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.

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.

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, make sure the transfer switch has an appropriate 240V circuit breaker and that the generator's maximum surge Amps exceed the required starting Amps (LRA) shown on the A/C data plate.

For GUARDIAN 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.

Who should install the generator?

For safety reasons and to be sure of adherence to local, state and national codes, Generac recommends the generator be installed by an Authorized Dealer or licensed contractor. However, the air-cooled systems are pre-packaged, pre-wired and come with comprehensive installation instructions to enable a competent “Do It Yourselfer” to participate in the installation process.

If I choose to install the air-cooled generator system what do I need to buy?

• Starting battery - Automotive type Group 26 negative ground. Refer to the Owner's Manual for additional details
• Double pole circuit breaker (Refer to the Owner's Manual for the required breaker size.)
• Grounding rod with grounding strap
• Padlock (To lock external connection box)
• Crushed stone or pea gravel (approximately 10-12 cubic feet)
• Black poly-film or other vegetation blocking fabric (5-1/2' x 5')
• Silicone caulk
• Pipe sealant (suitable for gaseous fuel connections)
• Fasteners (to mount external connection box and automatic transfer switch with built-in emergency load center)

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.