OVERCURRENT
Guardian
Excessive Load or Short Circuit on Output
Generator shuts down with OVERCURRENT or OVERLOAD alarm; may trip internal breaker when large loads start.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Connected load exceeds generator rating, Shorted branch circuit downstream, Faulty appliance drawing locked-rotor current, Loose or damaged output wiring causing arcing
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Open the generator main breaker and the house main breaker feeding the transfer switch. Place the controller in OFF.
- Reduce load: Identify and turn off large loads (HVAC, electric water heater, electric range). Restart the generator and add loads one at a time.
- Isolate faulty circuit: If OVERCURRENT occurs when a specific circuit is energized, leave that circuit off and have an electrician inspect for shorts or faulty appliances.
- Inspect output wiring: Check the Guardian generator output lugs and wiring to the transfer switch for signs of overheating, discoloration, or loose terminations. Tighten and repair as needed.
- Breaker check: Verify the generator's internal breaker is the correct rating and not mechanically damaged. Replace if it will not reset or trips at low load.
- Professional help: Persistent OVERCURRENT with normal loads requires an electrician or Guardian technician to perform insulation resistance and load analysis.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Main Circuit Breaker
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