Overload

Overview

What 2100 / 2102 means

Too many appliances running. Generator exceeded its rated capacity.

Running too many high-draw appliances simultaneously

Central A/C compressor startup surge (2–3x running current)

Well pump or sump pump startup surge

Electric dryer, electric range, or electric water heater on the generator circuit

Generator undersized for the home's critical load panel

Short circuit or ground fault in the connected wiring

Faulty overload sensor (rare false alarm)

Step-by-step workflow

Follow the diagnostic and reset sequence

1

Go to your electrical panel and turn OFF the breakers for the largest appliances: central A/C, electric dryer, electric range, electric water heater, and well pump. This is the immediate action required to clear the overload condition.

Priority loads to keep ON: refrigerator, lights, medical equipment, internet/phone, sump pump (re-add carefully). Large loads to turn OFF immediately: central A/C (especially 3+ ton units), electric appliances with heating elements.

2

After shedding load, clear the alarm and allow the generator to cool for 2–3 minutes before restarting.

Evolution: Press OFF/Reset. Nexus: Press OFF → Enter. Wait 2–3 minutes before returning to AUTO — the overload protection circuit needs time to reset.

3

After the generator is running normally, add loads back one appliance at a time with at least 30 seconds between each to identify which combination triggers the overload.

Start with refrigerators and lights. Add the A/C last — and only if the generator is rated for it. Never start two large motor loads at the same time (e.g., A/C compressor and well pump simultaneously).

4

If the generator overloads even with minimal loads connected, check for a short circuit or ground fault in the home's wiring that may be placing a constant heavy load on the generator.

Signs of a short: circuit breaker trips immediately, burning smell, overload persists with panel breakers off. If a short is suspected, disconnect all circuits at the panel and add them back one at a time.

After reset

Did the code clear?

Yes — code cleared

The code cleared and the unit returned to standby. Log the incident, confirm ready-to-run status, and monitor the next exercise cycle.

No — code returned

If the code returns immediately, stop resetting and move into service. The issue likely needs inspection of wiring, switches, or a controller-level component.

Open a Service Ticket

Prevention

Best practices and next checks

Know Your Load Profile

Calculate your critical load panel's total draw and compare to the generator's rated kW. Keep load below 80%.

Manage A/C Carefully

Central A/C is the #1 overload cause. Consider a whole-home generator sized for A/C, or use a load shedding module.

Install a Load Shedding Module

Generac's load shedding devices automatically disconnect non-critical loads when the generator is near capacity.

Get a Maintenance Plan

A&A Power Generators can assess your load vs. generator capacity and recommend solutions. 888-991-4500

Create an Outage Load Plan

Write down which breakers to turn OFF and ON during an outage. Post it on your panel for the whole family.

Enable Mobile Link Alerts

Receive instant Overload notifications via the Generac Mobile Link app.

Get a Maintenance Plan

Let A&A Power Generators handle all preventative maintenance for your generator.

What 2100 / 2102 means

Follow the diagnostic and reset sequence

Immediately Shed Large Loads

Clear the Fault

Re-add Loads One at a Time

Check for Short Circuits

Did the code clear?

Yes — code cleared

No — code returned

Move from troubleshooting into the right support path.

Best practices and next checks

Know Your Load Profile

Manage A/C Carefully

Install a Load Shedding Module

Get a Maintenance Plan

Create an Outage Load Plan

Enable Mobile Link Alerts

Get a Maintenance Plan

A&A Power can take it from here.

Safety Information

A&A guidance on demand