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 Support at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns. 

Wi-Fi/ Ethernet device installation

Owners of compatible Generac Home Standby generators can have the Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet device installed to connect the generator to their home network to deliver generator information via the Mobile Link app. This allows users to remotely monitor their generator. See What are the available Mobile Link subscription plans? for more information. 

Environment

This article applies to the installation of the Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet connectivity device on air-cooled Generac generators only.  

Discontinued Notice: This device is discontinued. Upgrading to the Connectivity Cellular Accessory is recommended for users who wish to add connectivity to their generator OR for users experiencing ongoing connectivity issues. It is compatible with more generators, and uses multiple carrier networks to offer greater coverage. Basic (free) and Premium cellular plans are available for users of this device. See here to upgrade: Connectivity Cellular Accessory.  

Connectivity requirements 

Before purchasing a subscription, homeowners should ensure that their generator has a reliable cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Refunds are not available for issues caused by poor connectivity. A Mobile Link device is required. For details, see the Mobile Link Wi-Fi, Cellular, and LTE device compatibility guide. 

Wi-Fi requirements: 

• A dedicated 2.4GHz network that supports 802.11b/g/n protocols is required. For more information, see  Is My Wi-Fi Network Compatible With Mobile Link?
• 5 GHz or dual-band networks are not supported.
• Setting up a separate SSID for your 2.4 GHz network is strongly recommended to maintain a stable connection.

How can I check if my generator supports this device?

To determine your generator's compatibility with the Wi-Fi/Ethernet connectivity device, see Which generator controllers are compatible with Wi-Fi or LTE cellular Mobile Link connectivity devices?. 

Where can I purchase a Mobile Link Connectivity Device?

For up-to-date information on currently available Mobile Link connectivity devices, see Which generator controllers are compatible with Wi-Fi or LTE cellular Mobile Link connectivity devices?

Can I install this myself?

For safety reasons, the manufacturer requires that this equipment be initially installed by an IASD or another competent, qualified electrician or installation technician who is familiar with applicable codes, standards, and regulations. The operator also must comply with all such codes, standards, and regulations. This installation generally requires the simple replacement of the assembly with a new unit, which can typically be performed by the generator owner.  

If an end user is not comfortable or qualified to install the device, they can contact their local dealer to schedule a visit.

This article will include:

• Wi-Fi requirements
• Verify operation of the generator
• Disable the onboard Wi-Fi
• Set the generator's Main Line Circuit Breaker to OFF (OPEN)
• Install the Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet Device
  • Prepare the generator (new installations)
  • Prepare the generator (equipped with an existing Mobile Link connectivity device)
  • Connecting the Mobile Link Device
  • Continue the installation process
  • Finish installation (new Mobile Link Connectivity Device installations)
• Complete the installation process (for all Mobile Link Connectivity device installations)
• Finish Mobile Link setup
• Struggling to connect? Cellular option

Verify operation of the generator

Verify the generator is operating and performing properly before installing the Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet device on the generator.

Disable the onboard Wi-Fi

Guardian series 10 kW to 26 kW, manufactured after 2018, that feature an Evolution 2.0 (or Sync 3.0) controller, are equipped with a Wi-Fi module on the rear panel. Onboard Wi-Fi functionality (if enabled) must be disabled before installing a Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet connectivity device. Proceed as follows to disable the onboard Wi-Fi:

1. Open the generator's lid. Press OFF and then ESCAPE to access the control panel's main menu.

2. Use the up and down arrows to select SUB MENUS and press ENTER.

3. Toggle to EDIT and press enter.

4. Press the up arrow once until the screen displays WIFI ENABLE. Toggle to No and then press ENTER.

4. After disabling Wi-Fi, the control panel will prompt the user to SELECT HOUR (0-23). Use the up and down arrows and ENTER buttons to set the current time and date in military time.

5. Press ESCAPE to return to the default controller display.

Set the generator's main line circuit breaker to OFF (OPEN) 

Depending on the generator model, the main line circuit breaker is located either in an external breaker box (A), or internally near the controller (B). 

 1. Turn the Main Line Circuit Breaker to OFF (OPEN).

Note: With the Main Line Circuit Breaker in the OFF (OPEN) position, the generator will be unable to send power to the house. This step is required as a safety measure during the following installation process. It will need to be returned to the ON position at the end of the installation in order for the generator to function properly during an outage.

Install the Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet Device

Prepare the generator (new installations)

1. Unlock both locks, open the generator lid, and remove the front panel.
2. If the generator is equipped with an internal breaker near the controller, remove the end panel from the right side. Otherwise, proceed to Step 3.


3. Turn the generator OFF. Remove the generator control panel fuse.

Note: There are different control panel configurations for various model years.

4. Turn the main utility disconnect breaker in the home’s electrical panel to OFF (OPEN).

Note: With the main utility disconnect breaker in the home's electrical panel set to OFF (OPEN), the 120V T1 terminal mentioned in the following step should no longer be energized. This step is required as a safety measure during the following installation process. 

Warning: Generac does NOT recommend end users attempt to modify or service internal generator wiring or attempt to service the transfer switch: How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?  

5. Using an appropriate fuse puller, remove the T1 fuse from the transfer switch.
6. Disconnect the negative (–) battery cable, then the positive (+) battery cable.
7. If the generator is equipped with an external breaker box, remove the controller's sheet metal cover and fasteners.

Note: 2013 and later models have a pre-positioned dimple on the end panel. The dimple marks the center of the mounting hole to be drilled.

8. Inspect the area behind the external breaker box to verify all wires are moved out of the way to prevent damage during drilling.

Note: Models equipped with an internal breaker mounted near the controller will already have the end panel removed at this point. Carefully place the end panel face up on a clean, smooth, flat surface to avoid damaging the paint.

9. Drill a 1-1/8 in (29 mm) diameter hole with the dimple as the center point.

10. Proceed to the Connecting the Mobile Link Unit section.

Prepare the generator (equipped with an existing Mobile Link connectivity device)  

1. Unlock both locks, open the generator lid, and remove the front panel.
2. If the generator is equipped with an internal breaker near the controller, remove the end panel from the right side. Otherwise, proceed to Step 3.



3. Turn the generator OFF. Remove the generator control panel fuse (7.5 amp generator control panel fuse).

Note: There are different controller configurations for various model years.

4. Set the main utility disconnect breaker in the home’s electrical panel to OFF (OPEN).

Note: With the main utility disconnect breaker in the home's electrical panel set to OFF (OPEN), the 120V T1 terminal mentioned in the following step should no longer be energized. This step is required as a safety measure during the following installation process. 

Warning: Generac does NOT recommend end users attempt to modify or service internal generator wiring or attempt to service the transfer switch: How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?  

5. Using an appropriate fuse puller, remove the T1 fuse from the transfer switch.
6. Disconnect the negative (–) battery cable, then the positive (+) battery cable.
7. Disconnect the onboard Wi-Fi module's wire harness from port 1 on the underside of the generator's control panel.

Connect the New Mobile Link Device 

1. Push the threaded end of the Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet device from the controller end panel from the inside. Only the threads should show from the outside of the enclosure.


2. Tighten supplied PVC nut over the exposed threaded portion of the unit and tighten firmly.
3. Thread the antenna into Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet device. Rotate the antenna clockwise until secure. Position the device with the antenna pointing up.

Note: Do not overtighten the antenna. Hand tighten only.

4. Insert the six-pin harness connector from Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet device into the mating connector of the wiring harness. The connector will only fit one way. DO NOT force into place.
5. With the connector installed, tighten the plastic fitting to secure Wi-Fi/Ethernet unit until tight and the device is secured to the end panel. Align the antenna vertically.

Note: Hold the Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet device firmly and tighten the nut during installation to avoid damage to the unit wiring harness

6. Route the wire harness to the back side of the controller. Wherever possible, bundle the harness with other wire looms to provide additional support.

Continue the installation process

• If this is a new installation, proceed to Step 7.
• If this is a retrofit installation, proceed to the Complete the installation process (for all Mobile Link Connectivity device installations) section. 

Finish the installation (new Mobile Link Connectivity

7. (New installations only): Locate accessory port. The accessory port is an eight-pin connector on the underside of the controller. On models equipped with an external breaker box, lift the controller to gain access to the accessory plug location.

Note: If there is a decal labeled "Port 1" or "Accessory Part 1, " remove the decal to locate the port.

8. Install the eight-pin connector harness into the open socket on the controller. 

Note: The connector will only fit one way. DO NOT force. 

9. For units equipped with Evolution 1.0 controllers or earlier: See Figure 4-10. Loosen and remove nuts from both positive (+) and negative (—) battery terminal screws on battery cables. Slide harness power wires over battery terminal screws and replace nuts. Tighten securely.


10. Connect battery cables. Connect the positive battery cable first, then the negative battery cable.
 

Complete the installation process (for all Mobile Link Connectivity Device installations)

1. Install the end panel, controller, or sheet metal controller cover. Install and tighten retaining fasteners.
2. Verify generator is OFF.
3. Install generator controller fuse.
4. Install Tl fuse into the transfer switch using an appropriate fuse puller.
5. Turn the main breaker in the home electrical panel to ON. On the generator control panel, follow the installation wizard and validate the correct date, time, etc.
6. Place the generator in AUTO.
7.  Set the Mail Line Circuit Breaker to ON (CLOSED). 

Note: All of these steps are required for the generator to run in automatic mode and properly power the home during an outage.

Finish the Mobile Link setup 

Connect the newly installed Wi-Fi/Ethernet device to a network, add the generator to a Mobile Link account (as needed), and monitor the generator. 

See the following articles for more information:

• Connecting the Wi-Fi/Ethernet Mobile Link device to your home network
• How do I add a new generator to my Mobile Link account?
• Full Mobile Link account setup and device enrollment process

Struggling to connect or stay connected?

Meeting the network requirements outlined in this article will resolve most connectivity issues. However, upgrading to the Connectivity Cellular Accessory is recommended for users who wish to add connectivity to their generator OR for users experiencing ongoing connectivity issues. It is compatible with more generators, and uses multiple carrier networks to offer greater coverage. Basic (free) and Premium cellular plans are available for users of this device. See here to upgrade: Connectivity Cellular Accessory.