Frequently Asked Questions About Standby Generators
You have questions about Home Generators. We have answers.
General
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The right generator size depends on your home's square footage, the number of appliances you want to power during an outage, and the complexity of the installation. A Butler Mobility representative will provide a personalized recommendation during your in-home consultation.
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While we can provide MSRP pricing for home generators and accessories, a full installation quote requires a personalized home assessment. That’s because generator installation costs vary based on several factors, including:
Your preferred fuel source (natural gas or propane) and whether it's already connected to your home
Local permitting requirements, which your authorized KOHLER dealer will manage for you
Generator placement on your property, which impacts materials, labor, and code compliance
To ensure an accurate price, we will perform an on-site consultation to evaluate your home’s layout and recommend the right generator size, location and installation plan.
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KOHLER residential standby generators—including their engines—are designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA. While we partner with trusted global suppliers for select components, many key parts are sourced and manufactured in the United States to ensure premium quality and performance.
Choosing a KOHLER generator made in America means you're investing in reliable backup power, supported by over 100 years of U.S.-based engineering and innovation.
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KOHLER standby generators run on either natural gas or liquid propane (LP), making them a flexible solution for most homes. Our generators connect directly to your existing natural gas line or a liquid propane tank installed on your property. If your home doesn’t have natural gas service, we can help coordinate LP installation during the setup process.
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Our standby generators are engineered to operate reliably in extreme weather conditions—including snowstorms, blizzards, and freezing temperatures. For homeowners in colder climates, we recommend using cold weather accessories to help your generator start and run smoothly when temperatures drop below 32°F.
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KOHLER standby generators are not solar-powered, but they are used to back up solar systems in homes across the country. Because KOHLER standby generators connect to your home’s natural gas or liquid propane system, they are a great way to back up your solar system.
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The key difference lies in what's included and how each model is configured:
RCAL Generators: These models include a transfer switch, making them a convenient, all-in-one solution for automatic backup power. They’re ideal for homeowners who want a bundled system for easier installation.
RCA Generators: For these models the transfer switch is sold separately, offering more flexibility for custom installations or upgrades.
Installation
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Homeowners can choose to install a KOHLER generator on their own. However, self-installation is not recommended and comes with significant limitations and risks, including:
You must handle your own product registration
The generator is not eligible for KOHLER’s extended warranty
The warranty start date defaults to the factory ship date or purchase date (with proof of invoice)
Any failures due to improper installation are not covered under warranty
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Yes, our home generators are used to provide backup power to mobile homes across the country.
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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, we can determine whether your townhome has adequate space for installation.
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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.
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We will perform an on-site analysis to determine which generator and transfer switch offer the best solution for your home.
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The key difference lies in what's included and how each model is configured:
RCAL Generators: These models include a transfer switch, making them a convenient, all-in-one solution for automatic backup power. They’re ideal for homeowners who want a bundled system for easier installation.
RCA Generators: For these models the transfer switch is sold separately, offering more flexibility for custom installations or upgrades.
Maintenance
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Open the generator hood or access door and flip the circuit breaker to the “off” position (you’ll find the breaker near the digital controller). This shuts off power to the house (the load). lt’s a good idea to run the generator with no load for 2-5 minutes. Then press the “off” button on the controller.
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Use the key that was included with the generator when it was sold. Turn the key 45 degrees to unlock. Lift the hood. If you can’t find the key, in many residential units, you may be able to use a flat head screwdriver.
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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.
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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.
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Open the hood of the generator.
Turn the circuit breaker OFF to disconnect power to the house. The breaker is either:
Near the controller on the right side, or
Above the control panel near the firewall behind the air filter.
Run the generator with no load for 2–5 minutes.
Press OFF on the controller to shut it down.
Wait 2 minutes for oil to settle.
Check the dipstick (yellow ring at the back of the engine):
Pull it out, wipe clean, reinsert, then pull out again.
Oil should be between the ‘F’ (full) and ‘L’ (low) marks.
If low, add oil (yellow cap or black stopper at the front of engine). Use 5W30 full synthetic unless conventional oil was previously used—do not mix types.
Add oil in small amounts, rechecking with dipstick. Do not overfill.
Press AUTO to restart the generator, then move the breaker to ON to restore power.
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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.
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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.
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The amount varies and depends on the engine model, length of time since the last oil change, amount of power the generator is producing and length of the power outage. Check the operation manual included with your generator for a complete list of required maintenance procedures and schedules.
Owners
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Use the key that was included with the generator when it was sold. Turn the key 45 degrees to unlock. Lift the hood. If you are unable to locate the key, many residential units can be opened with a flathead screwdriver.
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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 drops 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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Click here
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Make sure you have the controller password before doing the update. Do not reset the password after the firmware update.
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Yes, your KOHLER generator will be covered by a 5 year/2,000 operating hour warranty. You may also upgrade to our extended warranty.
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Once your generator is installed and certified by an authorized KOHLER dealer, you have two easy options to register your warranty.
Dealer Registration: Once we’ve installed your generator we can complete the post-installation registration form on your behalf.
Homeowner Registration: Alternativity, you can register the unit yourself by filling out the form.
Regardless of the option you choose, your warranty will start on the installation date, not the purchase date.
Interested in learning more about our generators?
Explore our generator resources for more information
Ready to take the next steps?
Fill out our contact form or call us today, we’re here to answer any questions you have.
Butler Support: 888-847-0804
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm