How Do I Set the Scheduled Generator Exercise Date and Time?

On recent models, the exercise date and time can be set from the control panel using the arrow buttons, or by using the Mobile Link app. For older generator models, the exercise date and time are set by pressing and holding the "Set Exercise" button for 10 seconds. This will set the exercise time to occur weekly at the time that the button was pressed.

  • Jun 12, 2026
  • Knowledge

Title
How Do I Set the Scheduled Generator Exercise Date and Time?
URL Name
How-Do-I-Set-the-Scheduled-Generator-Exercise-Date-and-Time

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. 

Setting the exercise date and time

Generator models with an Evolution I or II controller can set the exercise time from the control board display by using the Edit Screen or from the Mobile Link app or website. Newer generator models with the Power Zone 200 controller that do not have a display will set their exercise schedule using the Mobile Link app.


Environment

This article applies to Generac air-cooled and liquid-cooled home standby generators with an Evolution controller. See What is the Evolution Control Panel for Home Standby Generators? for more information.

Note: If your generator is newer and has the Power Zone 200 controller (no display), then exercise configurations are done in the Mobile Link app. See: How Do I Change My Generator's Exercise Schedule from Mobile Link?

Set the exercise time on Next Gen / Power Zone 200 generators

Generators equipped with the Power Zone 200 controller use the Mobile Link app to configure exercise schedules. See the How Do I Change My Generator's Exercise Schedule from Mobile Link? article for instructions.

Set the exercise time using the Mobile Link app

The Evolution controller supports configuring exercise settings on the display and also within the Mobile Link app. See the How Do I Change My Generator's Exercise Schedule from Mobile Link? article for more information.

Set the exercise time using the Evolution control panel

Video Instructions

These video instructions apply to generators with an Evolution control panel. If your generator is newer and does not have a display, see the note in the Environment section above.



Written instructions

If using the control board, users can select the date and time using the up and down arrow keys.

Note: If you're not seeing the menu options as listed below or in the video, press ESC multiple times until you get to the top of the menu tree.
1. Press OFF.
2. Press ESC.
3. Arrow down to the Sub Menus and press Enter.
4. Arrow to the Edit menu and press Enter.
5. Arrow to the Exercise Time. Below the Exercise Time text, the screen will display the currently set exercise date and time (for example: 10:30 THU WEEKLY means the generator will exercise at 10:30 AM every Thursday on a weekly basis). To modify the exercise date and time, press Enter.
6. Set the frequency using the arrow keys, then press Enter. Note that run duration (the time the generator exercise runs for) cannot be modified.
 
Note: Owners can also choose to enable Quiet Test Mode in this menu if the generator supports this mode.

7. Set the hour and minute using the arrow keys, then press Enter.
 
Note: The generator time and exercise time are in military time. If users would like the generator to exercise at 1 PM, they should set the exercise for 1300 hours, 2 PM = 1400 hours, etc.

8. Set the day using the arrow keys, then press Enter.
9. To return to the home screen, press the Escape key and select the System option.
10. Press the Auto button to put the unit back into Auto mode.
 

Legacy products & PowerPact (7.5 kW)

The Core Power System, PowerPact (7.5 kW), or any older analog control board can be set by pressing and holding the Set Exercise button for 10 seconds or until the generator starts. The unit will exercise weekly on that day and time each week. The exercise time can be reset by disconnecting the battery or by holding the button again at the desired date and time. If all lights are flashing at the same time, the exercise timer needs to be set.

Note: If the unit has been programmed for two wire/remote start the exercise function will be disabled.
Was this article helpful?
Upload Files


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


Contact Support