions allow, give the unit a short break to cool down and inspect it before letting it run again.
If extended outages are a regular occurrence where you live, it might be time to talk about generator installation options that are better suited for long-haul backup.
Generator is Running After the Utility Power is Restored
If your generator keeps running even though your power is back, the system might need a little help resetting.
Here’s a quick fix:
- Set the generator to OFF and wait for 30 seconds.
- Switch it back to AUTO and listen for it to transfer control back to your utility provider.
Knowing how to turn off the generator when power comes back on can save you a service call. But if this reset doesn’t do the trick, it could mean the transfer switch isn’t communicating properly. That’s when it’s time to call for a professional generator repair.
Generac Generator Installation, Replacement, and Repair Services
When it comes to backup power, having a trusted local team makes all the difference. At Reliable Power Systems, we provide full-service support for homeowners who rely on Generac generators throughout South Florida.
Whether you’re installing a Generac generator for the first time, replacing an older unit, or troubleshooting performance issues, our licensed technicians handle it all—from load assessments and permitting to repairs and full system replacements.
We work with residential and commercial generators, offering expert installations and repairs, including critical components like transfer switches, batteries, and control panels.
Don’t leave your backup power to chance. Whether you need help learning how to turn off a Generac generator or you’re ready for a replacement, Reliable Power Systems is here to help. Give us a call or schedule your consultation online to get expert help you can count on—before the next storm hits.
