20kW Standby Generator Comparison

Sep 3, 2013 Generators
Posted by Generator World

20kw Standby Generator Comparison

Standby generators supply backup power in an outage, whether for some hours or maybe a couple weeks after 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 office or home using an automatic transfer switch. The switch as well as the generator’s controller must work together so that you can provide automatic operation. Some generators hand off certain functions for the transfer switch, others handle all the main functions and control the transfer switch directly.

Common Features

Power quality is a wide factor with today’s sensitive electronic devices 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 take months awaiting an electric outage. Disuse allows seals to normally dry out and not enough lubrication can allow oxidation and corrosion. Exercise periods keep the engine lubricated and stop the seals from drying out, and test the unit to make it ready to operate. Exercise intervals range from weekly to every month, as well as the intervals on many 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 enable access for servicing and maintenance.

Other common features add the accessibility to 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 the volume of continuous power they can provide, however, not all generator ratings are equal. Briggs & Stratton, Generac, and Cummins Onan all offer standby generators running on either LP or gas main, only give you a full 20kW of power while running on LP. The generators are derated while operating on gas main and can only provide up 18kW of continuous power.

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

Reserve power isn’t advertised by standby generator manufacturers, but generators can supply a supplementary boost of power for some seconds to begin large, robust motors.

Remote Options

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

Cummins Onan can email updates, send maintenance requests to technicians, and enable viewing generator status from the net.

Kohler Power Systems contains the On Cue Home Generator Power Management System, that enables homeowners to look at real-time 20kW standby generator status, view and reset diagnostic codes, check status messages, and consider multiple generators on a single screen.

Warranty

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

Kohler’s consumer warranty is several years or 2000 hours. Using off-grid applications like a standby unit, they have an 18 month/1000 hour warranty. Labor is only covered throughout the first two years after installation.

Generac now offers a 5 year consumer warranty with complete coverage for the first 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 4 year, 1600 hour limited warranty on parts and labor.

Cummins Power Systems offers a limited consumer warranty for 5yrs or 2000 hours. Off grid applications have warranty coverage for 1 year or 1000 hours. Travel and labor are covered for the first two years.

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