Generator runs but does not transfer power to the house
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Working inside an ATS involves lethal voltages. Only qualified electricians or generator technicians should open the ATS. Turn off utility and generator breakers and verify absence of voltage before touching conductors.
Steps:
- Verify generator output: At the generator, confirm it is producing correct voltage and frequency with a meter.
- Check ATS status lights: Many Honeywell-branded ATS units have indicator LEDs for utility and generator presence. If generator presence is not indicated, check the sensing wires from the generator to the ATS.
- Inspect control wiring: Verify the low-voltage control cable between the generator controller and ATS is intact and properly landed on the correct terminals.
- Manual operation test: With power off and verified safe, operate the ATS contactor manually (if design allows) to ensure it moves freely. Binding or seized mechanisms require ATS repair or replacement.
- Professional service: If the ATS coil or logic board is defective, replace the ATS or its control module with the correct Honeywell part.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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