How Generator Remote Start Works: Options and Setup

What generator remote start does

Remote start lets you begin the engine from a distance, typically with a button on a key fob or a wired switch. It is an add-on to an electric starter motor, which uses a battery to crank the engine instead of a pull cord. For details on how the starter works, see our article on electric start batteries.

Not every generator includes remote start. Many models with electric start also offer it, but you should verify the feature before buying. If you often start the generator in bad weather or in a hard-to-reach spot, remote start is a convenience worth considering. However, it is never a substitute for pulling the recoil cord if the battery is dead, so keep the battery maintained.

Wireless remote start systems

Wireless systems use a radio transmitter in a small remote. When you press the button, the receiver on the generator signals the starter to engage. The range is usually limited, so you need to be close enough for the signal to reach. Some higher-end inverter generators also let you monitor and start the unit through a smartphone app, though that is less common.

The remote and the generator must stay in communication. If the generator's battery is drained, the starter will not have power, so keep the battery charged. Check our guide to electric start generators for models that include remote start.

• Typical wireless remotes operate on a dedicated radio frequency and may have a range of tens to a few hundred feet, depending on the model.
• Some systems use a rolling code to prevent interference, but this is not universal.
• Always test the remote before you rely on it during an outage.

Wired remote start connections

Some standby generators and a few portable models use a wired remote panel. The panel is mounted inside the home or an enclosure, and a low-voltage cable runs to the generator's control module. Pressing the button on that panel closes a relay that engages the starter.

Wired systems are not dependent on radio range, but they require proper installation of the control cable. If the generator is connected to a transfer switch, the remote start may be tied to that switch. For more on transfer switches, see our guide to transfer switch types.

Using remote start safely

Remote start lets you fire up the engine from a convenient spot, but it does not change where the generator must be placed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says to never use portable generators inside homes, garages, basements, sheds, or near windows, doors, or vents. Always operate the generator outside, at least 20 feet away from any opening to the home.

Carbon monoxide from generator exhaust is deadly. The CDC recommends placing the generator more than 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents. Even with remote start, the generator still exhausts CO, so you need a working CO alarm inside the home. Read our guide to carbon monoxide safety for the full details.

Remote start can also tempt you to start the generator without walking outside to check the area first. Always make sure the generator is on a firm, level surface and that the exhaust is pointed away from the house before you press the button. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has also proposed a rule that would require portable generators to include a CO shutoff system that stops the engine when CO levels become dangerous, which can add an extra layer of protection.

Choosing a generator with remote start

Decide whether remote start is a must-have or a nice-to-have. If you mainly use the generator during outages, starting from inside can save a walk in a storm, but you still must go out to confirm fuel and ventilation. If you already have an electric start model, retrofitting a wireless remote may not be possible, so shop for it from the start.

For home standby systems, remote start is often part of the package and is usually controlled by the transfer switch. For portables, look at models that list remote start in the specs. Our best electric start generators and best portable generators with electric start can help you narrow the list.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Does remote start work when the generator is cold?

Yes, remote start works the same as pressing the start button on the generator. The electric starter will crank the engine regardless of temperature, but like any engine, a cold engine may need a few extra seconds to start. Make sure the battery is fully charged and the fuel is fresh.

Can I add remote start to a generator that doesn't have it?

In some cases, you can install an aftermarket remote start kit, but the generator must already have an electric starter. If you only have a recoil start, you cannot add remote start without the entire starting system. Check the owner's manual or consult the manufacturer before attempting any modification.

Is remote start safe to use with a CO sensor?

Yes, a remote start does not interfere with a CO sensor. However, the CO sensor only protects you if the generator is placed correctly. Even with remote start, you must keep the generator outside, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, and have a battery-operated CO alarm in your home.

How far can the remote work?

The effective range depends on the specific model and the environment. Trees, walls, and other obstacles can reduce the range. Always test the remote from the location where you plan to use it. If you need a long range, consider a wired remote panel instead.

Do I need a battery for remote start?

Yes, every remote start system relies on the generator's electric starter battery. If that battery is weak or dead, the remote start will not work. Keep the battery charged, especially during long storage periods, and replace it when it no longer holds a charge.