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.  

Auxiliary Shutdown: Error Code 2800 or 2801

The 2800 error code indicates that the generator was shut down using the Emergency Stop (Estop) button or, more commonly, the Auxiliary Shutdown switch. These switches, required by NFPA fire safety regulations since 2017, are placed in accessible locations on Generac air-cooled home standby generators to allow quick shutdown during emergencies. When activated—intentionally or accidentally—they prevent the generator from running and trigger the E2800 code in Mobile Link to alert the owner.

Note: Some generator service providers may intentionally trip these switches to prevent generators that are awaiting service from running.  If you suspect this to be the case, please contact your generator service provider to ensure the switch has not been intentionally triggered.

Environment

This article applies to Generac air-cooled standby generators that have one or more emergency shutdown switches.

Note: The term "error code" is used interchangeably with 'alarm code,' 'fault code,' 'fault alarm' and similar terminology. Error code applies to all such terminology. 

Overview

• Error Code: 2800 or 2801
• Alarm Text: STOPPED - ALARM / ERROR CODE 2800 or SHUTDOWN SWITCH (2800)
• LED Indicator: Flashing red 
• Issue: This alarm indicates that one or both auxiliary shutdown switches are in the OFF position. Also known as the "open position"  |O|.       
• Cause: On Guardian-series models, the auxiliary shutdown switch(s) can be triggered accidentally by brushing against it, during maintenance if not reset, or even by animals like squirrels.
• Resolution: Depending on your generator model, this issue is easily resolved by resetting the auxiliary shutdown switch(s) and clearing the alarm. No specialized tools or expertise are needed—just ensure the switch(es) are properly reset to resume normal operation. 
  • For Guardian-series generators: Locate the switch(es) and set them to the closed ON position. Then on the control panel press the OFF button, followed by the ENTER button. Press the AUTO button to return the generator to automatic mode.
  • For Next Generation Air-Cooled Standby generators: On the control panel hold the OFF button for 3 seconds to clear the alarm. Press the AUTO button to return the generator to automatic mode.

Note: If the 2800 code fails to clear after resetting the switch or frequently returns without someone pressing it, there may be a wire-connection issue. If issues persist after performing the checks and attempting to restart, it is strongly recommended that you contact a Generac Independent Authorized Dealer for diagnosis. 

Sections

• Clearing the 2800 error on the Next Generation Air-Cooled Standby Generator
• Clearing the 2800 error on Guardian-series generators

Next Generation Air-cooled Standby Generators

These generators will usually only have one shutdown switch, unless local code requires a secondary emergency shut off switch (G0073620 ) installed near the transfer switch. The secondary switch will give a code of 2801.

Switch location

If local code requires it, a secondary shutdown switch may be installed near the transfer switch.

Resetting the switches and clearing the error 2800 code

1. If a secondary switch was installed, locate it and confirm it is also in the I or Closed position.
2. Go to the control panel on the generator. Hold the OFF button for 3 seconds to clear the alarm.
3. Press the AUTO button to return the generator to automatic operation. 

Guardian-series generators

Guardian-series Generators with a single-cylinder engine will have a switch on the back of the generator, and generators with a two-cylinder engine will have a second shutdown switch inside the generator housing on the firewall panel. Both of these switches must be on or else the generator will not run. Refer to your generator owner's manual for more information about error codes and appropriate troubleshooting steps: 

• How Do I Find a Copy of My Home Standby Generator Owner's Manual and Spec Sheets?

• For a complete list of air-cooled home standby error codes see Where can I find a list of error codes for my generator?

Video instructions

Switch locations on Guardian-series generator models

The auxiliary shutdown switch is intentionally located in an easy-to-access location to ensure fire protection individuals are able to locate and access these switches in emergency situations.  The switches are small, black, rubber-coated switches that toggle vertically and have an I (closed) on the top of the switch and an O (open) on the bottom. Depending on its engine type (single or two-cylinder), the generator may have one (1) or two (2) switches.

Most Air-Cooled Generac generators manufactured after 2017 would have an auxiliary shutdown switch located on the backside of the generator.



All two-cylinder Air-cooled Generac generators manufactured after 2017 would have an additional auxiliary shutdown switch located on the inside panel of the generator, near the Control Panel.


 

The E2800 error code is triggered when the Aux Shutdown switch is toggled so that the O or open side of the switch is depressed and the I or open side of the switch is raised.
 

50 Hz generators

For 50 Hz model generators, the switch is on the side of generator near the LED lights. To resolve the error code 2800, you will need to pull out the e-stop and then press OFF and then ENTER buttons on the control panel to clear alarm.

Resetting and Clearing Auxiliary Shutdown - Error code 2800 

1. Locate the external switch on the back of the generator.



2. Ensure the Switch is in the I or Closed position.


 

Note: The top of the switch, which is the I or "closed" position for the switch, should be "pressed."  This is the equivalent of flipping the switch "up."  If the Switch is flipped "down",  putting the switch in the O or "open" position, the E2800 Error is triggered and the generator will not run.

3. If applicable, locate the internal switch on the inside panel of the generator (for models with two-cylinder engines).

Note: To clear the alarm, both switches must be in the I (ON) position.

If you have a 50 Hz model unit, you will need to pull out the e-stop (item J shown below), then skip to step 5.



4. Ensure the Switch is in the I or Closed position.
 

Note: The top of the switch, which is the I or "closed" position for the switch, should be "pressed."  This is the equivalent of flipping the switch "up."  If the Switch is flipped "down",  putting the switch in the O or "open" position, the E2800 Error is triggered and the generator will not run.

Clear the error and set the generator back to AUTO

5. Go to the front of the generator, lift the lid, and locate the control panel on the top right side of the generator.

6. After verifying and resetting the shutdown switches, the control panel will prompt the user to clear the alarm. Press the red OFF button, then the ENTER button.

 
7. Next, press the green AUTO button to set the generator to automatic operation. 


8. The generator is now ready to run in the event of a power outage.

Still seeing the 2800 error?

If this error code persists, a service visit from your local dealer may be required. See How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area? for more information.

Other error codes

Refer to your generator owner's manual for more information about error codes and appropriate troubleshooting steps: 

• How Do I Find a Copy of My Home Standby Generator Owner's Manual and Spec Sheets?

• For a complete list of air-cooled home standby error codes, see Where can I find a list of error codes for my generator?