Home standby generator activation

Activation is a warranty registration process that establishes documentation of ownership in the event of theft, ensures the warranty is properly assigned, and enables automatic generator operation.

Note: This process does not set up a Mobile Link account for generator monitoring. For information about setting up a Mobile Link account, see the How Do I Set up a Mobile Link Account? article. While useful, creating a Mobile Link account is not required for activation.

Environment

• Guardian series home standby generators: This article applies to Guardian series generators with Evolution controllers.
• PowerPact 7.5 kW generators
• First-time setup: This article only applies to end users seeing the first-time setup menus on the Evolution controller.

Note: Activation of the Next Generation Air-Cooled Standby Generator is performed during commissioning within the Field Pro app. See How Do I Commission a Generator in the Field Pro Application?

To activate a liquid-cooled generator with a Power Zone 410 controller, see How do I activate my liquid-cooled generator with a Power Zone 410 controller?

Activation facts

• The controller must be activated before the generator can be set to run automatically in the event of a utility power loss or for the regular exercise cycle. See What is a generator exercise? and How Do I Put My Home Standby Generator Into Auto Mode? for more information.
• Activation is a one-time process. The Evolution controller will not prompt again once activated, even if the battery, fuse, or battery charge circuit (T1) is disconnected.
• The generator can still run in manual mode without being activated.
• The 7.5 kW PowerPact activation consists of a six-button sequence using the AUTO, OFF, and SET EXERCISE buttons.
• The warranty is established at the date of successful activation for current model generators. Generators should not be activated and registered until installation and all permitting are complete. Check the warranty statement to confirm details applicable to the generator.
• Generators with onboard Wi-Fi will automatically activate once connected to Wi-Fi for the first time. See How do I connect my generator to a home Wi-Fi network? for more information.
• Adding a generator with onboard Wi-Fi to a Mobile Link account for the first time will register it for the warranty.

Note: This article applies to Generac home standby generators during first-time setup. If the generator was previously powered on and the first-time setup menus were bypassed without activation, the generator control panel will need to be reset. See the How Do I Perform a Hard Reset on a Home Standby System? article for steps to reset the generator.

Sections

• Activation for Guardian series generators (Evolution controller)
• Activation for the 7.5 kW PowerPact
• Activation for the Next Generation Air-Cooled Standby Generator (no display)

Activation process for Guardian series generators (Evolution controller)

1. Open the lid to access the generator's control panel. The display interface will launch the Install Wizard upon the first power-up of the generator.

2. Use the up or down arrows to navigate, and press ENTER to make selections.

3. Select the language.

4. Select the fuel source type. NG = natural gas. LP = liquid propane.

5. Select a Cold Smart Start option. To learn more about Cold Smart Start, see What is Cold Smart Start?

6. The activation screen will appear and request an activation code. To obtain this code, complete the activation online at Activategen.com.

Note: Guardian generators with onboard Wi-Fi will automatically activate once connected to Wi-Fi for the first time. See How do I connect my generator to a home Wi-Fi network? for more information.

7. On Activategen.com, select the country where the generator is registered, then click or tap GET STARTED.

8. Enter the generator's serial number. For help finding the generator's serial number, see Where Can I Find the Serial Number on My Air or Liquid-Cooled Standby Generator?

Note: If the serial number on the control panel display does not match the serial number on the data label, register the serial number on the data label.

9. Enter the purchase date for the generator.

10. If you are the homeowner, select Homeowner. If you are the installer, select Installer.

11. To complete the registration process and finish activation, provide the following information:

• First and last name
• Email
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Site address (must be a valid street address)
• Fuel type
• Proof of purchase (in some cases)

Note: If you are the installer, enter your information under the INSTALLER section at the top. If you are the homeowner, these fields are not required.

12. Because the activation code will be sent by email, confirm that the email address you provided is correct, then continue.

13. Because the site address is tied to the generator's registration and warranty records, confirm that the address you provided is correct, then continue.

14. You will be prompted to take a survey about your purchase. Take the survey, or click or tap SKIP SURVEY.

15. An activation code will appear on the following screen and will also be emailed to you. Enter this code into the generator control panel in the next step.

16. Using the up and down arrows and the ENTER button, enter the activation code one digit at a time. After the final digit is entered, the controller will advance to the SELECT HOUR (0-23) screen when the activation code is accepted. Follow the controller prompts to continue setup.

Note: If you see the WRONG PASSCODE message while trying to activate the generator, see Why Am I Getting a Wrong Passcode Error When Attempting to Activate My Home Standby Generator? for more information.

WARNING: All electrical checks outlined in the installation manual must be completed before placing the generator in automatic mode. Failure to complete electrical checks could result in damage to the generator and anything it may be powering. Generac strongly recommends that installation and initial start-up be performed by a Generac Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD).

17. After all required electrical checks are complete, press AUTO. Verify that the controller displays READY TO RUN and the green status LED is illuminated. The generator is now in automatic standby mode.

Activation process for the 7.5 kW PowerPact

1. Navigate to Activategen.com.

2. Complete the steps above to receive your activation code. For PowerPact generators, the activation code consists of a sequence of six button presses using the AUTO, OFF, and SET EXERCISE buttons. These buttons must be pressed in the exact sequence provided to activate the generator.

3. Begin the activation sequence by holding the OFF button for 3 seconds. All LEDs will flash twice, indicating that activation mode has begun.

Note: You now have 20 seconds to correctly enter the button sequence, or the generator will time out and not accept the activation code. If this occurs, begin the activation sequence again.

4. Enter the activation code by pressing the AUTO, OFF, and SET EXERCISE buttons in the six-press sequence provided. For example: AUTO / OFF / OFF / SET EXERCISE / SET EXERCISE / SET EXERCISE. The yellow maintenance LED will blink each time a button is pressed.

5. If the sequence is entered incorrectly, the AUTO, OFF, and MANUAL buttons will flash three times together. Return to Step 2 and continue.

6. If the sequence is entered correctly, all LEDs will scroll from bottom to top five times. The OFF button will illuminate. The activation process is complete, and the generator is ready to operate.

WARNING: All electrical checks outlined in the installation manual must be completed before placing the generator in automatic mode. Failure to complete electrical checks could result in damage to the generator and anything it may be powering. Generac strongly recommends that installation and initial start-up be performed by a Generac Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD).

Activation process for the Next Generation Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator

Activation of the Next Generation Air-Cooled Standby Generator is performed during commissioning within the Field Pro app. The Cellular Accessory must be installed first. See How Do I Commission a Generator in the Field Pro Application?

Troubleshooting

There are scenarios where the generator may not accept an activation code.

• What Can I Do If a Generator Says It Is Already Registered During Activation?
• Why Am I Getting a Wrong Passcode Error When Attempting to Activate My Home Standby Generator?
• If you continue to experience issues with generator activation, contact Generac Customer Support.