Generac 0043902

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20120120-C21E5-2147471126. Severity: Incident, No Injury. Product: Generac 0043902 (Model 0043902; Placed in service Sept 29,2005 Regular yearly service (oil, filter, battery check, etc.) Previous battery failure, one transfer switch replacement required.). Incident: Home Standby generator made by Genrac Power Systems installed at time of house construction and maintained on yearly Service Contract. Date Placed in Service: September 29, 2005 Model Number: 0043902 Serial Number: 3905863 Starting Battery: installed by service technician - maintenance free battery. Yesterday, generator failed to start when there was a residential power failure. Inspection demonstrated that the starting battery had exploded. Generator enclosure prevented the various bits of battery shrapnel and acid from causing injury. Ambient temperature was about 33 degrees F. A cursory internet search reveals that this appears to be a common problem reported with these units. Internet forums theorize that the charging voltage is excessive for the suggested battery type. Many have reportedly jerry-rigged their generators to alternative charging methods to prevent battery explosions. The company does not have a solution or recall or response on their website/forms. Please see: http://www.zillerelectric.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135&page=3 http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=16324 http://www.zillerelectric.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1504 http://www.saferproducts.gov/ViewIncident/1195204