Wi-Fi-connected generator time zone behavior

Wi-Fi-connected generators are able to maintain their date and time by regularly checking an online time server. This time server detects your local time zone and applies daylight saving time adjustments as needed. Time zones are compared against Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is the base reference (UTC offset 0). If the generator cannot verify the current time zone via an online connection, it will default to UTC time.

Note: If you or your IASD are installing a generator on the West Coast, carefully review the time zone options. We recommend selecting America/Los Angeles, which is listed as America/Pacific.

Environment

This article applies to generator owners that have a Mobile Link Wi-Fi device attached to their generator. If you do not have a Mobile Link device attached to your gen, then you can manually set the time zone: How to Change the Date/Time of My Generator?

Example

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the time zone when daylight saving time is not in effect is CST, which equals UTC-5. This means 12:00 PM CST is the same as 5:00 PM UTC. If the generator fails to connect to the online time server, it will default to UTC time. As a result, an event scheduled for noon CST could occur at 7:00 AM CST, reflecting a 5-hour shift.

This time shift should automatically correct itself 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 generator's control panel. Learn more about that process here: How Can I Reboot the Generator’s Control Panel?

See also

• How do I know my time zone is set up for Mobile Link?
• Does Mobile Link update my time zone for Daylight Savings?