What is a generator exercise?

This article explains how Generac home standby generators perform scheduled exercises to test functionality and ensure proper operation. It covers exercise duration, frequency, and modes for older and newer models, including Quiet Test™ mode and load transfer options. Customers searching for “generator exercise cycle,” “exercise schedule,” “generator self-test,” “Mobile Link exercise,” or “Quiet Test mode” will find guidance on setting up, adjusting, and remotely triggering exercises to maintain reliable generator performance.

  • 8 Oct 2025
  • Knowledge

Title
What is a generator exercise?
URL Name
What-Is-a-Generator-Exercise

Public Answer

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. 

Generator exercise

A generator exercise is a short run-time with a configurable schedule. During an exercise, the unit self-starts and runs to perform internal tests and ensure proper generator function.

Environment

This article applies the Generac home standby generators.


Generator exercise facts

  • On older generator models, a transfer of loads does not occur during the exercise cycle unless utility power is lost. 
  • The exercise feature only operates when the unit is placed in auto mode.
  • An exercise can be triggered remotely if supported by your generator controller and Mobile Link subscription: Using the "Exercise Now" and "Exercise now and transfer power" commands in Mobile Link
  • Exercise duration is non-adjustable on older models, newer models allow adjusting the exercise duration: Can I Change the Exercise Cycle Duration?
    • Some previous firmware versions had a 12-minute exercise cycle. 
    • 7.5kW PowerPact will exercise weekly for 12 minutes, with no adjustments available. 
    • Guardian series generators have a nonadjustable 5-minute exercise duration.
  • Exercise frequency is adjustable: weekly, biweekly, or monthly. 
  • If monthly is selected, the day of the month must be selected from 1-28. 
  • Quiet Test™ Mode allows the unit to run at a lower speed during exercise to reduce noise and fuel consumption. Available on 10kW – 26 kW units only. 
  • Some newer generator models with the Smart Exercise™ feature allow the exercise cycle to be skipped if the generator has run shortly before the scheduled exercise. For more information, see What is Smart Exercise in Mobile Link?.


Does the generator run at a different RPM when exercising?

The generator will only run at a different RPM during exercise if Quiet Test mode is enabled. Otherwise, RPM fluctuations during exercise may be an indicator of generator overload: What Happens if the Generator Gets Overloaded?


See also
 

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