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Frequently Asked Questions
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 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 the business that sold you your GUARDIAN
generator.
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.
See our Power
Generator Size Calculator for Power Requirements
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 any Authorized GUARDIAN Dealer.
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?
Any Authorized GUARDIAN Service Center can perform warranty
service. To locate a dealer near you, please refer to our Dealer Locator
section of the Web site or call our Automated Dealer Locator at The
automated dealer locator is available 24/7/365. Our Authorized Service
Centers provide parts, service and information on GUARDIAN equipment,
regardless of where it was purchased.
Where is my generator made?
GUARDIAN generators are made in the United States. Manufactured in
Wisconsin by Generac Power Systems Inc., we design and build our complete
product from the controls to the enclosures, to our air-cooled engines
specifically designed for generators. This ensures that our products are
built to our highest standards.
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