How Do I Perform a Hard Reset on a Home Standby System?

Performing a home standby hard reset involves removing all power sources to the control panel. This procedure is often done to clear alarm codes and other persistent errors.

  • Mar 2, 2026
  • Knowledge

Title
How Do I Perform a Hard Reset on a Home Standby System?
URL Name
How-Do-I-Perform-a-Hard-Reset-on-a-Home-Standby-System

Public Content

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. 

Performing a hard reset on a home standby generator system

The process of performing a hard reset on a Generac home standby generator removes all power from the generator's control panel. Performing a hard reset may help resolve temporary control panel errors and issues. 

Note: Error codes usually do not require a hard reset to clear. See the How Do I Clear an Error or Alarm Code On My Home Standby Generator? article for more information.

 

Environment

This article applies to:

Note: The hard reset process is the same for Guardian series and Next Generation series generators. The only difference is the style and appearance of the control panel.


A hard reset may resolve these symptoms:

  • A controller with a blank display
  • An unresponsive controller
  • A Controller Displaying A “Not Activated” message
  • An alarm that does not clear
  • A controller displaying unintelligible characters or symbols
  • “Model Ident Problem – Fix Harness Resistor” messages

Other error codes indicate that an issue is present with the generator that must be resolved before the error code will clear. For a full list of error codes and troubleshooting, see the Where can I find a list of error codes for my generator? article.


Hard reset procedure for air-cooled generators

This process may power off all devices in your home when flipping the main disconnect switch. If you are not comfortable following this procedure, reach out to a local Generac certified technician. See the How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area? article for more information.


Video Instructions (Guardian series)


 

Hard reset written instructions

1. Turn the generator control panel to the OFF position.
 Guardian Series     
 
Next Generation Series
Power Zone 410 Series

                                              
 

2. Lift the rubber flap and remove the 7.5 amp fuse from the controller.
 Guardian Series       
Next Generation Series
 
Power Zone 410 series

                                            
 
3. Remove the generator side panel: How Do I Remove the Generator Side Panel? 
Note: Side panel removal varies for Liquid-cooled Power Zone 410 units. Reference your model's user manual or contact an IASD for assistance.
 
4. Disconnect the battery starting with the black negative (-) cable first, then the red positive (+) cable. See below for a typical battery installation for each generator series.
 Guardian Series       
Next Generation Series
                       

5. Locate the service disconnect and turn it to the OFF position. 
Note: the location and appearance of the utility service disconnect will depend on the home's electrical system:

1. If the home has a service entrance rated automatic transfer switch, the utility service disconnect will be found there. (see fig. 1 below)

2. If the home has a non-service entrance rated automatic transfer switch, the utility service disconnect will be found on the home's electrical panel (fig. 2) or a stand-alone box (see fig. 3 below- image may not be an exact representation of your home's standalone box).

fig.1         

     

fig. 2       

      

fig. 3  

   

                                                                                                                     


6. Then, in this order: connect the battery starting with the red positive (+) cable first, then the black negative (-) cable last. Replace the controller 7.5A fuse, and the Install Wizard should appear (Evolution and Power Zone 410 controllers only). Lastly, turn the service disconnect breaker back to the ON position. The hard reset is now complete.
Note: Next generation generators will not go through the install wizard.

 

If issues persist, contact a local Generac certified technician to further troubleshoot the error message or controller issue. See the How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area? article for more information.

 

Was this article helpful?
Upload Files


Need more help? Get in touch with our support team.


Contact Support