propane auto switch backup generator

[ronjhall]

Price does seem high for a full install. My 12K B&S was installed for about $4200 back in 2004. This included all new circuit break box and 200 amp automatic transfer switch.
When I checked Amazon this morning my configuration in a 14k Generac would cost about $3800 with shipping. There was wiring and conduit required to install the completed job.

 

[nbking]

They are expensive, by our Generac has saved us multiple times, this last time power was out for 56 hours. It ran like a champ. You won't be disappointed. Had it installed Nov 2015, been trouble free.

 

[mwayne]

Get bids from several contractors to be sure that you get the going rate for your area. I've installed several at work with automatic transfer switches from 25KW to 250KW using most of the major suppliers. My advice is to avoid Generac, especially the home owner types because the gensets don't play well with other brands of transfer switches. The brains for source detection are on the Generac genset itself and the transfer switch is simply a slaved relay. All other systems I've seen have the brains in the transfer switch which the genset uses a dry contact for starting. Also our 150 KW Generac had the spacer that held the fan blade in place break off and the fan chewed into the radiator while in an actual emergency use. Generac said "sorry we don't support that model anymore". So we had to have a machine shop build another, it took months to get it fitted and installed. Same Generac later broke the connection between the engine flywheel and the rotor again during an actual power outage, and again no support from Generac and again it was months to get a custom built part installed and tested. Sorry for the long rant.

 

[Hunter29]

Get bids from several contractors to be sure that you get the going rate for your area. I've installed several at work with automatic transfer switches from 25KW to 250KW using most of the major suppliers. My advice is to avoid Generac, especially the home owner types because the gensets don't play well with other brands of transfer switches. The brains for source detection are on the Generac genset itself and the transfer switch is simply a slaved relay. All other systems I've seen have the brains in the transfer switch which the genset uses a dry contact for starting. Also our 150 KW Generac had the spacer that held the fan blade in place break off and the fan chewed into the radiator while in an actual emergency use. Generac said "sorry we don't support that model anymore". So we had to have a machine shop build another, it took months to get it fitted and installed. Same Generac later broke the connection between the engine flywheel and the rotor again during an actual power outage, and again no support from Generac and again it was months to get a custom built part installed and tested. Sorry for the long rant.

You can't buy any lower that Generac, sorry but true, costumer service does not exist..

ETA... What I don't understand is if someone is going to spend 5 or 6K why not buy a real generator..

 

[grsthegreat]

You can't buy any lower that Generac, sorry but true, costumer service does not exist..

ETA... What I don't understand is if someone is going to spend 5 or 6K why not buy a real generator..

I love statements like this. Generac has 75% of the global matket share of automatic generators. I had a customer burn out the engine on a 2 year old unit and generac paid for entire repair. Parts, travel and labor. The main problem is anyone can install a generator, but Generac will only repair them thru authorized and trained service techs. There are alot of guys that wont repair a system they didnt install. Ive seen some really sloppy installs where feeder wires and gas lines were undersized. The homeowner wants it fixed for free under warranty. I personally wont repair someone elses crap install and exoect generac to cover costs.... cause they wont. Last year nearly every generator i installed received a free 10 year parts and labor warranty on air cooled units. No other brand does this

 

[orezok]

If you have 75% of the market, you are going to have 75% of the bad press.

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

Yes, they sell a lot of generators but yes, they are the bottom feeders of the industry. They’ve found ways to cut every corner there is like the example of the transfer switch with no controls. Some are simply a pair of relays.

But for a home standby that will not see a lot of hours, most people will get the useable life they expect and have no issue so to each his own. Would I buy one? No. Would I recommend one to a family member? No. Would I ridicule my neighbour who has one? Also no.

 

[Hunter29]

Yes, they sell a lot of generators but yes, they are the bottom feeders of the industry. They致e found ways to cut every corner there is like the example of the transfer switch with no controls. Some are simply a pair of relays.

But for a home standby that will not see a lot of hours, most people will get the useable life they expect and have no issue so to each his own. Would I buy one? No. Would I recommend one to a family member? No. Would I ridicule my neighbour who has one? Also no.

Thank you, well put..

 

[msb1766]

Take a look at this video, this is just poor design.

#133 Thinking of Buying a Generac Generator? You Need To Watch This! - YouTube

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

I’m no fan of Generac but I will say that every brand of LP or Nat gas engine has moisture issues in the cold, it’s just physics. These fuels have less hydrocarbon and burn more completely creating far more water in the exhaust which also finds its way into the engine.

Some other brands sell optional electric breather heater kits in cold climates to prevent this. A big problem is people buying these products online and shipping them to other climate zones. We run into the same issue regularly either because someone bought it through Costco or HD online and either don’t have the heater kit, or often in the off grid applications won’t connect it because it’s a continuous 40watt draw on their system. They often won’t connect the battery charger either, then scream lawsuit when it doesn’t start and their remote cabin freezes solid.

I have no idea if Generac has a breather heater kit but always being the bottom dollar supplier don’t expect anything but the absolute basics. Buying from a knowledgeable dealer might avoid this but around here anyone with a PO Box or lawnmower sharpening business can be and are Generac dealers.