We’re here  to answer all your questions.

All generators need maintenance from time to time—such as oil and filter changes—to keep them performing at their best for years of reliable service. Refer to the owner's manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules.  


Assembling your portable generator is easy, but it’s important to do it correctly. You’ll need to install the handle, feet, wheels and battery. This video will show you what tools you need and how to precisely put every part together.

• It depends on the application. When using extension cords alone, you do not need to use a ground rod. (This applies to bonded neutral portable generators. Details can be found in the owner's manual.)
• When connecting to an electrical panel (such as a building electrical system, manual transfer switch, RV, etc.) you do need to connect your generator to a ground rod. 
• Ground rods must be pounded into the earth, then connected to the ground lug on the generator via a ground cable. The rod must be at least 8 feet into the earth.
• We strongly recommend that you check and adhere to all applicable federal, state and local regulations relating to grounding. 

• No. Never run the generator indoors, in a garage or in an enclosed area. Portable generators are designed to run outside where there is plenty of ventilation. You need to position your portable away from doors and windows so that the exhaust fumes do not get inside the house. The produced carbon monoxide gas can cause serious poisoning.  
• Be sure to set your portable where it will be protected from moisture, rain and snow.

Never run a generator directly in the rain, snow or other wet conditions. Never run a generator indoors or in a garage.
 

• We highly recommended that you drain the fuel from the tank and run the carburetor dry if you are planning on storing your portable for more than 30 days.  
• Fuel begins to deteriorate within approximately one month. To preserve its properties, you should add a stabilizer right from the start. The stabilizer will neutralize the damaging effect that ethanol has on the components responsible for combustion.  Be sure to carefully follow the fuel stabilizer's ratio instructions, noting the duration that the fuel stabilizer is effective for.  

• Use clean, fresh unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87 octane rating.
• What kind of oil do you recommend? How often should I change it? 
• Above 32°F, use SAE 30. Below 40°F and down to -10°F, use 10W-30. Synthetic 5W-30 can be used in all temperatures. 
• Oil should be changed after the first 20-30 hours of operation and every 100 hours of run time thereafter. 

• Above 32°F, use SAE 30. Below 40°F and down to -10°F, use 10W-30. Synthetic 5W-30 can be used in all temperatures.
• Oil should be changed after the first 20-30 hours of operation and every 100 hours of run time thereafter.

• You can properly charge your portable generator with four easy but important steps:


1. Connect the battery to the unit
2. Plug the charger into the wall
3. Plug the other end of the charger into the unit
4. Check that you have utility power 
• Never overcharge your battery.  
• Follow along with each step and get charging tips in this video. 

• We’re proud to say that we (Generac Power Systems Inc.) design and manufacture Generac G-FORCE® and OHVI engines right here in the U.S., at our facilities in Wisconsin. 
• Generac OHV engines are not engineered or manufactured in the U.S. 

• If the gas in your portable generator gets stale, your engine could start running rough or not at all. It’s important to keep the gas supply full and fresh. 
• There are several steps for safely and properly draining stale gas before you add new gas:

1. Turn the fuel valve off to disconnect the fuel line.
2. Drain the gas and clean the carburetor.

We outline these steps and more in this video.

• There are several possible causes. 
• First, check that there’s fresh gas and oil, that the fuel shut-off valve is turned on, and that the on/off switch is in the on position. Most often, the spark plug is damaged or malfunctioning and must be replaced. Fuel line damage is another possibility. The carburetor could be blocked or damaged. There might be compression issues.
• The problem could also come from the starter itself. Electric-start batteries can get drained out. Were electrical devices plugged into the generator prior to starting the unit? Generators need to stabilize and warm up before appliances can be applied. 
• If you can’t get your generator to start again, have a Generac Service Dealer check it out.
• For a Push Button Start generator, make sure the power switch is turned on before pushing the Push Button Start ignition. 

• First, make sure everything is unplugged from the unit. Next, use a working appliance such as a box fan to test the output. Then, check your breakers. You might need to field flash your unit. Generators in storage can lose their magnetism and fail to produce electricity, even when the engine is running.  
• If the breakers are not tripped and field flashing did work, you might need to replace the brushes in a brushed alternator. 
• Watch this step-by-step video to see the entire troubleshooting process. 
• If you can’t get it working again, have your device checked out by a Generac Service Dealer who can diagnose the problem and provide resolution.  

There are a handful of likely reasons. To resolve the problem, make sure it has enough fuel, check the air filter, set the valve and try other steps outlined in this video.

• How many loads are plugged into the generator? Overloading a generator beyond its wattage capacity can result in damage to the generator and connected electrical devices. Try unplugging loads and running the generator with fewer applied.  
• Is the fuel shut-off valve turned on? Without the fuel valve turned completely on, gas cannot get to the engine for proper function. If the fuel valve is on, check the fuel filter and fuel line for clogs. Clogged fuel lines may be restricting the amount of fuel getting to the engine. 
• Is the oil full? Oil capacity is documented in the owner’s manual. If the recommended amount is added and it still does not reach the threads on the crankcase, add enough oil to reach the bottom of the threads—even if it’s more than the manual recommends. Generac generators are equipped with a low-oil shut down system to protect the engine from low oil damage. 

While the generator is running, plug the electric drill into its receptacle (a cordless drill will not work). If the drill is reversible, move the direction switch to the forward position. Compress the trigger on the drill and spin the drill chuck in the reverse direction 3-5 times. This will excite the field and the generator should now produce electricity. If spinning the chuck one direction does not work, try spinning the chuck in the other direction, as you may have the reverse switch positioned backwards. Use caution, because as soon as the field is excited, the generator will produce power and the drill will start working. If flashing the field does not make the generator work, you may have additional problems besides a lack of magnetism in the rotor. Take it to a Generac Service Dealer for more testing. 

The GB1000 takes 2.1 hours and the GB2000 takes 3.3 hours to reach 80% charge from the included AC charging cord. 


• Store your unit in a clean, dry, ventilated area. 
• Store at an optimal temperature: between 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) is ideal. Do not store below -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) or above 113 degrees Fahrenheit (-45 degrees Celsius).
• The Power Station should be in a state of charge between 30 and 60% for long term storage. Recharge every three (3) months to maintain battery life.

1. Confirm that the power source is compatible with your power station
2. Confirm that all plugs are firmly connected 

Weather, obstructions and solar angle positioning can all affect your solar panel’s full potential. Adjust the kick stand, positioning the surface of your solar panel at a 90-degree angle to the sunlight for optimal capture of solar radiation. Keep solar panel(s) clean and free of dirt and debris. You’ll see lower power generation on cloudy days. 


The GS100 solar panel is IP67 rated, meaning that the panel is dustproof and capable of being submerged one (1) meter underwater for up to 30 minutes. Do not use the solar panel(s) in extreme weather conditions.  

Yes, up to four (4) solar panels may be connected in parallel by utilizing the provided parallel cable(s). This provides faster charging speed for the power station.  

The GS100 solar panel is designed for use with Generac power stations only. Use with other devices is not recommended, and input compatibility requirements are the responsibility of the user.  

The power station uses power for the display, fans, inverter, etc. Power usage is shown on the LCD display for user awareness. 

There are a few likely causes. Try these steps:

1. Press the DC button to power on the circuit
2. Center your device on the wireless charging pad
3. Confirm that your device is compatible with wireless charging
4. Remove the case from your device and try again

Any Authorized Generac Dealer can perform warranty service. To find your local authorized Generac Dealer, see our locator or contact us for additional information. Our Authorized Service Centers provide parts, service and information on Generac equipment, regardless of where it was purchased. Authorized Service Centers are staffed with trained technicians supporting all aspects of the Generac portable generator line. 

Download owner's manuals and other documentation on our Product Support Page  using the unit's serial number, or contact us for further assistance.  

49ST denotes that the product does not meet California requirements, but is available to be sold in all other states except California.  

50ST means that the product is available for sale in California and meets the necessary emissions requirements set by the state. 

CUL is Canadian Underwriter's Laboratories Inc. certified.  If a product is marked as non-CUL, that means that model is not certified for use in Canada.