Home standby generator activation
Activation is a registration process that establishes documentation of ownership in the event of theft, ensures the warranty is properly assigned, and enables connectivity features.
Note: This process does not set up a Mobile Link account for generator monitoring. For information about setting up a Mobile Link account, see the How Do I Set up a Mobile Link Account? article. While useful, creating a mobile link account is not required for activation.
Activation facts
- The controller must be activated before the generator can be set to run automatically in the event of a utility power loss.
- This is a one-time process. The controller will NOT prompt again once activated, even if the battery, fuse, or battery charge circuit (T1) is disconnected.
- The generator can still run in manual mode without being activated.
- The 7.5kW PowerPact activation consists of a 6-button sequence using the auto, off, and set exercise buttons.
- The warranty is established at the date of successful activation.
- If the generator has already been registered online at Activategen.com, the generator will automatically activate when connected to Wi-Fi. See How Do I Connect My Generator to a WI-FI Network? for instructions to connect a generator to a Wi-Fi network.
Environment
This article applies to Generac home standby generators during first-time setup. If the generator was previously powered on and the first-time setup menus were bypassed without activation, then the generator controller will need to be reset. See the How Do I Perform a Hard Reset on a Home Standby System? article for steps to reset the generator.
Activation process (non-PowerPact units)
Open the lid to access the generator's control panel. The display interface will launch the Install Wizard upon the first power-up of the generator.
Use the up or down arrows to navigate, and press ENTER to make selections.
1. Select the language.
2. Select the fuel source type. NG = natural gas, LP = liquid propane.
3. Select a cold smart start option. To learn more about cold smart start, see here: What is Cold Smart Start?
4. The activation screen will now appear requesting an activation code. To obtain this code, complete the activation online by navigating to Activategen.com.
Note: If the generator has already been registered online at Activategen.com, the generator will automatically activate when connected to Wi-Fi. See How Do I Connect My Generator to a WI-FI Network? for instructions to connect a generator to a Wi-Fi network.
Alternatively, generator owners and technicians can call 888-922-8482 to obtain a 5-digit numerical activation code.
5. If owner, make sure to select "Yes, I am the owner of this unit." If installer, select "No, I am installing the unit for the owner."
6. To complete the registration process and finish activation, provide the following information:
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- First & Last Name
- Mailing Address
- Country
- City
- State/Province
- Postal (zip) code
- Phone Number
- Owner E-mail Address
- Site Address (If same as above, check the "Use Owner Address" box.)
- Fuel Type
- Proof of purchase (in some cases)
Note: If you are the installer, enter your information under the "INSTALLER" section at the top. If you are the owner, these fields are not required.
Note: If the serial number on the control panel display does not match the serial number on the data label, register the serial number on the data label.
7. After entering this information, click next. You will then receive an email with the 5-digit activation code.
8. Enter the activation code into the control panel and press enter. The activation process has been performed successfully, and the generator is ready to operate.
WARNING: All electrical checks outlined in the installation manual must be completed before placing the unit in automatic mode. Failure to complete electrical checks could result in damage to the generator and anything it may be powering. We strongly recommend installation and initial start-up be performed by an independent authorized service dealer (IASD).
7.5kW PowerPact activation
1. Navigate to Activategen.com.
2. Complete steps 5 and 6 from above to receive your activation code. For PowerPact units, the activation code consists of a sequence of six (6) button presses using the AUTO, OFF and SET EXERCISE buttons. These buttons must be pressed in the exact and correct sequence in order to activate the generator.
3. Begin by holding the OFF button for 3 seconds. All the LEDs will flash twice, indicating that activation mode has begun.
Note: You now have 20 seconds to correctly enter the press sequence, or the unit will "time out" and not accept the activation code. If this occurs, you must begin the activation sequence again.
4. Enter the activation code by pressing the AUTO, OFF and SET EXERCISE buttons in the 6-press sequence you were given. (Example: AUTO / OFF/ OFF/ SET EXERCISE / SET EXERCISE / SET EXERCISE). The yellow maintenance LED will blink each time a button is pressed.
5. If the sequence is incorrectly entered, the AUTO / OFF / MANUAL buttons will flash 3 times together. Return to Step 2 and continue.
6. If the sequence is correctly entered, all the LEDs will scroll from bottom to top 5 times. The OFF button will light. The activation process has been performed successfully, and the generator is ready to operate.
WARNING: All electrical checks outlined in the installation manual must be completed before placing the unit in automatic mode. Failure to complete electrical checks could result in damage to the generator and anything it may be powering. We strongly recommend installation and intial start-up be performed by an independent authorized service dealer.
Troubleshooting
There are some scenarios where the system may not accept an activation code. See below for further assistance.
