20kw Standby Generator Comparison
Standby generators supply backup power during an outage, whether for a few 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 different features.
A standby generator can operate automatically when linked to a home or business with an automatic transfer switch. The switch and also the generator’s controller must work together to be able to provide automatic operation. Some generators hand off certain functions towards the transfer switch, others handle all of the main functions and control the transfer switch directly.
Common Features
Power quality is a large factor with today’s sensitive electronics and all sorts of major generator manufacturers offer utility-quality power, even under heavy and changing loads, with digital voltage and engine speed regulation.
Standby generators can sit for months awaiting an electrical outage. Disuse allows seals to dry out and lack of lubrication enables oxidation and corrosion. Exercise periods keep your engine lubricated which will help prevent seals from becoming dry, and test the unit to make sure it is ready to operate. Exercise intervals range from once a week to monthly, and also the intervals of all models are programmable.
Corrosion resistant enclosures that meet fire standards will be the norm with aluminum and galvaaneal steel powder-coated lockable cabinets that fully enclose the units and allow access for servicing and maintenance.
Other common features add the use of wireless monitoring, low engine oil shutdown, over-crank and over-temperature protection, overload protection, fully pressurized lubrication, and engine cool-down operation.
Available Power
Manufacturers rate their 20kW standby generators by the quantity of continuous power they are able to provide, although not all generator ratings are equal. Briggs & Stratton, Generac, and Cummins Onan all offer standby generators operating on either LP or propane, only supply a full 20kW of power while running on LP. The generators are derated while operating on propane and definately will only provide up 18kW of continuous power.
Kohler generators are designed to operate on either LP or NG, and they supply the rated power to the generator. A 20kW NG standby unit will provide 20,000 watts of power, the same as the similar model that runs using LP gas.
Reserve power isn’t advertised by standby generator manufacturers, but generators can supply an extra boost of power for a few seconds to start large, heavy duty motors.
Remote Options
Generac uses the cellular phone text messaging system using their Mobile Link offering to offer status and maintenance updates for his or her 20kW generator on any text-message-capable cellular phone. Mobile Link offers web access through the computer, tablet, or mobile phone that also includes programming exercise periods or scheduling maintenance.
Cummins Onan can email updates, send maintenance requests to technicians, and allow viewing generator status on the internet.
Kohler Power Systems gets the On Cue Home Generator Power Management System, allowing homeowners to watch real-time 20kW standby generator status, view and reset diagnostic codes, check status messages, and look at multiple generators on a single screen.
Warranty
All the 20kW generator manufacturers offer warranties applicable to standby power applications where a utility supply is connected. Off-grid systems not coupled to the utility supply are not covered with the standard consumer warranties.
Kohler’s consumer warranty is five 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 throughout the initial two years after installation.
Generac offers a 5 year consumer warranty with complete coverage for your initial two years, coverage only on parts in year three, and limited coverage for the alternator and engine in years four and five.
Briggs & Stratton supplies a 4 year, 1600 hour limited warranty on materials.
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 your initial two years.
For more information please go to: www.NPSGenerac.com