An automatic standby generator is a back-up electrical system that
operates whether you are at home or away. It automatically supplies power to
essential circuits of your home within seconds of a utility outage. After
utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and awaits the next
outage. It operates on natural gas or liquid propane and sits outside just like
a central air conditioning unit.
What will it power?
GUARDIAN® generators supply electricity to the electrical panel
circuits of your home through a built-in load center. You select the number of
circuits you want to protect and match it to the appropriate generator system.
Everything on that circuit will be protected. GUARDIAN also powers furnaces, air
conditioners, well pumps, water heaters and other appliances that are hard wired
into your electrical panel.
Why should I buy an automatic standby generator
instead of a portable generator?
While portable generators do supply power, an automatic standby
generator produces a higher quality of electricity. It operates automatically
and runs a weekly self-test to ensure proper response to your needs. There are
no extension cords to plug in and no gas tanks to fill. It operates
automatically so it protects your home even when you’re away. When utility
power returns, the standby generator shuts itself off.
Why circuits and not watts?
Establishing wattage requirements of the appliances you want to power
during an outage is difficult because those appliances can be plugged into
various outlets in your home. That’s why GUARDIAN has simplified the process.
By allowing you to protect everything on chosen circuits, you no longer have to
worry about individual items.
What’s the difference between air-cooled and
liquid-cooled?
Air-cooled units use engines we design and manufacture specifically
for our smaller generators. Volume production helps us to keep cost down, making
our air-cooled generators the most affordable for our customers. They cover
essential circuits and back-up power needs in most residential applications.
Liquid-cooled units use automotive engines for increased horsepower. This makes
them ideal for larger requirements such as whole-house power coverage, larger
homes and commercial applications.
Do they have to be maintained?
Just like your car’s engine, generators need periodic oil and filter
changes. Many customers rely on GUARDIAN’s preventative maintenance kits to
satisfy routine maintenance requirements. Refer to your owner's manual for
routine maintenance procedures and schedules. Kits can be purchased through
Banas Lumber and Hardware.
What is the advantage of an aluminum enclosure?
Aluminum is corrosion resistant, so it prolongs the life and look of the
generator, particularly in salt air communities.
What is Whisper-Test™? (GUARDIAN
QuietSouce models only)
Whisper-Test is a feature that reduces noise by 50% during the generator’s
weekly self-test cycle. That makes it as quiet as a car idling in your driveway.
The generator starts up and operates at a reduced speed, lowering sound output
by as much as 12 decibels for units that normally run at higher speeds under
load. This allows for near-silent operation in test mode and satisfies all known
sound ordinances.
How do I select a generator that’s right for me?
The most accurate way is to have an electrician apply an amp meter to the
circuits or appliances that will operate with emergency backup power.
Measurements should be taken as the appliance starts up. That’s because start
up requires the greatest amount of power.
To eliminate the hassle of this process, GUARDIAN allows you to simply match
your system to the existing circuits in your electrical panel. With our 8, 10,
12 or 16 circuit, pre-wired systems, we take the guesswork out of sizing. For
customers concerned with air conditioning, the wattage rating of the generator
and its circuit breakers inside the transfer switch should be reviewed so that
A/C startup power requirements are met.
For GUARDIAN QuietSource liquid-cooled models, a licensed electrician must
perform a site survey to determine the size and voltage of the unit to meet your
backup power needs.
How long does it take to install an automatic
standby generator?
GUARDIAN air-cooled models, which come equipped with a comprehensive
installation manual, can take as little as four hours to install. They come
pre-mounted on a composite pad to further simplify installation. Liquid-cooled
generators normally require up to 14 hours to install. Because of their
additional weight, liquid-cooled units must be installed on a stronger mounting
surface such as a concrete slab.
How much fuel does an automatic standby generator
use?
| Natural Gas (cu ft/hr) |
100-250 |
300-750 |
960-2061 |
| LP (cu ft/hr) |
50-90 |
120-300 |
375-830 |
Please refer to the individual model’s specification sheet for exact figures.
The generator that I've chosen has a 100-amp
automatic transfer switch. What if I have 200-amp service?
Emergency circuits should always be isolated by the emergency load
center. An isolated sub-panel helps to prevent overload situations.
Is a 200-amp automatic transfer switch available for
the air-cooled models and the 20 kW liquid-cooled model?
No. Because a 200-amp transfer switch is not necessary. The outputs of
these generators are safely carried with a 100-amp automatic transfer switch.
Where can I purchase parts?
Parts can be purchased through Banas Lumber and Hardware. Part numbers
are located in the owner's manual.
What is the cost of a service/maintenance contract?
Costs are determined by the installing dealer and are based upon service
levels. Cost will also vary based on hourly labor rates in your local area.
What type of oil is recommended?
15W-40 is recommended for all liquid-cooled units. The oil should be a
SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for
gasoline engines.
Propane tanks are usually rated by pounds. Is there
a conversion that can be applied to the fuel consumption numbers?
Yes. For general conversion, propane weighs 4.24 pounds per gallon. 1 lb.
= 8.58 cu. ft. 1 gallon = 36.39 cu. ft.
Where do I go to have warranty
repairs performed?
Please Call Banas Lumber and Hardware for an authorized licensed service
center.
Where is my generator made?
GUARDIAN generators are made in the United States. Manufactured in
Wisconsin by Generac Power Systems Inc., they design and build the complete
product from the controls to the enclosures, to their air-cooled engines
specifically designed for generators. This ensures that their products are built
to our highest standards.
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