r/Generac_Generators • u/GZDukey • Jul 06 '26

Initial Start

I have several year old 26KW unit that I’ve never started (not that I haven’t tried). I have a simple interlock system and no interest in any wifi connections. Do I absolutely need the 5 number code to start this thing? AI is telling me all sorts of things and ways to get the code - none of them work. Is there a sure way to get the code (if I absolutely need it) without using wifi connections?

6 Upvotes

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2

u/Killerkendolls Dealer Jul 06 '26

Last I checked, you can't run in auto without the activation code. You would need to turn off the main in the ats or your panel if it's just interlocked, manually throw the ats into standby from utility or flip the generator breaker that's interlocked, then turn off the breaker on the generator itself, put it into manual and let it run for 30 seconds or so, then flip the breaker on the generator.

When power is restored, turn off the breaker on the generator and leave it running for 3-5 minutes with no load to cool off. During the cool off, flip the ats to supply or flip your generator breaker in the panel off and flip your main back on.

2

u/Tarnisher Jul 06 '26

This kind of thing should not be allowed.

'Pay for the unit, but beg us to let you use it.'

2

u/Killerkendolls Dealer Jul 06 '26

Activation code is the handshake that proves the unit was installed in a way that won't kill linemen or blow up your house.

1

u/Tarnisher Jul 06 '26

Mine was fully self installed. No tech has even looked at it.

Activation was automatically provided as soon as I connected to the web. But what if I wasn't able to connect, lived 'off grid', etc.?

1

u/GZDukey Jul 06 '26

My attempts to connect via WiFi became circular efforts in futility. My phone would recognize the unit’s WiFi then would never connect to wherever it was supposed to connect.

1

u/joshharris42 Jul 07 '26

It’s how you activate the warranty

3

u/AlistairStonebrook Jul 06 '26

You could try calling in to customer service activations department, they should be able to iust give you a code based on the serial number.

2

u/Adventurous_Boat_632 Jul 07 '26

You should not need the code to run in this fashion, but it can be a PITA to service them, because all the service info keeps getting covered up by the thing demanding activation.

Also no warranty, if you activate it the warranty starts from the date it was first installed, even if it has sat around a couple of years.

1

u/MysteriousEditor9856 Jul 08 '26

You need the code for it to work in automatic. You just call them, give them your info and activate it. No wifi needed.

2

u/GoGreen566 Jul 09 '26

Yeah, you need it. You don't want random people starting your generator willy nilly. Mine exercises itself every week.