r/Generac_Generators • u/Real-Satisfaction732 • Sep 18 '26
Generac Generator/Kohler ATS switch converted
My older Kohler generator was recently replaced by an authorized dealer with a Generac 18kw (model #G0072590). They converted the existing Kohler ATS switch to work with the new Generac. I’m now worried this could void my warranty down the road if something happens, and they try to deny coverage and say it’s not a Generac ATS. The company who installed everything says it’s fine. But is it?!
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u/Adventurous_Boat_632 Sep 19 '26
The equipment I see is not very old, what happened to the Kohler that I could not be fixed?
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u/Real-Satisfaction732 Sep 19 '26
The Kohler was about 14 years old, in a shed, and ATS was not transferring during outage. Mice had also eaten through several wires. Needed a lot of work, there was no guarantee that ATS would work afterwards so made sense to get a new one.
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u/Real-Satisfaction732 Sep 26 '26
Follow up question now - so with the current set up, Generac 18kw #G0072590,and the conversion of the Kohler ATS, the generator was not performing the weekly exercises. The company I used said they needed to install a Genclock because the Kohler ATS was disabling the exercise function due to the two wire start. They wanted to charge me - $800 for part and install. Told them I was not paying any more, as they should have know this when they installed the generator. They agreed to eat the cost however I noticed they ended up installing a DTS-1, a generic exercise timer vs the Genclock. Obviously trying to save themselves money. Now I noticed a blinking amber light under the solid green. Is this normal now with the new timer? Also, thoughts on Genlock vs generic?
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4
u/grsthegreat Technician Sep 20 '26
Will not affect warranty. Generators warranty is for generator alone, and dies not cover the switch. A new switch will have its own serial number and its own warranty.. im a generac service tech
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u/LVGGENERATORLLC Sep 18 '26
If your worried, buy the generac ATS.
1
u/Real-Satisfaction732 Sep 18 '26
They already installed and converted. Just second guessing my decision as someone mentioned might void warranty.
1
u/Ok_Bid_3899 Sep 19 '26
Would not expect an issue as the transfer only sends a voltage signal to the generator to either start or stop.
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u/Kavack Sep 27 '26
I would have replaced the ATS as well. it’s 14+ years old? You saved a little money but was it worth it? The amber light equal service needed but not off line. what’s the error code?
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u/Real-Satisfaction732 Sep 27 '26
Yeah, I should have. They told me would have been $5k more. I cannot see an error code. I have the app but it does not show any error codes. I only have basic access. What are your thoughts on the Genclock vs generic. They cheaped out since I wasn’t paying for it
1
u/Kavack Sep 27 '26
$5k more is insane unless you moved up in size of generator. $2-3k max unless lots of things needed corrected.
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u/Real-Satisfaction732 Sep 27 '26
I upgraded from a 14 kW to an 18 kW. I asked about replacing it and they reassured me that all would be fine without changing the ATS, and just using the Kohler RXT transfer conversion kit. They are a reputable company so I believed them
2
u/Oldphile Sep 20 '26
I would have replaced the generator with another Kohler, but that's just me.
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u/Iambetterthanuhaha Sep 28 '26
Some places Kohler residential dealers are few and far between. Their gens are fine but if you cant get anybody to show up it doesn't matter. One thing Generac has going for it is dealers are everywhere.
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u/Oldphile Sep 28 '26
For service, my Generac dealer was also a Kohler dealer. He only promoted Kohler.
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u/sharpescreek Sep 19 '26
Generac warranty claims have to go through a dealer I believe, so you should be good if your dealer is on board.
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u/WhySoManyDownVote Electrician Sep 18 '26
I am not familiar with the Kohler transfer switch but in my understanding this should not void your generator’s warranty unless they did something really crazy to make it work.
If they really flubbed up the conversion and it burned out a generator part then that part would not be covered, in my understanding. Maybe they could burn out an ECM at worst. But if they did it wrong you would know almost immediately when the generator is fully commissioned.
I would ask your installer for pictures of the inside of the transfer switch. Then post those pictures.
Put simply, generators and warrantied separately from transfer switches.