Wi-Fi-connected generator time zone behavior
Wi-Fi-connected generators maintain the current date and time by regularly checking an online time server. The server detects the local time zone and applies daylight saving time adjustments as needed. The generator references Coordinated Universal Time (UTC, offset 0) to determine the local time. If the generator cannot verify the time zone via an online connection, it defaults to UTC.
Note: When installing a generator on the West Coast, it is important to review the time zone options carefully. Selecting America/Los Angeles, listed as America/Pacific, is recommended.
Environment
This information applies to Guardian Series generators equipped with an onboard Mobile Link Wi-Fi device. For more details on Mobile Link devices, see the Mobile Link Wi-Fi, Cellular, and LTE device compatibility guide. Generators without a Mobile Link device require manual time zone configuration, explained in How to Change the Date/Time of My Generator?.
Example
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the time zone outside daylight saving is CST (UTC-5). This means 12:00 PM CST corresponds to 5:00 PM UTC. If the generator cannot connect to the online time server, it defaults to UTC, potentially causing a scheduled event to shift by several hours.
This shift will automatically correct the next time the generator connects to the online time server.
Note: The generator can be forced to check the time server by rebooting the control panel. Instructions are provided in How do I perform a hard reset on a home standby system?
See also
