Generator install - where to start

[edgarrian]

We have a generac whole house generator. We built in 2015 and the HVAC company we used had just gotten a big shipment of generators in. So we took advantage. I believe it was 5k for everything. The unit and install. If you go on generacs. They have a dealer locator. I maintain my own. Super easy to do. I just changed my battery 2 years ago. I have it set to fire up once a week for 10 minutes.

the last time the unit came in handy. Is when we had my wife's 50th birthday party. We lost power for the whole party. It was hot out so thank goodness for the generator. Our main reason for purchasing the unit. We have two freezers in the garage full of meat. So thats a lot of money down the drain if we happen to lose power for a significant amount of time. At the time I was also working away from home. It gave my wife peace of mind knowing she would always have power as i would be away for 2 weeks at a time for work

 

[WinterDeere]

When these generators do these test runs, do they switch house load onto them, or do they just run unloaded? And if they do switch house onto the genny, what is the transfer / outage time during the switch?

I'm thinking it can't be good for anything with a compressor (HVAC, refrigerators, pool heater, dehumidifiers, etc.) to be switching off and right back on again, if they happen to be running at the moment, let alone the frustration of having the clocks on the microwave and oven resetting all the time.

 

[ponytug]

When these generators do these test runs, do they switch house load onto them, or do they just run unloaded? And if they do switch house onto the genny, what is the transfer / outage time during the switch?

I'm thinking it can't be good for anything with a compressor (HVAC, refrigerators, pool heater, dehumidifiers, etc.) to be switching off and right back on again, if they happen to be running at the moment, let alone the frustration of having the clocks on the microwave and oven resetting all the time.

Generally, no they don't switch, which means that the generator usually runs without a load. That leaves two issues; one, the transfer switch isn't tested, and two, the ability to handle a load isn't tested nor does the generator get fully warm.

On you second point, yes, I think hot restarts are hard on most reciprocating compressors. Inverter and scroll compressors are better at handling the switch as they can ease back into any existing pressure. But I am not an HVAC pro like @Sigarms, and I am sure that he has an informed opinion based on a lot more real world experience than me.

All the best,

Peter

 

[edgarrian]

Generally, no they don't switch, which means that the generator usually runs without a load. That leaves two issues; one, the transfer switch isn't tested, and two, the ability to handle a load isn't tested nor does the generator get fully warm.

On you second point, yes, I think hot restarts are hard on most reciprocating compressors. Inverter and scroll compressors are better at handling the switch as they can ease back into any existing pressure. But I am not an HVAC pro like @Sigarms, and I am sure that he has an informed opinion based on a lot more real world experience than me.

All the best,

Peter

when we install ours. I had it tested. We ran the oven. We ran our air conditioning, Ran stove top. Dryer. Lights were on. It was good. Now in the even you lose power. Id probably not have all those appliances running at the same time so you can save on fuel. But if there is wash in the washing machine by all means finish it.

10 minute run time allows for the unit to warm up. I think any longer run times and you are burning fuel for no reason

 

[tradosaurus]

I was pulling my after-lunch double shot of espresso, when the machine conked out. My first thought, being in the middle of a long stretch of working 7 days per week, with only breaks for eating, sleeping, and whining here, was "oh great... no coffee now."

But no, it wasn't the espresso machine... some A-hole took out a telephone pole down the road, on a perfectly nice a sunny day. Hopefully he's okay, but given the week I've had, I wasn't exactly singing his praises.

Long story short, the portable genny ain't cutting it, I actually ended up losing about 19 hours of computer time that I really couldn't afford to easily lose on my current schedule. I also gave the transfer switches in my UPS's such an extreme workout over the last few hours, that I'll be surprised if they're not headed for the scrap bin soon.

I've already looked up some generator install companies, it's time to move on this now. Since I have basically zero time to put on it myself, I'm going to be calling companies that do complete turn-key solutions.

The computer simulation was just re-started. With no interruptions, I won't have results until Monday night.

I might have missed the info but how often do you lose power and on average how long is the power outage?
The power pole taken out was a fluke.
I have a 15Kw portable generator with electric start that will power the essentials.
I've been out of power the longest for about 3 days but that is rare. Normally around 6 hrs once a year.
I don't have natural gas nor propane.

 

[JRH02]

Happy Generac whole house user here. I had mine installed by a local electrical contractor that is an authorized Generac dealer/installer. I'm on natural gas and that knocks the power output down to 19,500 from 22,000 watts. It is NOT brushless as I initially stated. grsthegreat pointed that out and i looked at the parts break down and confirmed I was wrong. I have had it for not quite 2-1/2 years. It's not logged a lot of time working. After a Derecho went through just 3 or so miles north in 2023 and all the carnage that brought with some people being without power for up to 2 weeks I felt it was a good investment. It runs I believe 30 seconds after start up before the power transfers. Upon power restoration it's seamless and instantaneous on return to line power. It exercises every 2 weeks for I think 5 minutes. It sets outside my shop on a pad and is very quiet. According to Generac 67 decibels under full load.

Gotta love a 22kw generator buzzing along for a few thousand watts load. But you sure don't have to worry about load management or surge starts.

 

[grsthegreat]

generac units DO NOT transfer load during exercise. so you dont have to worry about constant resets. That being said, i recommend to my customers to manually throw the transfer switch and do an extended run prior to winter to test everything under load.

my unit is hooked into the Genmon system, so i can remotely run generator AND transfer a load while utility power is present. this prevents and reset issues AND can exercise under load for as long as i want by the settings.

 

[grsthegreat]

honestly. a 22kw generator running a house that pencils out to a 16 kw running load uses LESS fuel than a 16 kw would maxed out. Generacs 22kw units seem to me to be the best of the best of Generacs units. ive had the absolute least issues with this sized generator. it was the best mix of engine and alternator size. ive had more issues with the 24 and 26 as of late. i think alternator size outpaced engine power myself...but thats my own opinion only.

and i only have about 300 generaqtors to base this off of ...while there are millions out there/