How to Troubleshoot an Emergency Generator

Troubleshooting Portable Generator Problems
https://www.gentechusa.com/troubleshooting-portable-generator-problems/

Generators are complex machines that can break down for any number of reasons. Prior to scheduling portable generator repair in Arizona, it is advisable to troubleshoot potential causes that are preventing reliable power generation. ---CONTINUED---

Troubleshooting most common generator problems
https://constructionreviewonline.com/2020/06/troubleshooting-most-common-generator-problems/

Generators are very important in case of extended power outages. However just like any other machine, generators can malfunction and fail to serve their purpose. In that case, troubleshooting generator problems is quite important to ensure your generator operates in tip top shape.

The following are a few common problems that may cause your generator to malfunction: ---CONTINUED---

I found a new way a generator can get in trouble - sudden cold snaps.

My standby generator had a red error light on it when I got home yesterday after work on the coldest day in 3 years. After some quick internet searches I found that the alarm message meant the generator couldn't get up to speed when starting for the weekly self-test.

Long story short, I just had to manually start the generator and let it run for 20 minutes to clear out the problem.

Basically, just letting the generator adjust to the new temperatures was enough to allow it to start, but the only way to clear the error was to manually start it and give it a full 15+ minutes to clean things out. I will be showing my wife how to manually start the unit once things warm back up so she knows what to do if we lose power and the generator refuses to start.