Fillable checklist

Generator Maintenance Checklist: Standby and Portable (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable generator maintenance form: oil, filters, plugs, fuel, battery, exercise, and CO placement. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Maintenance Fillable form · 8 sections · 37 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against Generac, Honda, Champion, CPSC, and CDC · Last verified Sep 1, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is owner and technician periodic maintenance for a US home standby or portable generator. It is not a full home inspection and not a substitute for the OEM manual on the rating plate. Follow that manual for hours, oil, and parts.

  • 8 sections
  • 37 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Unit and service date

Record the generator that is actually on site. Mark every portable line N/A if this visit is standby only. Mark every standby and transfer-switch line N/A if this visit is portable only. Hour intervals differ by brand. Write the interval from this unit's OEM manual. This is a maintenance template, not a licensed electrical inspection.

12 fields
Unit and service date

Rating plate or enclosure label. Examples: Generac air-cooled standby, Honda EU series, Champion portable.

Read the controller or hour meter. Honda commercial note: log hours to pick the correct interval. Do not invent a shared hour limit.

Copy the OEM for this model. Honda EU2200i lists SAE 10W-30, API SJ or later, for general use. Champion 201286 lists 10W-30 typical, and full synthetic 5W-30 for cold starts below 41 F after break-in. Generac air-cooled standby recommends Generac 5W-20 gaseous engine oil after the 25 hour break-in. Do not mix those specs across brands.

Owner, technician name, or company.

Inspection station

Carbon monoxide alarms (all units)

Complete this block for a standby or a portable unit. Placement distances stay in the portable or standby sections so those lines do not overlap. A CO shut-off on the generator is not a substitute for indoor alarms.

4 items
Carbon monoxide alarms (all units)

Battery or battery-backup CO alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas

CPSC: install battery-operated CO alarms or alarms with battery backup on every level and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected alarms are best. CDC: battery-powered or battery-backup detector when a generator is used. Ready.gov and Red Cross: working detectors on every level. Generac owner manual: always use a battery-operated CO alarm indoors, installed per the alarm maker. Champion and Honda manuals: indoor CO alarms are still required even if the unit has a CO shut-off.

Battery or battery-backup CO alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas: Done, Skip, or N/A

CO alarms tested this visit

CPSC winter guidance: test CO and smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries if needed. Never ignore an alarm. Get outside, then call 911. CDC: check batteries when clocks change in spring and fall, and replace the detector per its maker or about every 5 years.

CO alarms tested this visit: Done, Skip, or N/A

Household knows CO symptoms and the fresh-air rule

CDC and CPSC: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, sleepiness, or confusion. People who are sleeping can die before they notice symptoms. Red Cross and CPSC: if you feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away, then call 911. Do not re-enter until emergency personnel say it is safe.

Household knows CO symptoms and the fresh-air rule: Done, Skip, or N/A

Generator CO shut-off noted if the unit has one

CPSC: look for portable generators with a CO shut-off. Honda CO-MINDER and Champion CO Shield stop the engine when they detect high CO around the unit. Both makers say that feature is not a substitute for indoor alarms and does not make indoor or garage use safe. Mark N/A if this unit has no CO shut-off.

Generator CO shut-off noted if the unit has one: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Portable placement, exhaust, and test run

Complete these lines only for a portable generator. Mark every line N/A on a home standby visit. Standby enclosure clearances and the weekly exercise timer stay in the standby sections.

7 items
Portable placement, exhaust, and test run

Run outdoors only, never in a house, garage, basement, shed, porch, or carport

CPSC, CDC, Ready.gov, Red Cross, Honda, and Champion: never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed, or other enclosed or partly enclosed space, even with doors or windows open. CPSC: do not run it on a porch or in a carport. Opening doors or using fans will not prevent lethal CO.

Run outdoors only, never in a house, garage, basement, shed, porch, or carport: Done, Skip, or N/A

At least 20 feet from the house, windows, doors, and vents

CPSC: operate outside only, at least 20 feet away from the house, with exhaust pointed away. CDC: never less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent, and use an extension cord longer than 20 feet to keep that distance. Ready.gov: outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages. This 20 foot figure is for portable units. Do not apply it to a permanently installed standby enclosure.

At least 20 feet from the house, windows, doors, and vents: Done, Skip, or N/A

Exhaust pointed away from the home and other occupied buildings

CPSC and Honda: direct exhaust away from the home and any building someone can enter. Close nearby windows and seal vents in the path of the exhaust. Champion: do not let exhaust enter through windows, doors, or vents. Pointing exhaust at another generator can trip that unit's CO shut-off.

Exhaust pointed away from the home and other occupied buildings: Done, Skip, or N/A

Unit kept dry, on a stable outdoor surface

Ready.gov: keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause shock. Red Cross: operate on a dry surface under an open canopy (a tarp on poles), not a closed tent, and do not touch it with wet hands. CPSC: follow the OEM for rain or snow, which may call for an NFPA-rated non-combustible generator tent or waiting until weather passes.

Unit kept dry, on a stable outdoor surface: Done, Skip, or N/A

Engine off and cool before adding fuel

Ready.gov and Red Cross: let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot parts can ignite. Champion: typically 15 to 30 minutes to cool before you handle the unit. Store fuel in an approved can outside living areas, away from a gas water heater or other ignition source (Red Cross). Local fire rules may limit how much gasoline you may store.

Engine off and cool before adding fuel: Done, Skip, or N/A

Outdoor-rated cords used, no backfeed into a wall outlet

Ready.gov: connect appliances with heavy-duty extension cords. Red Cross: plug loads into the generator or use an outdoor-rated cord rated at least for the connected watts, with all three prongs intact. Never plug a portable generator into a wall outlet (backfeeding). That can kill utility workers and neighbors. A house connection needs a licensed electrician and an approved transfer switch (Red Cross, Generac, NEC / NFPA 70).

Outdoor-rated cords used, no backfeed into a wall outlet: Done, Skip, or N/A

Test run completed per the portable OEM

CPSC: regularly check and maintain the portable generator so it works when needed. Honda: check oil and the air cleaner before each use. Champion 201286: check oil and clean around the air intake and muffler every 8 hours or before each use. Champion maintenance page: a monthly run under load for about 15 to 20 minutes is their readiness check, not a Honda or CPSC interval. Mark Skip if this visit is storage-only and you will run it on the date in the sign-off.

Test run completed per the portable OEM: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Portable oil, air filter, spark, and fuel

These lines are the portable engine only. Do not copy them onto a standby visit. Mark N/A if this property has no portable generator. Write hour and month intervals from this model's manual. Honda, Champion, and other brands do not share one schedule.

8 items
Portable oil, air filter, spark, and fuel

Engine oil level checked on a level surface

Honda EU2200i: check oil level before each use. The Oil Alert can stop the engine if oil is low. Champion 201286: check oil every 8 hours or before each use, and do not overfill. Champion: when using the dipstick on that model, do not screw it in while checking. Add only the oil the OEM lists for this engine.

Engine oil level checked on a level surface: Done, Skip, or N/A

Oil changed on the interval printed in this portable OEM

Do not use one hour number for every brand. Honda EU2200i: change oil first month or 20 hours, then every 6 months or 100 hours, whichever comes first. Champion 201286: change oil after the first 5 hours, then every 100 hours or annually, and every 50 hours or annually if the unit runs under heavy load or in hot conditions. Record hours and the date in the header. Drain warm oil and take used oil to a recycler (Honda).

Oil changed on the interval printed in this portable OEM: Done, Skip, or N/A

Air filter inspected, cleaned, or replaced

Honda EU2200i: check the air cleaner each use and clean it every 3 months or 50 hours, more often in dust. Champion 201286: clean the air filter every 50 hours or annually. Champion article: wash foam in soapy water, dry, and oil lightly if the OEM allows it. Replace a paper element. Never clean a filter in gasoline (Generac warning also applies to engine air filters).

Air filter inspected, cleaned, or replaced: Done, Skip, or N/A

Spark plug inspected, gapped, or replaced per this OEM

Honda EU2200i: check and adjust the plug every 6 months or 100 hours, replace every year or 200 hours. Champion 201286: clean or adjust the plug every 100 hours or annually. Use the gap and plug type printed for this model. Do not apply another model's gap. Disconnect and ground the plug wire before service (Champion). Cool the engine first (Honda).

Spark plug inspected, gapped, or replaced per this OEM: Done, Skip, or N/A

Spark arrester cleaned if this portable has one

Honda EU2200i: clean the spark arrester every 100 hours. Champion 201286: clean it every 100 hours or annually. Champion also: keep at least 5 feet from dry vegetation to reduce fire risk. Local fire rules may require an arrester. Mark N/A if this inverter has no serviceable arrester listed in the manual.

Spark arrester cleaned if this portable has one: Done, Skip, or N/A

Fuel fresh, ethanol within the OEM limit, stabilizer if stored

Honda EU2200i: regular unleaded, pump octane 86 or higher, ethanol no more than 10 percent. Champion 201286: same 10 percent ethanol cap. Champion: if the engine will sit more than 2 weeks, use the storage section. Their article: do not leave untreated gasoline more than about 30 days. Short-term storage in that Champion manual is up to 30 days with the fuel valve and engine switch OFF. Propane or natural-gas dual-fuel: mark gasoline lines N/A when you are not using gasoline.

Fuel fresh, ethanol within the OEM limit, stabilizer if stored: Done, Skip, or N/A

Fuel valve off and carburetor handled per the storage section

Champion 201286: fuel valve and engine switch OFF when the unit is not in use. For longer storage they tell you to drain or run the carburetor dry so gasoline does not gum. Honda: turn the engine switch and fuel-cap vent OFF before oil service to reduce leaks. Mark Skip if the unit will be used again within the OEM short-term window and fuel is already treated.

Fuel valve off and carburetor handled per the storage section: Done, Skip, or N/A

Air intake, muffler area, and cooling slots clear, no fuel or oil leaks

Champion 201286: before each use, clean around the air intake and muffler and keep vents and cooling slots open. Honda: never run in an enclosed or partly enclosed area. Look for wet fuel or oil on the tank, lines, and crankcase. Do not use a pressure washer on the unit (Champion). Stop and repair leaks before the next run.

Air intake, muffler area, and cooling slots clear, no fuel or oil leaks: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Standby enclosure, battery, and exercise

Complete these lines only for a permanently installed home standby. Mark every line N/A on a portable-only visit. Portable 20 foot placement is not this section. Oil, air filter, and spark plug service stay in the standby engine section.

7 items
Standby enclosure, battery, and exercise

Enclosure louvers clear, shrubs kept off intake and discharge

Generac 10-22 kW owner's manual, daily or before each use: inspect enclosure louvers for dirt and debris. Remove shrubs or tall grass within 3 ft (0.91 m) of intake and discharge louvers, and clean debris inside the enclosure. Their site-selection sheet: front and ends at least 3 ft including trees and bushes, rear often 18 in on SwRI-listed air-cooled units, overhead at least 5 ft. Local codes can be stricter. Compare this unit's install drawing.

Enclosure louvers clear, shrubs kept off intake and discharge: Done, Skip, or N/A

Exhaust and openings checked against this standby install drawing

Generac: exhaust is deadly CO. Keep the unit away from windows, doors, fresh-air intakes, and other openings, including an attached garage. NFPA 37 as quoted in Generac install material starts at 5 ft from an opening in a structure. Newer Generac site-selection sheets also send you to locally adopted codes for openings. The SwRI 18 in wall reduction does not apply to unprotected openings. This line is a visual compare, not a new install.

Exhaust and openings checked against this standby install drawing: Done, Skip, or N/A

Sprinklers, roof runoff, and downspouts directed off the enclosure

Generac owner's manual: inspect for water intrusion. Direct sprinklers, roof runoff, gutter downspouts, and sump discharge away from the enclosure. Site-selection sheet: do not operate in standing water. Snow or leaves must not block inlet and outlet openings.

Sprinklers, roof runoff, and downspouts directed off the enclosure: Done, Skip, or N/A

Fuel and oil lines and fittings inspected for leaks (visual)

Generac daily or before-each-use list: inspect lines and connections for fuel or oil leaks, and perform the fuel-system leak test on the annual list. If you smell gas, leave the area and call the gas supplier from outside. Do not use a flame to find a leak. Licensed gas work if a fitting weeps.

Fuel and oil lines and fittings inspected for leaks (visual): Done, Skip, or N/A

Battery condition, cables, and charger warning checked

Generac Schedule A (every 2 years or 200 hours) and the annual list: check battery condition. The 10-22 kW manual also lists electrolyte level and state of charge on some tables. Disconnect the negative cable first when you work on the battery. The integrated charger is not replaced by a generic tender unless the OEM allows it. A controller battery warning needs service. Mark N/A only if this standby has no starting battery.

Battery condition, cables, and charger warning checked: Done, Skip, or N/A

Exercise timer confirmed in AUTO (standby)

Generac 10-22 kW: in AUTO the unit exercises about 5 minutes on the day and time you set, weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Load does not transfer during exercise unless utility fails. Exercise works only in AUTO. Reset date and time if the 12 V battery or fuse was removed and Wi-Fi is not keeping the clock. This is not the portable monthly test-run line.

Exercise timer confirmed in AUTO (standby): Done, Skip, or N/A

Controller left in AUTO, lid closed, Ready status noted

Generac: after service, press AUTO, set the generator disconnect ON (closed) as the manual requires, and close and lock the lid. The green Ready light means utility is present and the panel is in AUTO. Record any Schedule A or Schedule B alert still showing. Do not leave the unit in OFF or MANUAL after a routine visit unless a technician is still on site.

Controller left in AUTO, lid closed, Ready status noted: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Standby oil, air filter, spark, and fuel

These lines are the standby engine only. Do not use Honda or Champion portable hour tables here. Mark every line N/A on a portable-only visit. Valve clearance is a dealer or proficient-mechanic task.

6 items
Standby oil, air filter, spark, and fuel

Standby engine oil level checked after a short warm-up

Generac 10-22 kW: check engine oil level daily if running continuously or before each use. Their procedure: start in AUTO or MANUAL, warm a few minutes, then check on the dipstick with the unit off as the manual shows. Low oil can shut the engine down. This is not the portable dipstick line.

Standby engine oil level checked after a short warm-up: Done, Skip, or N/A

Oil and oil filter changed on this standby OEM interval

Generac air-cooled 10-22 kW: change oil and filter after the first 25 hours. Schedule A (oil, filter, battery) every 2 years or 200 hours. In cold below 40 F (4.4 C) or continuous hot above 85 F (29.4 C), change oil and filter every year or 100 hours. After break-in they specify Generac 5W-20 gaseous engine oil. Other standby brands: use that brand's table only. Do not apply Honda 20 hour or Champion 5 hour portable break-in here.

Oil and oil filter changed on this standby OEM interval: Done, Skip, or N/A

Standby air filter replaced when the OEM calls for it

Generac Schedule B, every 4 years or 400 hours: replace the engine air filter. Emissions warranty depends on air-filter and spark-plug service on that schedule. The controller prompts Schedule A or B. Never clean the element with gasoline or low-flash detergent. Dusty sites may need earlier replacement per the dealer. Portable air-filter months stay in the portable section.

Standby air filter replaced when the OEM calls for it: Done, Skip, or N/A

Standby spark plug(s) replaced or inspected per Schedule B

Generac Schedule B (4 years or 400 hours): replace spark plug(s). The same manual says to clean and re-gap only in an emergency, otherwise replace. Use the plug and gap in this standby engine table, not a portable inverter gap. Disconnect the negative battery cable before you work on the engine.

Standby spark plug(s) replaced or inspected per Schedule B: Done, Skip, or N/A

Valve clearance inspected by a qualified technician if this engine requires it

Generac: inspect and adjust valve clearance after the first 25 hours, then on Schedule B (400 hours), except engines with hydraulic lifters (their note: not required on 14 or 18 kW 816 cc units). They call this a task for an independent authorized service dealer unless you have the tools and skill. Mark N/A if this engine has hydraulic lifters. Mark Skip if this visit is owner-only and the dealer date is in the sign-off.

Valve clearance inspected by a qualified technician if this engine requires it: Done, Skip, or N/A

Controller maintenance alert recorded or cleared after the work

Generac: the controller prompts Schedule A or Schedule B. Most alerts share two-year timing, so only one shows at a time. Clear the completed alert so the next one can display. Write the hours and which schedule you performed. Other brands: record the OEM interval that actually displayed.

Controller maintenance alert recorded or cleared after the work: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Transfer switch visual only

Look at the closed enclosure only. Do not open a live transfer switch and do not move the manual handle. Mark every line N/A if this property has no transfer switch (typical portable-only cord connection).

5 items
Transfer switch visual only

Transfer-switch enclosure closed, cover screws in place, no obvious damage

Red Cross and Generac: a building connection requires a licensed electrician and an approved transfer switch. This visit is a walk-up visual of the closed box. Dented doors, missing screws, or an open dead-front are a stop. Call a licensed electrician. Do not remove the cover.

Transfer-switch enclosure closed, cover screws in place, no obvious damage: Done, Skip, or N/A

Utility, generator, and warning labels still readable

Confirm the cabinet still shows it is a transfer switch and which source is utility versus generator. Missing labels make later service unsafe. Photograph the closed door if you need a record. Do not operate breakers you cannot identify.

Utility, generator, and warning labels still readable: Done, Skip, or N/A

No rust holes, scorch marks, or buzzing at the closed cabinet

A visual of the exterior only. Heat discoloration, a burning smell, or a loud buzz needs a licensed electrician with the utility and generator isolated. Generac: do not manually transfer under load. Disconnect all sources before any manual transfer, and that work is not this checklist.

No rust holes, scorch marks, or buzzing at the closed cabinet: Done, Skip, or N/A

No portable generator cord into a dryer or wall outlet

Red Cross: never backfeed the house by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. If you see a suicide cord or a dryer-outlet adapter, do not use it. A licensed electrician must install an approved transfer switch or interlock that meets the NEC (NFPA 70) and local rules. Generac: never connect the standby to building wiring without that switch.

No portable generator cord into a dryer or wall outlet: Done, Skip, or N/A

Any transfer, wiring, or interlock work left to a licensed electrician

This form does not test transfer under load and does not set exercise-with-transfer options. Generac liquid-cooled controllers can offer a rare loaded exercise. That is dealer programming. If the last outage failed to transfer, schedule an authorized dealer. Mark Done when you confirmed you did not open or operate the switch.

Any transfer, wiring, or interlock work left to a licensed electrician: Done, Skip, or N/A

Form details

Service log and sign-off

Write what you changed, set the next oil and service dates from this OEM, then sign. If gas piping, transfer-switch wiring, or valve clearance still needs a license, pick Licensed technician needed.

9 fields
Service log and sign-off

Use this model's table. Examples: Honda EU2200i every 6 months or 100 hours after break-in. Champion 201286 every 100 hours or annually. Generac air-cooled standby Schedule A or the year-or-100-hour cold and hot note.

Hour-meter target from the OEM, not a number copied from another brand.

Standby: dealer Schedule A or B, or the date the controller will prompt. Portable: dealer for valve clearance or fuel-tube work (Honda yearly or 200 hour dealer items, Champion 250 hour valve and 3 year fuel line).

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

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References

  1. Carbon Monoxide Information Center - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
  2. Generators and Engine-Driven Tools - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
  3. Winter storm generator and carbon monoxide safety tips - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
  4. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  5. What to Do to Protect Yourself During a Power Outage - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  6. Power Outages, generator safety - Ready.gov / FEMA
  7. Generator Safety Tips - American Red Cross
  8. 10-22 kW 60 Hz air-cooled standby generator owner's manual - Generac
  9. Site selection and clearance instruction sheet (A0005151099) - Generac
  10. EU2200i generator owner's manual (00X31Z446100) - Honda Power Equipment
  11. 3500W portable generator operator's manual (201286) - Champion Power Equipment
  12. Portable generator maintenance schedule and checklist - Champion Power Equipment

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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.