All Generac home standby generator systems are equipped with an automatic exercise timer. The timer schedule can be set using the control panel on some models, but the exercise duration cannot be modified. See the How Do I Set the Scheduled Generator Exercise Date and Time? article to configure the exercise time.
Evolution units can exercise weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly for either 5 minutes or 12 minutes (depending on the model) and then shuts down. PowerPact units will exercise weekly for 12 minutes. Nexus units exercise weekly for 12 minutes.
Power is not transferred to the house during exercise
There is no way to disable the exercise as it is necessary to ensure proper lubrication of vital engine parts
If the owner sets the control panel to the OFF position to disable the exercise, they risk voiding the warranty unless they manually exercise the unit
The controller records if the unit has been exercised
Quiet test mode
Some air-cooled units can run at lower RPMs during the weekly exercise cycle (Quiet Test Mode.) This helps with sound output and fuel consumption. Since the engine is not running at full speed it can sputter or run rough during exercise. This is not something to be concerned about; owners can always switch back to full-speed exercise to avoid sputtering. For more information, see the How do I set Quiet Test Mode (low speed exercise) on my generator? article.
Gas odors
Sometimes a faint gas smell may be noticeable while the unit exercises. Since the generator is not producing power during the exercise cycle some of the gas goes unburned and may be more noticeable. If the owner smells gas while the unit is shut off, or while it’s powering the home they should contact a dealer or gas company immediately.
