Your generator’s battery is the heart of your system, kicking everything into gear when it matters most. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your Generac battery charged for uninterrupted power.

Why is Your Generac Battery Important?

The Generac battery in your generator is essential when starting your machine. Generator batteries give the engine the power to start the machine so that it can operate. By learning how to best maintain and charge your generator battery, you can rest easy knowing that your battery will be a reliable power source.

Methods to Charge Your Generator Battery

There are two different methods for charging a Generac battery: a built-in charger or an external Generac battery charger. Which method you use depends on whether you have a portable or home standby generator. There are differences between portable and standby generators, but both should allow you to easily recharge your battery.

Charging Portable Generator Batteries  

An external Generac battery charger is for generators that don’t have a built-in charger or are stored for an extended period. This type of charger is designed for generators that need the battery to be connected to an outside power source and stored. Most Generac portable generators do not have a built-in charger, but electric start units will come with a wall Generac battery charger for convenience.

Charging Standby Generator Batteries

A built-in Generac battery charger can be found in standby home generators and keeps the battery charged while the generator is running or when the utility grid powers the house. The T1 circuit of the generator charges the generator battery and keeps the generator ready and reliable in a power outage so that it has charge from the Generac battery charger.

Monitoring Home Standby Generac Battery Conditions

Though the battery automatically charges in a standby generator, it is crucial to occasionally inspect your Generac battery and check the voltage level and current battery condition. Understanding error codes like battery messages allows you to solve generator problems easily. 

You can see the battery condition of your unit by accessing the control panel. This is done by selecting "DATE/TIME," "MAINT," and "Battery.” The battery display will reveal one of three options:

• Good – The Generac battery voltage is above 12.6 VDC, the regulated battery voltage required to power your generator.
• Inspect Battery – The Generac battery is due for annual maintenance. The Generac inspect battery message means that you should conduct yearly maintenance on the battery and see if it clears the Generac inspect battery message.
• Check Battery – The Generac Battery is below 12.6 VDC, the required energy level. This may mean that the system is currently going through a cycle to charge the generator battery.

7-Step Guide to Generac Battery Maintenance

When your portable generator battery isn’t working, or you’re faced with the “Inspect Battery” Generac message, knowing what maintenance to conduct is essential. Follow these steps to maintain your battery: 

• Step 1: Safety precautions – Handle the batteries carefully only when the system is fully turned off.
• Step 2: Inspect the Generac battery – Check for any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage every month or two.
• Step 3: Clean the battery – If corrosion is noted, clean the terminals using baking soda and water, apply the mixture with a toothbrush, and wipe clean and dry before reconnecting.
• Step 4: Protect the battery terminal – Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the battery terminals to prevent future corrosion.
• Step 5: Use a Multimeter – Periodically check the battery voltage with a multimeter, ensuring that it reads between 12.6 and 12.8 volts.
• Step 6: Charge the generator battery – Ensure that the generator is plugged in while not in use to charge the generator battery or use a trickle Generac battery charger to charge and maintain a battery without a built-in charger.
• Step 7: Battery Replacement – If the battery shows signs of wear or damage, no longer holds a charge well, or has not been replaced in five years, it’s time for a replacement battery. Make sure that you are following the correct guidelines for finding the right replacement part for your generator.

If these steps are taken, and the Generac “Inspect Battery” message has not cleared or your generator still won’t start, consult your generator’s diagnostic manual or contact a professional for help.

How To Charge a Generac Battery Without a Built-in Charger

If you have a generator that does not have a built-in Generac battery charger, like a portable generator, it is even more important to regularly inspect your Generac battery and ensure that it is at the correct voltage, charging the generator battery when necessary. 

To charge your generator battery, ensure the Generac battery charger is connected to the battery and the power source. Charge the battery for 24 hours every three months, and during a prolonged outage and repeated starts, plug the charger into the generator while running for no longer than 24 hours.

Do not overcharge your battery, as this can damage it. To prevent this, use a trickle Generac battery charger or another voltage regulator. A trickle charger provides a low, constant charge that keeps the voltage at optimal levels while charging the generator battery. 

What Drains a Generac Battery? 

Many factors can damage and drain your generator battery, primarily lack of use, a faulty charging system, or old batteries. Inspecting your Generac battery and determining the cause of drainage is the best way to figure out a solution to charging your generator battery.

If your generator is rarely used, consider running it through routine cycles to power it and keep it operational. If there are faults in your trickle charger, get a replacement charger. If the built-in charging system is malfunctioning, contact a professional for help.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Generac Battery? 

A Generac battery is predicted to have a lifespan of three to five years. Even if your battery seems to be in good working condition after three to five years, getting a generator battery replacement is still best.

Regardless of how your battery may function currently, an old battery is prone to malfunction past its predicted lifespan. Ensure that your power is guaranteed by preventing errors and being proactive about your battery replacement.

While your Generac generator is crucial during power outages, it is only as reliable as the battery that powers it. By regularly inspecting your Generac battery and charging it, you can ensure that your generator will start in a time of need.