Viewing and updating firmware versions for Power Zone 200 controllers

Environment

This article applies to Generac Next Generation Series home standby generators equipped with the Power Zone 200 controller. It explains how to view firmware version information using the Field Pro app, how firmware updates are delivered, and what to check when an expected update does not complete.

• What is the Field Pro app?
• What is the Power Zone 200 controller for Generac home standby generators?

Viewing firmware version information

Once a generator has been set up in Field Pro, you can view firmware version information for the controller, engine control unit (ECU), and Connectivity Cellular Accessory.

1. Open the Field Pro app and connect to the generator via Bluetooth.
2. Tap Hardware/Firmware versions to view the installed firmware versions for the controller, ECU, and Connectivity Cellular Accessory.

Note: Firmware versions may change as Generac releases updates. An unchanged version number does not necessarily indicate a problem. The generator may already have the required firmware, or an additional update may not yet be available for that device.

How firmware is updated

Power Zone 200 firmware updates are primarily managed through Generac's firmware over-the-air (FOTA) system. This allows supported components to receive applicable firmware updates automatically when the generator meets the necessary operating and connectivity requirements.

• Automatic over-the-air updates: Firmware updates are delivered automatically when the Connectivity Cellular Accessory has an available cellular or configured Wi-Fi network connection and the generator meets the requirements for receiving updates.
• Updates through Field Pro: If a required firmware update is available when connecting to the generator via Bluetooth, Field Pro may prompt you to install the update if it has not already been applied through the over-the-air process. Follow the instructions displayed in the app.
• Offline firmware updates: When the generator does not have cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, technicians can use the Prepare for a future visit workflow in Field Pro while internet access is available, before traveling to the generator location.

To prepare for an offline visit, open Field Pro and select Prepare for a future visit from the Let's get started screen. Follow the guided preparation process before traveling to the site.

Note: The Field Pro update workflow is separate from the automatic FOTA process. Although Field Pro may prompt you to install a required firmware update, users cannot manually initiate or force a FOTA update to a specific generator.

Requirements for automatic over-the-air updates

For a Power Zone 200 generator to receive and apply an available automatic firmware update, the following conditions are required:

• Network connectivity: The Connectivity Cellular Accessory must have an active cellular connection or a configured Wi-Fi connection that is available when cellular service is unavailable.
• Service Mode: Service Mode must be OFF. Firmware updates will not execute while the generator is in Service Mode.
• Update availability: An applicable firmware update must be available for the generator or its supported components.

Note: The Connectivity Cellular Accessory normally displays a solid green LED when operating normally. If the green LED repeatedly flashes twice, the device does not have a network connection. The Power Zone 200 controller displays a blue LED when Service Mode is ON.

Troubleshooting firmware updates that do not complete

If an expected firmware update does not start, remains in progress, or does not appear to complete, perform the following checks before contacting Generac Customer Support.

1. Verify connectivity to the generator

Automatic firmware updates require a reliable network connection. Weak cellular coverage or an unavailable network connection may prevent an update from downloading or completing.

1. Check the Connectivity Cellular Accessory's status indicator light.
2. If the device repeatedly flashes twice, verify that network connectivity is available.
3. If cellular coverage is unavailable and Wi-Fi backup has already been configured, check whether the backup Wi-Fi network is available.

If the device does not have a working network connection, restore connectivity before expecting an automatic firmware update to proceed.

2. Consider configuring Wi-Fi backup

The Connectivity Cellular Accessory supports Wi-Fi as an optional backup connection. If cellular coverage becomes unavailable, the accessory can automatically connect to a previously configured Wi-Fi network.

Configuring Wi-Fi backup may help maintain connectivity when cellular coverage is unavailable and can provide an alternative network connection for automatic firmware updates.

For setup instructions, see How do I set up Wi-Fi as a backup for my Connectivity Cellular Accessory?

Note: Cellular remains the primary connection whenever cellular service is available. Wi-Fi is used only as a backup when cellular connectivity is unavailable. Configuring Wi-Fi backup does not guarantee that a pending firmware update will immediately begin.

3. Verify that Service Mode is OFF

Firmware updates will not execute while the generator is in Service Mode.

1. Check the Power Zone 200 controller for a blue status indicator, which indicates that Service Mode is ON.
2. If the generator is in Service Mode, confirm that any maintenance or service work has been completed before returning it to normal operation.
3. Follow the applicable controller instructions to exit Service Mode and restore the appropriate operating mode.

IMPORTANT: Do not take a generator out of Service Mode while maintenance or service work is being performed. Confirm that the generator can safely return to normal operation before changing its operating mode.

4. Check the update status in Field Pro

If Field Pro indicates that a firmware update is in progress, allow the update to complete before attempting additional actions.

1. Open Field Pro and return to the generator connection screen.
2. Tap Search Again periodically to refresh the generator list.
3. Check whether the generator serial number appears without the yellow warning triangle and the Firmware update in progress message.

Firmware updates typically take approximately 5 to 10 minutes when the network connection is strong. Updates may take longer when signal quality is poor.

If the Firmware update in progress message remains for more than 20 minutes, contact Generac Customer Support at 1-800-462-8352 for assistance.

5. Check whether a firmware update is available

If the generator is connected to the network, Service Mode is OFF, and no firmware update is offered, an update may not currently be available or required.

Use Hardware/Firmware versions in Field Pro to review the installed firmware information. If you have been instructed that a newer firmware version is required but it has not been applied, contact Generac Customer Support or an Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD) to determine whether additional service is necessary.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a firmware update take?

A firmware update typically takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes when the cellular signal is strong. Updates may take longer if signal quality is poor. In Field Pro, tap Search Again periodically to check the generator's update status.

If the Firmware update in progress message remains for more than 20 minutes, contact Generac Customer Support at 1-800-462-8352.

Can I force a firmware update to a specific generator?

No. Automatic firmware updates are managed by Generac's FOTA system, and users cannot manually force a FOTA update to a specific generator.

However, Field Pro may prompt you to install a required firmware update when connecting to the generator via Bluetooth. Follow the app's instructions if an update is offered.

What if my generator is in Service Mode?

Automatic firmware updates will not execute while Service Mode is ON. Once maintenance or service work is complete, return the generator to its appropriate normal operating mode using the applicable controller instructions.

What if my generator still does not update its firmware?

If an expected firmware update does not complete, verify the following:

• The Connectivity Cellular Accessory has a reliable network connection.
• Service Mode is OFF and the generator has been safely returned to normal operation.
• Field Pro does not display an update that is still in progress.
• A newer firmware version is actually required or available for the generator.

If cellular connectivity is unreliable, consider configuring Wi-Fi backup for the Connectivity Cellular Accessory. Wi-Fi backup can help maintain connectivity when cellular service is unavailable.

If the issue continues after these checks, contact Generac Customer Support at 1-800-462-8352 or an Independent Authorized Service Dealer for further diagnosis.

When requesting assistance, have the generator serial number, installed firmware versions, Connectivity Cellular Accessory status, and any displayed update messages available.

See also

• Home standby generator control panel firmware updates
• How do I set up Wi-Fi as a backup for my Connectivity Cellular Accessory?