Comparison Home Stand By Generators

Sodo · Dec 11, 2014

They are generally reliable. If concerned about it, you can buy two for a fraction if the cost of a premium generator. And then you have a spare that can satisfy other needs too, such as neighbors, friends etc.

EMTspud · Dec 11, 2014

My Generac 20KW has served me well for 2 years. Expecting a major windstorm later today- who knows, it may get a workout today. Easy to maintain, reliably starts, relatively quiet. Love it.

K man · Dec 11, 2014

check said:
Getting back to the original question, what is the best standby generator? I see a lot of people here with Generac/guardian generators, but when I was buying mine I was told to stay away from them because they're not reliable. What have your experiences been?

I did a lot of research on generators before choosing my Generac 11kw Guardian. I could of gotten a Kohler also but the price difference was crazy almost double. Generac has a good reputation on the market. Whoever says that they are not reliable has to be competition period.

farmer2009 · Dec 11, 2014

When I bought my portable gas genset I bought a Generac. Mainly for the deal. As I consider them to be a name brand product that's priced reasonably. I would rather have a Generac than a no name deal of the month from HF or RK. IMO.

daybreak1998 · Dec 11, 2014

check said:
Getting back to the original question, what is the best standby generator? I see a lot of people here with Generac/guardian generators, but when I was buying mine I was told to stay away from them because they're not reliable. What have your experiences been?

Howdy,
The best is the one which works for you. Size will be determined on what electric items you want available during an outage. You have access to service and parts. You have access to company which supports the product you buy.

Like anything, it needs good preventative maintenance.

Type of fuel? whatever is the easiest access... natural gas? propane? diesel?

s219 · Dec 11, 2014

The Generac air cooled units seem to have a mixed reputation from friends/neighbors I have known over the years. I only know of two liquid-cooled Generacs, which is not a lot of data, but have heard nothing but praise about them. It's probably standard types of comparisons between air-cooled 3600rpm units and liquid cooled 1800rom units, and not specific to Generac itself.

Garandman · Dec 12, 2014

This came up in another thread about code requirements for distance from a building.

National Fire Protection Association standards require installation at least five feet away.

K man · Dec 12, 2014

This came up in another thread about code requirements for distance from a building.[/QUOTE]
As you see in the pic this was installed and inspected. This is a carport with 2 screened in windows.
View attachment 402326

The generator is 18 inches from wall and 10 feet from tank and 4 feet from house window.
View attachment 402327

Automatic transfer switch inside carport
View attachment 402328

View attachment 402329

dave1949 · Dec 12, 2014

K man said:
This came up in another thread about code requirements for distance from a building.

As you see in the pic this was installed and inspected. This is a carport with 2 screened in windows.
View attachment 402326

The generator is 18 inches from wall and 10 feet from tank and 4 feet from house window.
View attachment 402327

Automatic transfer switch inside carport
View attachment 402328

View attachment 402329[/QUOTE]

That's all wrong.

The generator is too close and the tank shouldn't be under the overhang either. Sure, 1 chance in 1,000,000 it will ever make any difference, but .... nothing wrong with improving your chances.

K man · Dec 12, 2014

Nothing wrong with the installation it was all approved by the propane supplier ( tank 10 feet away from generator) and far from the nearest house window not carport. As for overhand I don't see what the problem is. I have snow guards above the whole side of the house so no snow will fall and bury tank or generator. Also eave through over generator. Not sure what your laws are in the U.S but here in Canada this installation is approved. Was also install according to Generac specs in their installation instructions.