Generator control panels and locations (air-cooled and liquid-cooled)

Use this guide to identify which controller your Generac home standby generator uses and where the control panel is located on the unit. Sections are grouped by air-cooled and liquid-cooled models. Controller type and placement can vary by model family, kW rating, and production year. Always confirm with your unit’s data label and user manual. To find manuals, visit the product lookup page. For help with identification or service, contact your local dealer using the dealer locator.

Chapters

• Air-cooled standby generators
• Liquid-cooled standby generators
• Liquid-cooled Controller and model identification table

Environment

This article applies to Generac residential home standby generators. Images are representative and may vary by enclosure.

Air-cooled standby generators

Guardian (Evolution 1.0)

Most Guardian series models from approximately 2013–2017 use the Evolution 1.0 controller. The controller panel is mounted under the lid at the front of the enclosure. For an overview, see What is the Evolution controller?

Location: under lid, front panel (exterior access).

Guardian (Evolution 2.0)

Most Guardian series models from approximately 2017–present use the Evolution 2.0 controller. For feature and menu details, see Evolution 2.0 controller menu map and Evolution controller overview.

Location: under lid, front panel (exterior access).

Next Gen air-cooled (Power Zone 200)

Next Generation air-cooled models use the Power Zone 200 controller (replaces Evolution 2.0 on Next Gen Guardian). See What’s new about the Next Generation standby generator? and What is the Power Zone 200 controller?

Location: under lid, front panel (keypad without display).

Nexus and Pre-Nexus

Air-cooled home standby models manufactured circa 2010–2013 typically use the Nexus controller; models before ~2010 are considered Pre-Nexus. See The Nexus and Pre-Nexus Control Panels and Nexus controller menu map.

Location: under lid, front panel.

PowerPact 7.5 kW (PowerPact/CorePower controller)

The 7.5 kW PowerPact uses a simplified controller (no LCD) with basic buttons and indicators. For details, see Operating the Controller on the 7.5 kW PowerPact and What is the PowerPact or Core Power Control Panel?

Location: behind the small front access door.

Liquid-cooled standby generators

XG Series — Power Zone 410 controller

All XG series liquid-cooled generators use the Power Zone 410 controller. The controller is located on the exterior of the unit. For an overview, see What is the Power Zone 410 controller?

RA Diesel Series — Power Zone 410 controller

RA series diesel models use the Power Zone 410 controller. The controller is located inside the generator behind the access door of the unit. Only the circuit breaker is behind the exterior flip up cover. This is in contrast to the RD series that uses the same flip up cover. For an overview, see What is the Power Zone 410 controller?

RD Diesel Series — Evolution controller

RD Diesel series models use the Evolution controller. The controller is located on the exterior of the unit. For an overview, see What is the Evolution controller?

RG Series (80 kW and smaller) — Evolution controller

On RG series units rated 80 kW and smaller, the Evolution controller is on the outside of the unit. For an overview, see What is the Evolution controller?

RG Series (100 kW only) — Evolution controller

On RG series units rated 100 kW only, the Evolution controller is located inside the generator behind the access door of the unit. For an overview, see What is the Evolution controller?

QT Series — Nexus controller

On QT series generators, the Nexus controller is located inside the unit. See The Nexus and Pre-Nexus Control Panels and Nexus controller menu map.

Controller and model identification table

Note: This table is not guaranteed to be complete or up to date. Controllers can vary by production year and specific model. Always reference your unit’s user manual to verify the controller present, or use the product lookup page.

Related articles

• What is the Evolution controller?
• Evolution 2.0 controller menu map
• What is the Power Zone 200 controller?
• The Nexus and Pre-Nexus Control Panels
• Nexus controller menu map
• Operating the Controller on the 7.5 kW PowerPact
• What is the PowerPact or Core Power Control Panel?