Auto mode for home standby generators
Home standby generators can be run in Manual or Automatic modes. In Automatic mode, the controller will:
- Turn the generator on and begin providing generator power to the house in response to an outage event.
- Signal the transfer switch to transfer back to utility power when it senses that utility power has returned.
To place a generator into Automatic mode, simply press the AUTO button located on the generator controller. More in-depth instructions are shown below.
Note: A generator must be activated in order to run in AUTO mode. See How Do I Activate My Home Standby Generator? for more information.
IMPORTANT: If you are completing maintenance or in a utility outage scenario, additional checks may be required before returning a generator to AUTO mode. See: How do I return a generator to automatic mode after service?
Environment
The procedure in this article is applicable to Generac home standby generators with Evolution or Power Zone 200 controllers. For more information, see the What is the Evolution Control Panel for Home Standby Generators? or What is the Power Zone 200 Controller for Generac home standby generators? articles.
Sections
Power Zone 200 controller
- Go to the generator and unlock the lid.
- Locate the control panel on the right side of the open generator.
- Press the AUTO button.
- Verify the generator is in AUTO mode by observing the green LED on the right side of the generator.
Note: If you do not see a green LED or you see a red, orange, or blue LED, see: What Do the Green, Yellow, and Red Status Indicator Lights Mean on Home Standby Generators?
What if I can't put it in auto mode?
Make sure your generator is not in Service mode (blue LED light on the controller): Why Can’t I Put My Generator Into Automatic Mode?
Evolution controller
- Go to the generator, unlock and raise the cover to the generator.
- Locate the control panel located on the right side of the open generator. The screen may currently display SWITCHED TO OFF. Press the AUTO button.
- The generator should return to the READY TO RUN screen.
Troubleshooting
Status not updating in Mobile Link: Mobile Link users may not see the status update immediately within the app. This information comes to the app from the controller, so the status on the controller indicates the true status of the generator. If the status does not update after a few hours, then it may be an issue with the signal. See: Why doesn't Mobile Link display the correct generator status?
Generator not starting even though utility is out: If the home currently has utility power, then the generator will not start. If the home does not have utility power, then the generator will start. If the home has utility power and the generator starts running anyway, see the While Set to "Auto" Mode, Why Would My Home Standby Generator Start Running When My Home Still Has Utility Power? article.
Generator can't be put into AUTO mode:
