How do I view the run log on my generator's control panel?

Explains how owners of home standby generators with Evolution 1.0 or Evolution 2.0 controllers can view the Run Log and review the last 50 generator run and stop events. It also explains how the Run Log differs from the Alarm Log and Mobile Link Status History, helping customers understand outage, exercise, and manual run history.

  • Sep 11, 2026
  • Knowledge

Title
How do I view the run log on my generator's control panel?
URL Name
How-do-I-view-the-Run-Log-on-my-generator-s-control-panel

Public Answer

How do I view the Run Log on my generator's control panel?

The Run Log records recent generator run and stop events directly on the generator controller. It can help determine when and why a generator started, such as during a utility outage, scheduled exercise, or manual start.

Note: The Run Log is different from the Alarm Log. The Run Log focuses on generator run and stop activity, while the Alarm Log records generator alarms and error conditions.

Environment

This article applies to Generac home standby generators equipped with an Evolution 1.0 or Evolution 2.0 controller.

What information does the Run Log contain?

The controller stores the most recent 50 Run Log entries. Each entry includes the date and time the event occurred. Run Log entries can include:

  • Running - Utility Lost, the generator started after utility power was lost
  • Running - Exercise, the generator started for its scheduled exercise
  • Running Manual, the generator was started using Manual mode
  • Running - Remote Start, the generator received a remote-start command
  • Running - 2 Wire Start, the generator was started through a two-wire start signal
  • Stopped - Auto, the generator stopped and returned to automatic standby operation

Viewing the Run Log

1. Unlock and open the generator lid to access the control panel.
2. Press OFF. The controller should display SWITCHED TO OFF.
3. Press ESC to access the main menu.
4. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to SUB MENUS, then press ENTER.
5. Navigate to HISTORY, then press ENTER.
6. Select RUN LOG, then press ENTER.
7. Use the arrow buttons to scroll through the Run Log entries. Review the event description, date, and time for each entry.
Note: For a complete controller navigation map, see the Evolution 2.0 controller menu map. Controller menus may vary slightly depending on generator model and firmware.

Return the generator to automatic standby mode

1. Press ESC until you return to the main controller menu.
2. Return to the normal status screen, then press AUTO.
3. Confirm that the controller displays READY TO RUN and the green status LED is illuminated.

How is the Run Log different from the Alarm Log?

The Run Log records generator run and stop activity. The Alarm Log is a separate controller history that records alarm and error events. If you are troubleshooting a specific alarm or error code, see How do I check the alarm log on my generator's control panel?

How is the Run Log different from Mobile Link Status History?

The Run Log is stored locally on the generator controller and focuses on recent run and stop events. Mobile Link Status History provides a broader history of generator status information reported to Mobile Link, which can include running states, alarms, warnings, maintenance reminders, and communication events.

The two histories may not always contain identical information. The controller can record Run Log events locally even if connectivity is unavailable, while Mobile Link can only display status information that was successfully communicated from the generator.

See also

Was this article helpful?
Upload Files


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


Contact Support