Home Generator FAQs

Yes. KOHLER home generators are used to provide backup power to mobile homes across the country.

No, KOHLER home generators are permanently installed outside of your residence, we do not recommend them for apartments that you do not own. Our generators may be installed in townhomes if there is ample space to install it and your community allows it. We recommend first consulting your property manager to ensure generator installation falls within their bylaws. If so, your local authorized KOHLER dealer can determine whether your townhome has adequate space for installation.

Code requirements for installing standby generator systems vary nationwide. Your KOHLER dealer will be familiar with both your local and national codes and permits.

Generators ship without batteries to ensure that the freshest possible battery is installed at the jobsite. Your operation manual recommends the proper battery for your generator model. Batteries come in sizes that are readily available at any battery or auto parts store.

Your KOHLER dealer will perform an on-site analysis to determine which generator and transfer switch offer the best solution for your home.

A transfer switch rated for service entry comes equipped with a main line disconnect breaker built into the transfer switch. This is a nationwide code requirement when the transfer switch is wired directly into the incoming main power line for whole-house power. Transfer switches not rated for service entry require the addition of a disconnect breaker at the jobsite. The service-entry-rated switch saves you time and money during the installation process.

A large metal key is included in your owner’s packet. Insert and turn the key 45 degrees to open the top hood or side access door of the generator.

Water and electricity are a very dangerous mix. If you can safely access it, power off the generator. (See FAQ: How do I manually power off the generator?) If it continues to run when submerged, internal damage to both engine and generator will be significant. If you can’t safely access the generator or the main line disconnect, do not make any attempt to turn it off.

We recommend checking the oil level after every 8-24 hours of operation, depending on the size and model of the generator. Oil change and filter change frequency and other routine maintenance varies per model, especially during periods of extended power outage. Check the operation manual included with your generator for a complete list of required maintenance procedures and schedules.

There are three steps to checking the engine oil:

1. Power off the generator and let the engine sit for two minutes to settle the oil. Pull the dipstick from the back of the engine and wipe with a clean rag. Insert the dipstick back into the dipstick tube and pull it out. Note the cross hatching on the end of the dipstick, from “F” (Full) ~ to "L~ (Low), and see where the oil level falls. Add oil if the dipstick indicates that the oil level is low. (See FAQ: What type of oil should I use in my generator?)
2. Locate the yellow oil-access cap on the front of the engine (look for the oil can icon). Add a few ounces of oil, then recheck the oil level by inserting and removing the dipstick. Add oil until the level is near “F.” Do not overfill the engine.
3. When you’re finished adding oil, make sure the dipstick and oil access cap are securely in place. Push the "AUTO " button to place the generator back in standby mode. If the utility power is still out, the generator will start within three seconds. After the generator starts, move the circuit breaker to the ON position so the generator is now supplying power to the house.

The dipstick has a bright yellow ring attached to the end. The location varies by generator, but it’s typically noticeable as soon as you open the access panel or hood.

Your generator ships with KOHLER Genuine Oil 5W-30 full-synthetic oil, which is the oil Kohler recommends. Although a synthetic blend may be used, our recommendation is full-synthetic oil. However, if you know that the oil has been changed out to conventional oil, then use only conventional oil from that point on. Do not mix synthetic oil with conventional oil.

This answer will vary from engine to engine and will be dependent on many factors, including engine hours, load, etc. We will not be able to provide an accurate answer to this question, but you can expect these machines to consume oil, as the engine load factor and fuel consumption per hour are much higher than an automobile.

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The low oil pressure shut down (LOP) feature protects the engine against internal damage if the oil pressure crops below a minimum pressure because of an oil pressure failure or other malfunction. Note: The LOP shutdown does not protect against damage caused by operating when the oil level is low. It is NOT a low oil level shutdown. Check the oil level regularly during continuous operation adding oil as needed.

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• Press and hold the select button (the circle between the arrows).
  
• You can then use the up and down arrows when any value is flashing to change the numbers.
• Press select when you like what you see. When everything stops flashing.
• Press "AUTO" to put it back in standby.

Read these instructions to update your firmware for RDC/DC2 controllers. Note that you will need a computer and USB cable with a mini-B connector to perform the firmware update.

The generator controller clock is not an atomic clock. You would need to manually change the time just as you would in your car. You can also choose to leave the exercise as it is because in a few months you will have to change it again.

Make sure you have the controller password before doing the update. Do not reset the password after the firmware update.

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If you see a low coolant or locked rotor fault on an air-cooled unit, the cause may be a weak starting battery. The controller will lose its setting and send erroneous faults like low coolant in an air-cooled unit if the battery is dying. They should check the battery with a volt meter. The reading on the controller will only report that the battery charger is working not the actual charge on the battery. The life of a battery in a generator is limited because the controller is on almost 9000 hours a year, so even though the unit only runs once a week, the battery is always getting charged.

Stop operation of your generator set if you can safely get to it. If it continues to run, internal damage to the engine and generator will most likely be catastrophic. There is not much else you can do. Remember, water and electricity can be very dangerous and if the generator is submerged, you will have both conditions.