Troubleshooting a Generator Remote Control

A generator remote control is a device that is becoming used more and more as generators become more advanced. A generator backups normal electricity. They're incredibly helpful during storms that knockout your service. The generator remote control allows you to start the generator without leaving the house.

Some generators won't work correctly without the remote control unit as they become more dependent on them. If the generator remote control is failing to work properly then the following information will help you troubleshoot the problem.

Check the Batteries

This may be the most obvious problem with a generator remote control but many people just do not think about it. The first thing to do is to check that there are actually batteries in the remote control. They can fall out if the unit drops to the floor and someone just neglects to put them back in but other times you may just neglect putting them in because the remote is used so infrequently. Batteries can also be dead or reversed inside the unit.

The IR Unit

The generator remote control works in the same manner as a normal remote control as you would find with a normal television remote. That translates in to using an infrared device. Infrared light bounces off of objects until it reaches the receiver. This is great unless the IR receiver is blocked or dirty. Make sure that nothing is directly in front of the infrared receiver on the generator. You should also clean the plastic covering the IR sensor and the receiver. Hopefully this will solve the issue you are having with the generator remote control unit.

Corrosive Contacts

If batteries begin to leak they can start to corrode the contacts which will prevent the batteries from providing power to the remote control unit. Remove the battery cover and the batteries and look for signs of corrosion. This can be the smell of sulfur but can also be a green or yellow tint. There is a simple cure.

You will want to dispose of the batteries in the unit and get a fresh set. Take the generator remote control apart and locate all points of corrosion. Use a plain white eraser and scrub the metal contacts vigorously. This will literally erase the corrosion and shine the contact points. Apply a small amount of alcohol to a cotton swab and wipe down the contacts as well as the circuit board.

Fluorescent Lighting

If the generator remote control unit you are using is anywhere near a fluorescent light then that can actually be the problem you are having with the remote. Since the remote control uses infrared the fluorescent light can erode, degrade and completely saturate the signal. When this happens it will never reach its destination point. The simple fix to this problem is make sure the fluorescent light is turned off or completely removed from the room.

Distance

Distance is always a factor when using a remote control unit. Make sure the generator remote control is no more than a room or two away from the receiver.