Home Generator Quick Start Guide 

To ensure it’s running properly, you may occasionally hear your generator “exercise." This process involves the generator automatically starting up for a short period of time on a preset frequency (Briggs & Stratton offers options for 16 seconds, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 20 minutes exercise times for weekly, monthly, or when indicated). This is a self-diagnostic process that ensures the generator can start up and run properly when needed.

As spring and fall begin, you might notice that your generator has an extra long exercise. Some Briggs & Stratton home generators are set to run for 45 minutes every April 1 and September 1 for burn off. These long exercise modes allow the generator to burn off any water that may have accumulated in the engine crankcase throughout the year. This burn off helps your generator run more smoothly and lets your dealer know that your unit is working properly. These long exercise cycles act as a good maintenance routine and are good for your generator's overall health. 

We have made sure that this longer run time is still giving you the most efficient generator. We have set your generator to run initially for 6 seconds at a normal speed and then drop the engine speed to a lower speed for the remainder of the exercise cycle. Running at a lower engine speed is more efficient, resulting in a quieter operation.

When it comes to home backup power, the question of power management can be complicated. Simply put, is it possible to overload a home generator?

The short answer is yes. Whether your generator is an older unit or is being pushed far beyond its running wattage, overloading your generator can not only cause it to fail, but also potentially damage your home’s appliances.

Common warning signs of an overloading generator are usually overheating (or excessive heat & fan noise coming from the generator itself), dark or soot-filled exhaust, or a reduction (or inconsistency) in your home’s backup power. Our FAQ article on Rough Running Troubleshooting is a good reference point to determine whether or not overloading could be the cause of these issues.

If you own a home generator, it is important to understand its power capabilities. For example, a 20kW unit might be able to provide whole-home power, while a 10kW in many scenarios may only provide enough power for select appliances. Additionally, knowing whether or not your generator is equipped with Amplify™ or Symphony II Power Management systems is also important, as these products can prioritize the power in your home to prevent overheating. Talk to your dealer or service provider if you are unsure of these specifics related to your generator.