Generac Guardian 18kW
Standby generator. Specs from the manufacturer page (checked ).

The Generac Guardian 18kW is a dual-fuel standby generator with 18,000 running watts that runs on liquid propane or natural gas. It has built-in cellular connectivity for monitoring and control through Mobile Link, and it comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Key features
- Rated maximum continuous power: 18 kW on liquid propane, 17 kW on natural gas
- Dual fuel: liquid propane or natural gas
- Built-in cellular connectivity with Mobile Link for remote monitoring and control (requires Mobile Link premium subscription for full features)
- Remote diagnostics to help detect issues before they become a problem
- Oil level sensors to help ensure generator readiness
- Improved cold start performance for start-up in cold climates
- Sloped roof and rear air intake reduce risk of snow and ice intrusion
- Compatible with ecobee by Generac thermostats and Generac PWRcell battery systems
What it is for
- home back-up power
Specifications
| Running watts | 18000 W |
|---|---|
| Fuel | dual-fuel |
| Weight | 193 kg (425.5 lb) |
| Dimensions | 117.86 × 66.8 × 77.98 cm (46.4 × 26.3 × 30.7 in) |
| Warranty | 5 years |
From the Generac page. Values the manufacturer does not publish are left out.
Similar standby generators
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Champion 22 kW fleX Home Standby (201016)
Generac EcoGen 15kW
Generac Guardian 22kW
Generac Guardian 24kW
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect+ 18kW
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect+ DX 18kW
Generac Guardian 18kW comparisons
- Guardian 18kW vs Champion aXis 14kW
- Guardian 18kW vs Champion aXis 22kW
- Guardian 18kW vs Champion 22 kW fleX Home Standby (201016)
Connection and wiring
Follow the diagrams in the Generac manual. Connecting to a home panel needs a transfer switch or interlock and a licensed electrician.
Open the Generac manual (PDF) →
Error codes and troubleshooting
| Code | Meaning | What to do | Manual page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auxiliary Shutdown | Active alarm that must be cleared before the generator can start. | Verify the controller-face emergency shutdown switch is ON (I). Clear the alarm. If equipped, the rocker switch must be set to ON (I) to clear it. | 17 |
| Overcrank | Fault during initial startup. The generator may exceed the normal number of start attempts because air accumulated in the fuel system during installation. | Reset the alarm and restart up to two more times, if necessary. If the unit still fails to start, contact an IASD for assistance. Call service if it persists. | 19 |
| Battery Problem | Listed as a warning. Warnings do not disable the unit or require immediate correction. No specific description given. | Unless correctly trained to correct and clear warnings, contact an IASD or trained service technician. To clear the message, press OFF on the controller, then ENTER. Call service if it persists. | 26 |
| Canbus Error | Listed as a warning. Warnings alert the operator to conditions that do not disable the unit or require immediate correction. No specific description given. | Unless correctly trained to correct and clear warnings, contact an IASD or trained service technician. To clear the message, press OFF on the controller, then ENTER. Call service if it persists. | 26 |
| Charger Missing AC | Listed as a warning. Warnings do not disable the unit or require immediate correction. No specific description given. | Unless correctly trained to correct and clear warnings, contact an IASD or trained service technician. To clear the message, press OFF on the controller, then ENTER. Call service if it persists. | 26 |
| Charger Warning | Listed as a warning. Warnings do not disable the unit or require immediate correction. The manual notes a warning appears when the battery requires service. | Unless correctly trained to correct and clear warnings, contact an IASD or trained service technician. To clear the message, press OFF on the controller, then ENTER. Call service if it persists. | 26 |
6 of 55 codes. From the Generac manual. All 55 Guardian 24kW / Guardian 22kW / Guardian 26kW / Guardian 18kW codes →
FAQ
Can the Generac Guardian 18kW start a sump pump or well pump?
Starting surge matters more than running watts: this unit is rated 18000 W output (no separate peak published). That covers a typical 1/2 HP sump pump (about 2150 W to start). Use the calculator with your exact pump.