Winter storms place significant stress on standby generator systems. Snow accumulation, extended run times, fuel delivery interruptions, electrical overloads, and transfer switch issues are the most common problems we see during outages.

At Thomas Edison Electric, we respond to these issues every storm. This guide explains what homeowners can safely check, how to understand warning lights and error codes, and when professional service is required.

🔥 Life Safety Comes First

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Protection

Before troubleshooting equipment:

• Verify all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are operational

• Replace batteries if needed

Storm conditions may cause alarms to trigger more easily due to:

• Pressure changes

• Cold air infiltration

• Snow buildup near the home

⚠️ If a Smoke or CO Alarm Activates While the Generator Is Running

1. Shut the generator OFF immediately

2. Check for:

   1. Snow blocking the generator exhaust

   2. Snow drifting toward windows or vents

   3. Open doors or windows allowing exhaust intrusion

3. Ventilate the home if safe

4. Do not restart the generator until the cause is identified

If alarms continue, leave the home and contact emergency services or a licensed electrician.

🚦 Generator Warning Lights (Red & Yellow)

Understanding generator warning lights helps you respond correctly during an outage.

🔴 Red Warning Light – Generator Will Not Start

A red warning light means the generator has detected a fault condition and will not run until the issue is corrected.

What this means:

• The generator is protecting itself from damage

• Power will not be supplied to the home

• An error code will appear on the control panel

What homeowners can safely do:

• Open the generator enclosure

• Note the error code displayed

• Follow the troubleshooting steps below for common faults

After correcting the issue, most errors can be cleared by:

• Pressing Red OFF

• Pressing ENTER twice

• Pressing Green AUTO

If the red light returns or the generator will not reset, professional service is required.

🟡 Yellow Warning Light – Service or Maintenance Due

A yellow warning light is not an emergency shutdown.

What it means:

• The generator will still operate during an outage

• Routine maintenance or service is due

• The issue does not prevent operation

What to do:

• Check oil level and top off if needed

• Schedule service as soon as conditions allow

⚠️ Ignoring a yellow warning for extended periods can lead to a red fault condition.

⚡ Generator Is Running but the House Has No Power

Step 1: Check the Generator Breaker

• Open the generator enclosure

• Locate the main breaker (top right corner)

• Confirm the breaker is in the ON position

• A flashing green light indicates the generator is producing power

Step 2: Check the Transfer Switch Position

• Locate the automatic transfer switch

• Remove the cover (thumbscrew hold-down)

• Find the yellow transfer position indicator

Indicator positions:

• Yellow UP = Utility power

• Yellow DOWN = Generator power

If utility power is out and the indicator is UP:

• Insert the yellow manual handle

• Move the indicator DOWN to generator power

If utility power has returned but the house remains dark:

• Move the indicator UP to utility position

⚠️ If this occurs after power restoration, service is required to verify automatic operation.

⛔ Common Generator Error Codes

Error Code 2800 – Emergency Stop / Auxiliary Shutdown

Indicates the emergency stop or auxiliary shutdown switch was activated.

What to check:

• Locate the switch on the right rear corner of the generator

• Ensure it is set to the “I” (ON) position

To clear the error:

• Red OFF → ENTER → ENTER → Green AUTO

If the error returns, professional service is required.

Error Code 1300 – Low Oil Pressure

This code indicates the generator shut down to protect the engine due to low oil pressure.

What homeowners can safely do:

• Check oil level

• Add 5W-30 synthetic oil in small amounts

• Most air-cooled units hold just over one quart total

• Do not overfill

Clear the error:

• Red OFF → ENTER → ENTER → Green AUTO

Oil Change Reminder (Critical)

• Generators that have run 250 hours require an oil change

• Long outages accelerate oil breakdown

• Even if the generator restarts, schedule service promptly

Error Codes 2100–2103 – Generator Overload

These codes indicate the generator is supplying more load than it is rated to handle.

Common causes:

• Multiple appliances starting at once

• Electric space heaters

• High-demand equipment cycling simultaneously

What to do:

1. Turn off large and non-essential loads

2. Reset the generator:

   1. Red OFF

   2. Red OFF

   3. ENTER

   4. ENTER

   5. Green AUTO

3. Restore loads slowly, one at a time

4. Identify which load causes the fault

⚠️ Electric space heaters are a frequent cause of overload conditions.

❄️ Snow & Ice Clearance Around the Generator

Proper airflow is critical for safe operation.

• Clear at least 12 inches of snow on all sides

• Keep intake and exhaust louvers unobstructed

• Do not allow snow to pile up against the enclosure

Snow buildup can:

• Restrict airflow

• Freeze air filters

• Cause overheating or shutdowns

⚠️ Never cover or enclose a running generator.

🔥 Natural Gas Systems – Keep Regulators & Meter Clear

For natural gas generators:

• Clear snow from the generator gas regulator

• Clear snow from the home’s gas meter and regulator

Blocked regulator vents can:

• Restrict fuel delivery

• Shut off gas to the entire house

💡 Flickering LED Lights While on Generator Power

Some LED lights may flicker while operating on generator power. This is common and usually harmless.

What to check:

• Confirm dimmers are LED-rated

• Set dimmers fully up

• Try different LED bulbs

If flickering occurs when not on generator power, contact Thomas Edison Electric for inspection.

🚨 Final Safety Reminders

• Do not work on equipment you are unsure about

• Never block airflow or exhaust

• If you smell gas, leave immediately and contact the gas utility

• When in doubt, shut the generator off and call for service

📞 Need Help?

If your generator will not start, continues faulting, or your transfer switch is not operating correctly, contact Thomas Edison Electric. During storms, small issues can escalate quickly if left unaddressed.