20kw Standby Generator Comparison

Standby generators supply backup power throughout an outage, whether for some hours or even a few weeks after having a major storm like Hurricane Sandy. Manufacturers including Generac, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Cummins Power Generation offer various models with both common and unique features.

A standby generator can operate automatically when connected to a home or office with an automatic transfer switch. The switch along with the generator’s controller must communicate so that you can provide automatic operation. Some generators hand off certain functions towards the transfer switch, others handle each of the main functions and control the transfer switch directly.

Common Features

Power quality is a big factor with today’s sensitive electronic products and all the major generator manufacturers offer utility-quality power, even under heavy and changing loads, with digital voltage and engine speed regulation.

Standby generators can take months looking forward to an energy outage. Disuse allows seals to normally dry out and not enough lubrication can allow oxidation and corrosion. Exercise periods keep the engine lubricated which will help prevent seals from drying out, and try out the unit to make it willing to operate. Exercise intervals range between weekly to monthly, along with the intervals on most models are programmable.

Corrosion resistant enclosures that meet fire standards would be the norm with aluminum and galvaaneal steel powder-coated lockable cabinets that fully enclose the units and invite access for servicing and maintenance.

Other common features include the option of wireless monitoring, low engine oil shutdown, over-crank and also over-temperature protection, overload protection, fully pressurized lubrication, and engine cool-down operation.

Available Power

Manufacturers rate their 20kW standby generators by how much continuous power they could provide, although not all generator ratings are equal. Briggs & Stratton, Generac, and Cummins Onan all offer standby generators that run on either LP or gas main, but only supply a full 20kW of power while running on LP. The generators are derated while operating on gas main and definately will only provide up 18kW of continuous power.

Kohler generators are made to operate on either LP or NG, and so they give you the rated power with the generator. A 20kW NG standby unit will provide 20,000 watts of power, the same as the similar model that is run on LP gas.

Reserve power has never been advertised by standby generator manufacturers, but generators provides another boost of power for some seconds to start large, durable motors.

Remote Options

Generac uses the cellular phone text messaging system making use of their Mobile Link offering to supply status and maintenance updates for their 20kW generator on any text-message-capable cellphone. Mobile Link now offers web access through the computer, tablet, or smart phone that features programming exercise periods or scheduling maintenance.

Cummins Onan can email updates, send maintenance requests to technicians, and invite viewing generator status online.

Kohler Power Systems has got the On Cue Home Generator Power Management System, which allows homeowners to view real-time 20kW standby generator status, view and reset diagnostic codes, check status messages, and examine multiple generators for a passing fancy screen.

Warranty

All of the 20kW generator manufacturers offer warranties applicable to standby power applications the place where a utility supply is connected. Off-grid systems not connected to the utility supply have no coverage from the standard consumer warranties.

Kohler’s consumer warranty is a few years or 2000 hours. In a few off-grid applications like a standby unit, they have an 18 month/1000 hour warranty. Labor is merely covered during the initial two years after installation.

Generac now offers a 5 year consumer warranty with complete coverage for that initial two years, coverage only on parts in year three, and limited coverage on the alternator and engine in years four and five.

Briggs & Stratton supplies a four year, 1600 hour limited warranty on parts and labor.

Cummins Power Systems comes with a limited consumer warranty for 5yrs or 2000 hours. Off grid applications have warranty coverage for twelve months or 1000 hours. Travel and labor are covered for that initial two years.

For more information please go to: www.NPSGenerac.com