Generator Fundamentals: Air-Cooled Systems (Level 1)
A hands-on, foundational training for technicians new to generators–or still early in their field experience.
This class is designed to give technicians a strong, practical foundation in air-cooled standby generators, setting them up for safe, confident service work and long-term success in the field.
This class is specifically designed for individuals with virtually zero to two years’ experience in air cooled generators.
This course is ideal for:
- Technicians new to generators
- Electricians or helpers transitioning into generator service
- Techs with 0–2 years of field experience
- Companies onboarding new service technicians
- Anyone who wants to solidify the fundamentals before advancing to higher-level training
No prior generator experience required
- Instructor-led training
- Real-world, service-focused instruction
- Clear explanations—no assumption of prior knowledge
- Designed for immediate field application
- Curriculum remains aligned with manufacturer expectations and industry best practices
This Level 1 course focuses on generator fundamentals—the “why,” “how,” and “what to look for” behind air-cooled standby generator systems.
Technicians will leave with a clear understanding of:
- How air-cooled generators operate as complete systems
- Core components and their functions
- Proper service practices and safety awareness
- How to approach diagnostics methodically—not by guessing
- How to build confidence working independently in the field
This is not advanced diagnostics.
This is foundational knowledge every generator technician needs.
This course IS:
Foundational Entry-level friendly Practical and service-oriented Ideal for early-career technicians
This course is NOT:
✘ Advanced diagnostics
✘ Manufacturer-specific deep dives
✘ Intended for senior/master-level techs
Too many technicians are expected to “figure it out in the field.”
This class:
- Reduces costly mistakes Improves service consistency
- Builds technician confidence faster
- Creates a shared baseline of knowledge across your team
- Prepares technicians for Level 2 and advanced training
It’s the training you wish every new hire had before their first solo service call.
This course serves as the first step in NEGDA’s technician training pathway.
Technicians who complete this class will be well prepared to advance into:
- Level 2 training
- Deeper diagnostic coursework
- Manufacturer-specific programs
Course Overview
The Level 1, Air-Cooled Generators course is designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills to identify, service, troubleshoot, and repair air-cooled generators, their associated controls, engines, generator ends, and residential transfer switches.
The course includes a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on practice in the lab. Students will learn through a combination of classroom presentation, case studies, and lab work, where they will apply their knowledge to real-world air-cooled generators and transfer switches.
Upon completion, students will take a written test to demonstrate their understanding.
Course Objectives:
After successful completion of the course, participants will have practical skills and theoretical knowledge to:
- Service and maintain air-cooled generators and transfer switches
- Diagnose and repair common generator and transfer switch issues
- Understand safety protocols and best practices in handling electrical and mechanical components
Course Content
Day 1:
- Safety (Classroom)
- Engines (Classroom)
- Four stroke engine theory
- Governor systems (mechanical and electronic)
- Fuel Systems (NG and LP)
- Fuel conversion
- Sensors and Switches (Classroom)
- Oil pressure switch
- High engine temperature switch
- Oil temperature sensor
- Magnetic pickups
- Emergency stops
- Relays
- Diodes
- Engine Adjustments/Testing (Labs)
- Briggs and Stratton valve lash adjustment
- Generac valve lash adjustment
- Kohler engine performance testing
- Generator End (Classroom)
- Stator
- Rotor
- Brushes
- Capacitors
- Circuit protection
- Separate excitation
- Generator testing (Lab)
Day 2:
- Controls (Classroom)
- Kohler RDC2
- Kohler SiteTech
- Generac Evolution
- Briggs & Stratton 1301/1302
- Battery chargers
- Automatic voltage regulars
- Governor controllers
- Sequence of Operations (Classroom)
- Kohler RDC2 controller replacement (Lab)
- Automatic Transfer Switches (Classroom)
- Kohler RXT
- Kohler RDT
- Generac
- Kohler RXT controller replacement (Lab)
- Transfer switch testing (Lab)
- Troubleshooting (Classroom)
Assessment
- Written Test: A comprehensive exam covering all course topics, including generator components, operation, troubleshooting, repair techniques, and transfer switch functionality.
Upcoming Trainings
April 9 & 10, 2026 | New England Generator Corp., Pembroke, MA
June 11 & 12, 2026 | RALCO Generator, Westport, MA
Registration: $300 per individual
Maximum class size of 6.
Click Here to Register
Hotel Accommodations are the responsibility of the individual company to make. NEGDA has secured a discounted room block for the April 9 & 10 training at:
Hampton by Hilton – Plymouth, MA
Rate: $139/night + tax
Room Block expires: February 22, 2026
Click here to Book the hotel directly, using our discounted room block.
Registration: $300 per individual
Maximum class size of 6.
Click Here to Register
Hotel Accommodations are the responsibility of the individual company to make. NEGDA has secured a discounted room block for the June 11 & 12 training at:
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Westport
Rate: $179/night + tax
Room Block expires: May 11, 2026