Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns.
Auxiliary Shutdown: Error Code 2800
Environment
This article applies to code 2800, AUXILIARY SHUTDOWN, for Generac air-cooled home standby generators. This error is commonly seen on Guardian series generators that feature an Evolution controller.
Note: The term "error code" is used interchangeably with 'alarm code,' 'fault code,' 'fault alarm' and similar terminology. Error code applies to all such terminology.
Overview
Error Code: 2800
Alarm text: AUXILLARY SHUTDOWN
Issue: This alarm indicates that one or both auxiliary shutdown switches are in the OFF position. Also known as the "open position" |O|.
Cause: The auxiliary shutdown switch(s) can be triggered accidentally by brushing against it, during maintenance if not reset, or even by animals like squirrels.
Note: If the 2800 code fails to clear after resetting the switch or frequently returns without someone pressing it, there may be a wire-connection issue. Check the connections on the backside of the switch or contact a dealer.
This issue is easily resolved by resetting the auxiliary shutdown switch(s) and clearing the alarm. No specialized tools or expertise are needed—just ensure the switch(s) are properly reset to resume normal operation.
If issues persist after performing the checks and attempting to restart, it is strongly recommended that you contact a Generac Independent Authorized Dealer for diagnosis.
General troubleshooting steps
Generators with a single-cylinder engine will have a switch on the back of the generator, and generators with a two-cylinder engine will have a second shutdown switch inside the generator housing on the firewall panel. Both of these switches must be on or else the generator will not run.
Refer to your generator owner's manual for more information about error codes and appropriate troubleshooting steps:
The Generator will display a red light on the 3 light display on the side of the generator. The controller will also be set to the OFF position and display alternating messages on the controller screen with the text STOPPED - ALARM / ERROR CODE 2800 and STOPPED - ALARM / AUXILIARY SHUTDOWN.
The 2800 error code is an alarm code that is triggered when a generator is shut down either through the Emergency Stop button or, more commonly, through the use of the Auxiliary Shutdown switch. The Estop and Auxiliary Shut Down Switches that are located in various locations on Generac generators are emergency shut-down switches that were added to all air-cooled home standby generators around 2017 due to Fire Safety regulations that were implemented by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). These are switches that are intentionally made easily accessible, that can be used by fire department personnel in the event of a fire emergency
When flipped, the switches will prevent the generator from running, which can help prevent further complications in the event of an emergency. When these switches are triggered, Mobile Link displays the E2800 code to inform the generator owner that the switch has been triggered.
Due to the required intentional placement of these switches in highly accessible areas, these switches may be bumped or brushed accidentally causing an unintentional triggering of the auxiliary shutdown and E2800 error code.
Note: Some generator service providers may intentionally trip these switches to prevent generators that are awaiting service from running. If you suspect this to be the case, please contact your generator service provider to ensure the switch has not been intentionally triggered.
The auxiliary shutdown switch is intentionally located in an easy-to-access location to ensure Fire protection individuals are able to locate and access these switches in emergency situations. The switches are small, black, rubber-coated switches that toggle vertically and have an I (closed) on the top of the switch and an O (open) on the bottom. Depending on its engine type (single or two-cylinder), the generator may have one (1) or two (2) switches.
Most Air-Cooled Generac generators manufactured after 2017 would have an auxiliary shutdown switch located on the backside of the generator.
All two-cylinder Air-cooled Generac generators manufactured after 2017 would have an additional auxiliary shutdown switch located on the inside panel of the generator, near the Control Panel.
The E2800 error code is triggered when the Aux Shutdown switch is toggled so that the O or open side of the switch is depressed and the I or open side of the switch is raised.
50 Hz generators
For 50 Hz model generators, the switch is on the side of generator near the LED lights. To resolve the error code 2800, you will need to pull out the e-stop and then press OFF and then ENTER buttons on the control panel to clear alarm.
1. Locate the external switch on the back of the generator.
2. Ensure the Switch is in the I or Closed position.
Note: The top of the switch, which is the I or "closed" position for the switch, should be "pressed." This is the equivalent of flipping the switch "up." If the Switch is flipped "down", putting the switch in the O or "open" position, the E2800 Error is triggered and the generator will not run.
3. If applicable, locate the internal switch on the inside panel of the generator (for models with two-cylinder engines).
Note: To clear the alarm, both switches must be in the I (ON) position.
If you have a 50 Hz model unit, you will need to pull out the e-stop (item J shown below), then skip to step 5.
4. Ensure the Switch is in the I or Closed position.
Note: The top of the switch, which is the I or "closed" position for the switch, should be "pressed." This is the equivalent of flipping the switch "up." If the Switch is flipped "down", putting the switch in the O or "open" position, the E2800 Error is triggered and the generator will not run.
5. Go to the front of the generator, lift the lid, and locate the control panel on the top right side of the generator.
6. After verifying and resetting the shutdown switches, the control panel will prompt the user to clear the alarm. Press the red OFF button, then the ENTER button.
7. Next, press the green AUTO button to set the generator to automatic operation.
8. The generator is now ready to run in the event of a power outage.
