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. 

Generator exercise duration

The duration of the exercise cycle is factory set to five minutes for Guardian series and Next Generation Series generators a PowerZone 200 controller.

• For Next Generation Series generators with a PowerZone 200 controller, users with a Premium Mobile Link subscription plan can change the exercise duration.
• For Guardian series generators with Evolution or Sync controllers, exercise duration cannot be changed by the end user. 
• PowerPact (7kW) models have an exercise duration of 12 minutes.

Environment

This article applies to Generac Next Generation Series, Guardian Series, PowerPact home standby generators.

Verifying exercise is occurring

If the generator seems to be running longer than expected, confirm whether it is truly exercising or if it has detected a utility outage.

How to verify on Guardian series with an Evolution or Sync controllers

Check the generator control panel display.

• If the controller displays 'Running - Exercise', the the generator is exercising
• If the controller displays 'Running - Manual', the generator is running in Manual mode
• If the controller displays 'Running - Utility Loss', the generator is running due to utility loss

If the generator is running due to utility loss, it will continue running because it senses the home does not have utility power. When utility power is restored to the home, power will be transferred back to utility, and the generator will enter it's safe shutdown procedure.

How to verify in Mobile Link for PowerZone 200 controllers

Note: Generator exercise stops after a configured period of time. If the generator's exercise is not stopping as expected, check the generator status to verify if it's truly exercising or if it has detected an outage. If the light is blinking green, the generator is running due to utility outage. See What do the green, yellow, and red status indicator lights mean on home standby generators?

What if I want to increase my exercise duration?

Guardian series generators (Evolution I, Evolution II, and Sync 3.0 controllers)

Run the generator manually. To do a manual start, turn off the main line circuit breaker (MLCB) on the generator and press the manual button. See instructions here: How do I run my Generator in Manual Mode?

The engine will continue to run until it is switched from manual mode. If you need further assistance, please reach out to the Customer Support team. 

Be sure to follow maintenance requirements if running the generator for an extended period of time: Continuous use maintenance for home standby generators

Next Generation Series generators with a PowerZone 200 controller 

Generators with a PowerZone 200 controller allow changing the exercise duration. This feature requires a Premium Mobile Link subscription: What are the available Mobile Link subscription plans?

1. Launch the Mobile Link app.
2. Tap the Dashboard icon to view connected devices.

3. Tap the tile with the registered generator that is to be configured.

4. Swipe down and tap on Exercise Settings. 

5. Use the Exercise duration slider to adjust exercise time.

6. Tap Save.

For more information about generator exercise settings, see: How Do I Change My Generator's Exercise Schedule from Mobile Link?

What if my generator oil has a milky appearance?

Guardian series generators (Evolution I, Evolution II, and Sync 3.0 controllers)

Manually running the generator for a longer duration may allow moisture to evaporate out of the oil. See: What Would Cause My Generator Oil to Turn a Milky Color?

Next Generation Series Generators with a PowerZone 200 controller

You can adjust the exercise duration to evaporate any condensation in the oil. See instructions above.

See also

• What Does the Exercise Timer Do on a Home Standby Generator?
• How Do I Set the Scheduled Generator Exercise Date and Time?