What is an automatic standby generator?

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 or business within 30 seconds of a utility failure. 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 your house just like a central air conditioning unit.

Why should I buy an automatic generator instead of a portable generator?

While portable generators do supply power, the poor quality of the electricity can damage your sensitive electronics such as computers, laptops, and televisions. A professionally installed standby generator provides a level of reliability and safety unmatched by portable generators. Standby generators operate automatically as you weather the storm in safety. On the other hand, portable generators require constant attention, the use multiple extension cords, and frequent refueling, increasing the risk of hazardous fumes, fire, and electric shock.

• The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed standby generators as a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.

• With an automatic standby generator properly installed outside, your home is protected from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much greater risk with portable generators.

• Running on the home’s natural gas or LP fuel supply, it is less expensive to run than gasoline and does not need to be refilled.

• They start automatically within seconds of a power outage, and eliminate the need to haul a portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout your home.

• They provide protection 24/7, whether you're home or away, and they turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.

Do they have to be maintained?

Just like your car engine, generators need periodic oil and filter changes, as well as inspections and tune-ups. Assurance Power Systems' preventative maintenance agreements take care of all your maintenance and service needs.

Does it need to be professionally installed?

 A professional installation ensures you will comply with all building codes and municipal ordinances. Standby generators produce high voltage electricity, and if improperly installed can result fire or electrical shock. Proper installation ensures an increased reliability factor assuring you that you will always have standby power when you need it most.

What is the difference between an automatic air-cooled generator and an automatic liquid- cooled generator?
The engines! Air cooled generators come with engines that use fans to force air across the engine for cooling, while liquid cooled generators use enclosed radiator systems for cooling, similar to an automobile. Generally, liquid cooled engines are used on larger kW generators due to the larger engines required for the higher power output.

How long can I expect an automatic standby generator to last?
Because Generac engines were developed specifically for generators and designed to provide approximately 3,000 hours of use, with typical usage and proper maintenance an automatic standby generator can provide in excess of 30 years of service.

Example: Weekly exercise time (11 hours per year) plus four 20 hr. outages (80 hrs/year) equals 91 hours of operation per year OR over 30 years.

 What's the advantage of an aluminum enclosure?
In addition to its sturdy galvanneal steel enclosure with RhinoCoat™, Generac is one of the few companies to offer premium aluminum enclosures for its residential standby generators. Aluminum enclosures are naturally rust and corrosion resistant. For salt air or high humidity conditions, aluminum is highly recommended to ensure decades of worry free service.

 Can an automatic standby generator replace utility service?
No...the generator fuel costs would be much more expensive than buying power from the utility company since their cost to produce electricity is divided among thousands of customers.

 How do I correctly size a generator for my home?
The most logical way to determine your needs is to envision your home without power! Some outages may be short in duration, while others could last for days or weeks. What would you like your living conditions to be?

Generac takes the guesswork out of sizing by supplying the Guardian Series air cooled generators with predetermined numbers of circuits based on the generator’s kW power rating. For example, eight circuits are supplied for the 8 kW generator and as many as 16 circuits are supplied for the 17 kW generator. Each circuit is directly connected to a matched circuit on the home’s main circuit breaker panel, providing electricity to that specific appliance or area of the home.

In a typical installation with an 8 kW, eight circuit generator, you could connect (1) lights and TV in the family room, (2) microwave and lights in the kitchen, (3) refrigerator, (4) power to the bathroom, (5) computer and home office, (6) garage door opener, (7) air conditioner, and (8) furnace.

Generac also offers generators and transfer switches that can power the entire circuit breaker panel box...for these situations, we recommend consulting with an authorized Generac dealer or a qualified electrician

What type of oil should I use?
An SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines, similar to your car. Refer to your owner’s manual for details.

What happens if the generator gets over loaded?
Generac generators are equipped with overload protection. In the rare event of an overload, the generator’s circuit breaker will trip, disconnecting the unit from the load. Simply correct the overload and reset the breaker in the generator.

If I have a problem with my generator where do I go for help?
Call the Assurance Power Systems Service Department right away at 561.886.0470.  We have 24/7 phone support and all of our technicians are factory trained.

types of Standby Automatic Generators we install and maintain, click here.