Q: I am looking at the Generac 5837 to power a small cabin that will be off grid. THe only power besides the generator will be a small solar feeding a battery system and an inverter. I want the generator to start when the inverter signals the battery is low. My concern with all the systems i have found is that the control panel is located inside the generator. Is there a way to relocate the panel to inside the cabin instead of inside the generator? by Mitchell Cottrell from Missouri on March 30, 2012
A: The Generac 5837 is not designed to work with a solar system and Generac would not warrant the unit if installed in this application.
We do offer one system specifically designed for your application.
The Generac model 5818 EcoGen would do exactly what you need.....click on link below for details.
Q: The specs list no commercial warrenty? So if this is used for backup power for other than residential use the warrenty is not valid? I have a local town that needs a 7-8kw automatic unit for very small loads. by Chip Diamond from Massachusetts on February 10, 2012
A: That is correct. This generator is not designed for commercial applications. The following Generac 8kW has their OHVI engine and the unit comes with a 3 year commercial warranty. Click link below for details....
Q: I am interested in the Generac 5837, which I see includes 5 x 15A circuits. Can those 15A breakers be changed out to 20A? I rewired my house with all 12ga wire/20A breakers. by Don from Pennsylvania on September 01, 2011
A: The breakers are designed to prevent the system from overloading.
Bigger breakers can be switched for smaller breakers because the system won't overload.
Unfortunately, we do not recommend switching smaller breakers for larger ones.
Since this is the smallest home standby generator, it wouldn't be a good idea.
You should consider a larger generator with more 20 amp breakers instead. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Can the transfer switch be more than 30 feet from the generator? What is the max? Also, what size unit would I need for two refrigerators and some computer equipment (300w)? by Dave Brodhead from Pennsylvania on September 01, 2011
A: Yes, the transfer switch can be mounted further away.
However, your electrician will need to bring additional wiring when it is installed.
The CorePower will be able to power your refrigerators. Just don't expect it to run a central air conditioner. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: With LP fuel, roughly how long would a 100-Gallon tank of propane last under average load using a 5837? by Alan Shupack from New York on August 31, 2011
A: The Generac CorePower 5837 consumes 1.02 gallons/hr at half load.
So, basically, a 100-gallon propane tank would last a little less than 100 hours.
If you run it full load, it would consume more fuel and drain the tank faster. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Hi Jim , do i need to have a power disconnect install between the generator going into the house to the tranfers switch? may buy a generac 5837 by Tuan Nguyen from Michigan on June 04, 2011
A: A service disconnect is required when the transfer switch is mounted between the meter and the main breaker in the existing panel. The Generac CorePower (5837) is designed for powering essential circuits only and would be installed after the main panel and wired to specific circuits as to not overload the generators capacity of 7000 watts.
Q: What is a composite pad ? by CHARLES BLYTHE from North Carolina on April 08, 2011
A: The composite pad is a strong, lightweight mounting pad provided to simplify the installation. By including the pad with the generator, installation time and cost is reduced since a concrete base is no longer a requirement. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Is this wireless monitor compatible with the Generac CorePower series ? by Tim from New York on March 01, 2011
A: The Generac Nexus™ Advanced Wireless Monitor is only compatible with the Guardian and EcoGen Series models with the internal Nexus™ Controller and cannot be connected to the CorePower model. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Are there any special distances from the house or windows that are required for this unit? by Brian Warenius from Pennsylvania on January 31, 2011
A: It all depends on what your local building codes are. Contact your city to find out what the local laws are for your area. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: What size battery do I need? by James Fritch from Pennsylvania on January 25, 2011
A: The battery is a Group 26R with 525 cold cranking amps - which is often difficult to find locally.
However, don't get too caught up in the specs. We already sized the battery for this model.
Click on the "Add 12V Start Battery" box when ordering.
The battery currently costs $89.99 and no shipping when you buy it with a standby generator.
We don't sell the batteries individually because they are hazardous materials that must ship via freight. If you bought one individually, it would cost more to ship than the battery is worth.
Since this generator is already shipping via semi-truck, we shrink wrap them together, and the battery tags along for the ride.
Q: While the Generac 5837 comes with a composite base which I assume is simply laid upon the ground, can it be anchored in a more secure manner (poured concrete base with anchor bolts) so as to not be able to be "carted" off? by Earl D. Johnson from Maryland on January 17, 2011
A: Generac's model 5837, as with all of their standby generators, are anchored to the pallet with special anchors which can be used to anchor the unit directly to your concrete base using concrete bolts. by Jim, Product Expert
Overall Rating
4.3
(Based on 13 Reviews)
Sort By
Jim Baugher, Product Expert Electric Generators Direct
Jim's Recommendation
When it comes to small standby generators, there aren't many options. Most people skip the standby option and opt for a portable generator instead.
The new Generac CorePower 7kW, offers you a compact home standby system at the price of a portable generator.
For the price, can you believe this model even includes an 8 circuit load center style 50 Amp automatic transfer switch?
The Generac CorePower won a Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice Award from the May 2010 National Hardware Show. If they think it's worthy of making their list, you better believe it's on my list!
So I think you should take that $1800 you were going to spend on a portable and get a home standby instead.
April 18, 2012
Lee
New Core Power
This is the first time I've dealt with Electric Generator Direct, and I have to say it was a smooth transaction from start to finish. I was notified when the 5837 was shipped, and the freight company called me to set up a day for delivery. On that day I was called by the driver about 30 minutes before he was to arrive at the house.
When he arrived he took the cardboard cover off the generator to make sure there was no damage. It was perfect. No signs of any damage at all. The driver was very helpful and since the distance from the truck to where the generator was going to go was not that far he used the hand fork lift to bring it over there.
After the electrical and natural gas connections were completed, we did the start-up and it started up on the first try. You can't ask for more than that.
This is the first time I've dealt with Electric Generator Direct, and I have to say it was a smooth transaction from start to finish. I was notified when the 5837 was shipped, and the freight company called me to set up a day for delivery. On that day I was called by the driver about 30 minutes before he was to arrive at the house.
When he arrived he took the cardboard cover off the generator to make sure there was no damage. It was perfect. No signs of any damage at all. The driver was very helpful and since the distance from the truck to where the generator was going to go... more
April 09, 2012
Mats Duncanville, TX
I Really Like It
I went to the building inspection office and got the needed gas and electrical permits. A few days later I received the generator in perfect condition, and even got help from the truck-driver to move it in place. Installed transfer switch and gas plumbing the next day, and finished the wiring the following day. Building inspector was very pleased with the install and approved installation.
Started up the generator and verified voltage and frequency, and everything was correct. I let the generator run for about 15 minutes with no load, and then started to add load.
25% = 1500W for one hour.
50% = 3000W for one hour.
75% = 4500W for one hour.
87% = 5250W for one hour.
No problems surfaced, so I removed the load for 10 minutes before stopping it. Changed oil and filter. Used 10W-30 synthetic oil.
Today we lost power for two hours and it performed as expected. Total run time so far is only 7 hours. I don't expect any problems since the gradual load test worked perfect. Thanks to EGD for fast service.
I went to the building inspection office and got the needed gas and electrical permits. A few days later I received the generator in perfect condition, and even got help from the truck-driver to move it in place. Installed transfer switch and gas plumbing the next day, and finished the wiring the following day. Building inspector was very pleased with the install and approved installation.
Started up the generator and verified voltage and frequency, and everything was correct. I let the generator run for about 15 minutes with no load, and then started to add load.
Purchased this generator in December 2011 after reading reviews and other research. This product is a piece of junk. Installed by a certified electrician and permitted by my county. Unit was never used but did run as planned once per week for exercising. Within a month the unit engine blew a part. Oil drained, parts scattered around unit.
Call Generac certified electrician in my area.Part needed to be replaced was promised within a week. We are in week two waiting for part. Called Generac to follow up, all they did was send me a form to fill out. Would not look up status of part my electrician ordered. Worthless call in center! No help at all. Don't buy this product.
Purchased this generator in December 2011 after reading reviews and other research. This product is a piece of junk. Installed by a certified electrician and permitted by my county. Unit was never used but did run as planned once per week for exercising. Within a month the unit engine blew a part. Oil drained, parts scattered around unit.
Call Generac certified electrician in my area.Part needed to be replaced was promised within a week. We are in week two waiting for part. Called Generac to follow up, all they did was send me a form to fill out. Would not look up status o... more
December 31, 2011
Peter Willits, CA
Louder Than Expected
Overall the Generac 5837 (with eight circuit panel) is a well designed quality product. It gets the job done, but here are two considerations well worth noting. Removing the top is tricky. The four knobs must be turned just right to remove the top section. The four L shaped latches are clunky. The flimsy lose feeling knobs should be retooled and turned into more traditional screw-in types. Removal of all four walls is easy and a great design idea but they too are on the flimsy side. Plastic cavity in walls should have more soundproofing. I can live with these quirks. Unit is less than a month old.
Suggest having a certified electrician do the install. Install is complicated and does require a high level of electrical skill despite what some reviewers say. Took two electricians eight hours to install. Unit is fifteen feet from my interior circuit board. Would not have been comfortable having someone who was not an electrician do this job. Lives depend on having this install done safely, correctly, and by code.
Now the biggie. The unit is noisy. The db advertised sounds louder than expected. Unit is at side of the house at the five feet code required distance and is loud! Was told (Electric Generators DIRECT customer service) the unit would sound like a vacuum cleaner. Sounds just like a gas motorized lawnmower.
In closing, this unit is a good quality product and preforms well for the price point. Access to interior controls are very convenient with the top off. All my power needs are met except for the central air conditioning and electric cloths dryer (not enough circuits for these hookups). The electrician mentioned unit is running at sixty five percent capacity with all lights and appliances on so more circuits would have been good to have. House is five years old, medium/large in size with all energy efficient lighting and appliances and all the creature comforts.
Overall the Generac 5837 (with eight circuit panel) is a well designed quality product. It gets the job done, but here are two considerations well worth noting. Removing the top is tricky. The four knobs must be turned just right to remove the top section. The four L shaped latches are clunky. The flimsy lose feeling knobs should be retooled and turned into more traditional screw-in types. Removal of all four walls is easy and a great design idea but they too are on the flimsy side. Plastic cavity in walls should have more soundproofing. I can live with these quirks. Unit is less than... more
December 28, 2011
Charles Summit, NJ
Lasted 6 Days
I got the Corepower after my basement got flooded in the Hurricane (Irene). When we got hit with Halloween snowstorm, the Corepower kicked on as advertised and operated continuously for 6 days except for checking oil once a day. On day 6, we started getting a brown out in the house and it started to run really rough so I had to shut it down. Something was definitely wrong. I understand that it's mechanical and things can go wrong but it has taken the local Generac dealer 2 months to come out and try to fix it and we still are not on-line yet. Things like this should not happen to a brand new generator.
I got the Corepower after my basement got flooded in the Hurricane (Irene). When we got hit with Halloween snowstorm, the Corepower kicked on as advertised and operated continuously for 6 days except for checking oil once a day. On day 6, we started getting a brown out in the house and it started to run really rough so I had to shut it down. Something was definitely wrong. I understand that it's mechanical and things can go wrong but it has taken the local Generac dealer 2 months to come out and try to fix it and we still are not on-line yet. Things like this should not happen to a brand ... more
November 19, 2011
David Torrington, CT
Storm Alfred and Tropical Storm Irene in CT
I owe Electric Generators Direct and debt of gratitude. Post Irene Sep 2011, I was tired of my Coleman 5K gasoline fired generator which was very hard to pull start and from storing gasoline. At age 50 I told my wife that's it with the old unit and sold it to a friend at work with the transfer switch. I used this web site to do my research and found this web site the best in the USA.
With that being said, I took the information and bought American made Generac and infused my purchase with the local economy. I bought this unit from my local hardware store instead. I went to my local electrician and my local gas company. This site had the best price but I paid several hundred dollars more for unit. October 30, 2011 a nor easter hit CT we got 20" of wet leave covering snow. Power interruption lasted any were from 2.5 days to 13 days, yup 13 days in this day of age.
I am the envy of many people at work and I recommend this site to them. I was able to assist storm clean up because I am in the National Guard and my wife was home safe and warm with said unit which was installed Friday October 30th 2011. WOW that was close!!!! Smart board senses power outage and 30 seconds unit starts and powers circuits. Auto maintenance starts once per week for 12 minutes. I have added pictures. Again thank you Electrical Gen Direct and still recommend this site to my friends and to the country...
I owe Electric Generators Direct and debt of gratitude. Post Irene Sep 2011, I was tired of my Coleman 5K gasoline fired generator which was very hard to pull start and from storing gasoline. At age 50 I told my wife that's it with the old unit and sold it to a friend at work with the transfer switch. I used this web site to do my research and found this web site the best in the USA.
With that being said, I took the information and bought American made Generac and infused my purchase with the local economy. I bought this unit from my local hardware store instead. I went... more
November 04, 2011
Lou Hardyston, NJ
Great Unit !
I have had a few times with no power and it is HELL without power ! I live in the country in New Jersey and when you have no power you are on your own. Out here if there is no power you have no water,no toilet and of course just about nothing else! so the last time we lost power I decided it would not happen again. So I did a lot of checking and this little unit could do everything I needed for a great price. So I took the plunge ! I add the battery and lift gate and was still less the 2,000.00.
About 3-5 days it was here and sitting in my driveway just waiting for it all to happen. So I decided to do it right I had a pad made just for this unit and my friend Ken dug the trenches to run the power and propane lines. Now a few weeks have gone by and all lines propane and electric have been run and inspected. Now propane tanks have been delivered(2x100 gal tanks) and hooked up and tested.
Now the big day ! no more fear of no power ! my friend Wayne came back to do the last test. WOW ! He hit the breaker off in the main box and like magic in a few seconds the transfer box came to life ! WOW it is alive !!!!! what a great feeling ! he did all his checks to make sure all my circuits where not to much for this great little unit. All are good ! this is a great new start for me no more fear of bad storms to leave us ( ON OUR OWN! ) I just went out today 11- 04- 2011 and set the auto run for every 7 days to test run the unit . I just would like to thank PED for the great price so we could be safe and happy in bad weather.There are 3 adults and 1 baby that are very happy with this product.
I have had a few times with no power and it is HELL without power ! I live in the country in New Jersey and when you have no power you are on your own. Out here if there is no power you have no water,no toilet and of course just about nothing else! so the last time we lost power I decided it would not happen again. So I did a lot of checking and this little unit could do everything I needed for a great price. So I took the plunge ! I add the battery and lift gate and was still less the 2,000.00.
About 3-5 days it was here and sitting in my driveway just waiting for it all to ha... more
October 10, 2011
William Galena, OH
Best Investment For Your Home
Making the decision which generator to purchase can be very stressful. I finally decided that the 5837 would do everything that I needed. Sure, you can spend more but how often do you really use it. This unit made sense and after the installation I found it powered all my essentials. The installation went well and when I tested it for the first time a big smile came on my face. I guess it's a man thing but my wife certainly was not complaining when she discovered she had TV, lights, refrigerator, sump pump, furnace and other electrical essentials at her disposal. I would highly recommend this unit to anyone.
Making the decision which generator to purchase can be very stressful. I finally decided that the 5837 would do everything that I needed. Sure, you can spend more but how often do you really use it. This unit made sense and after the installation I found it powered all my essentials. The installation went well and when I tested it for the first time a big smile came on my face. I guess it's a man thing but my wife certainly was not complaining when she discovered she had TV, lights, refrigerator, sump pump, furnace and other electrical essentials at her disposal. I would highly recommend this ... more
September 01, 2011
Teresa Avonlake, OH
Great Generator
We were having a lot of outages, my husband installed your generator, it was the best thing we have done.
Install was not that hard, wire up instructions could have been a little better, over all great generator.
May 29, 2011
Roger Chicora, PA
Generac Core Power
My wife and just stared at each other. I had just flipped the Service Disconnect Switch to test our new Generac 5837.
Nothing immediately happened.
Then we heard the Generac start. A few minutes later the Transfer Switch mounted next to the fuse panel clicked over. The lights came on, the water pump started and we heard the TV upstairs play.
Wondrous! We were generating our own power with natural gas from a well right from our own property. This is one nice product. It looks well built and incredibly quiet in operation. Sure you can hear it, but it's not at all obnoxious.
Also, although we didn't find any reference to it in the manual, we painted the exterior to match our house. A quality latex house paint seems to adhere beautifully.
The purchase of the generator from ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com was easy and the unit showed up at our door on truck equipped with a Lift Gate. All we has to do was use a dolly to get it to its new home
We highly recommend Electric Generators Direct and Generac.
My wife and just stared at each other. I had just flipped the Service Disconnect Switch to test our new Generac 5837.
Nothing immediately happened.
Then we heard the Generac start. A few minutes later the Transfer Switch mounted next to the fuse panel clicked over. The lights came on, the water pump started and we heard the TV upstairs play.
Wondrous! We were generating our own power with natural gas from a well right from our own property. This is one nice product. It looks well built and incredibly quiet in operation. Sure you can hear it, but it's not a... more
March 02, 2011
David Naples, NC
Awesome Transfer Switch
This switch will automatically activate the Starter on you Generator when the power goes out for more than thirty seconds. Battery backups (UPS) on all my sensitive equipment keeps them on line a lot longer than that if needed there fore they do not loose power or have any surge issues before the power from my Generator kicks back on.
If you are using this switch on a Generac generator it will plug right into the start circuit. If it is another Generator you will need a good understanding of electric schematics and wiring. When power comes back on, the switch automatically and seamlessly switches back to Utility and then runs the generator no load for a few seconds before switching the generator off. This switch is awesome.
This switch will automatically activate the Starter on you Generator when the power goes out for more than thirty seconds. Battery backups (UPS) on all my sensitive equipment keeps them on line a lot longer than that if needed there fore they do not loose power or have any surge issues before the power from my Generator kicks back on.
If you are using this switch on a Generac generator it will plug right into the start circuit. If it is another Generator you will need a good understanding of electric schematics and wiring. When power comes back on, the switch automatically an... more
December 25, 2010
Thomas Watchorn North Fork, CA
just Joan
This story is written by the owner operator of Zion Electric, as my client does not have internet or a computer...
Joan is very happy with both your product and the install that I did, I own Zion Electric, she was somewhat disappointed in the amount of time that it took to receive your product.... then once it made it to us here in North Fork just 3 days ago...
I quickly got the install for her done and now her whole house is on an automated system where she is protected against any power outages that may come.
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