Generac OHVI Air-Cooled Engine •Features plateau honed cylinder walls and plasma-moly rings •Full pressure lubrication system w/ 2 year oil change interval •Aids in cooling the engine for longer life
Operates On Clean Burning, Efficient Natural Gas or LP (Vapor)
Skewed Rotor Design For Smooth Output Waveform "Clean Power" •Automatic voltage regulator equipped for +/- 1% regulation
Nexus™ Digital Controller Monitors & Controls All Functions •Provides system status - compatible with Nexus™ wireless monitors
Sound Attenuated Weather Proof Enclosure •Attractive styling with lockable access doors •Incorporates electrostatically applied epoxy paint technology •Sound dampening enclosure limits sound pressure to a low 66dB(A)
Includes 16 Circuit Load Center Style Auto Transfer Switch (100A) •5' Pre-wired External Connection Box From Wall to Generator •30' Pre-Wired Indoor Conduit From Switch To External Box •2' Pre-Wired Indoor Conduit From Transfer Switch To Main Panel •Composite mounting pad and 1’ flexible fuel line connector
Listed to UL2200 Engine/Generator Standard for Safety
Q: Hi Jim,is there any codes to how far from a window the standby generator must be.
Thank You Frank by Frank Gelsomino from Connecticut on January 24, 2012
A: NFPA 37 - 4.1.4 Engines Located Outdoors. Engines, and their weatherproof housings if provided, that are installed outdoors shall be located at least 1.5 m (5 ft) from openings in walls and at least 1.5 m (5 ft) from structures having combustible walls. A minimum separation shall not be required where either of the following conditions exist:
(1) The adjacent wall of the structure has a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour. (2)*The weatherproof enclosure is constructed of noncombustible materials and has been demonstrated that a fire within the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the enclosure.
The above code is referenced in NFPA 70 - Article 445 Generator Locations.
You do need to reference with your local inspector what the requirements are for your local city codes along with the requirements in your area for noncombustible materials.
Always consult with a certified electrician on all installation procedures and processes.
by Jim, Product Expert
Q: What is the percentage of THD for the 5871 Standby Generator? Is this figure somewhere in the specs pages or owners manual? by Ray Lacourse from Massachusetts on January 04, 2012
A: The THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) for the Generac Guardian Series Home Standby Generators is less then 5% which can be found in the Generac spec sheet. The link for the spec sheet is under our specs tab on the product page.
Q: I AM BUYING A 17KW GUARDIAN SERIES 5873 AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WILL I NEED PROPANE ADAPTERS REGULATORS ETC. TO HOOK UP TO THIS UNIT. I AM GOING TO USE TWO 100 LB LP TANKS. by JEFF from Maryland on September 26, 2011
A: The Generac 5873 (17kW) home standby generator has a 1/2" fuel pipe connection and the main regulator is not provided. Generac recommends a minimum of 150 Gallon tank for LP fuel which provides minimal backup power. This generator uses 1.61 Gallons per Hour at 50% load so a 100 pound tank will run only run for 14.9 hours at 50% load.
by Jim, Product Expert
Q: I want to install the generator about 100 ft from the house. Is it a problem getting a cable that long to run from the generator to the transfer switch in the house? by Michael Edison from New York on September 26, 2011
A: The 30 ft length of wire that comes with the switch is indoor only and the unit also comes with a outdoor 5 ft length that gets connected to the generator. This would need to be changed if you are looking to install the generator a greater distance. This would be changed by your installing electrician as Generac does not offer longer lengths.
by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Is installation included in the price? Who installs the unit, also who provides LP gas ? by Bob Ciccone from Delaware on August 28, 2011
A: The generator and automatic transfer switch is included in the price.
We can deliver it directly to your house for free and no sales tax.
You can also order the battery, which is sold separately.
You'll need to hire a local electrician to install the generator.
It normally costs between a six-pack and $1,000 for installation, depending on who you know. :) by Jim, Product Expert
Q: will this unit support and ac unit plus a submersible 240 pump running at the same time thanks. by Hugh Fish from Michigan on May 05, 2011
A: Hello Hugh, Running at the same time, yes. Starting "exactly" at the same time could be something to look at if the AC unit is 4-5 ton rated. It is worth looking at only if a person believes that both would start at exactly the same time. The odds of that happening are usually very slim. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Jim, I am ready to order the 5873 model. Will I be able to mount the transfer switch, which is included outside or will I have to purhase one that can be mount for an outside application? by Richard J. Isolini Jr. from Florida on April 30, 2011
A: The switch in this package is for indoor use only. To purchase the outside set up you will need to buy the generator by itself and then select the switch you need. The links below are options:
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: If I order the 5873 Generac with battery, does it come complete, ready to install, or do I need to order transfer switch, etc.? Thanks. by Lucy Goodenday from Arizona on February 26, 2011
A: These units are prepackaged with a transfer switch which is pre-wired for ease of installation. The only items needed for installation would be a starting battery and a solid base such as a concrete pad, crushed stone or pea gravel. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Hello Jim, do you have, or can you recommend stand-by generator installers for the Houston, Texas area? We are in the N.W. Houston area. by David Reece from Texas on February 13, 2011
A: Since we do not get involved in the installation process and since we ship all over the continental US we do not have a list of installers to provide. You can contact a local Generac dealer who may do installations at a reasonable price and will provide you with the best installation knowledge. You do not necessarily have to purchase a Generac generator from them to utilize their installation and they would be your resource for maintenance and warranty repairs.
Q: How far does a generator has to be from my house? by Jim from Massachusetts on February 04, 2011
A: The manufacturer recommends the back side of the unit to be set no less then 18 inches from any non-combustible surface and the sides of the unit need at least 36 inches for proper intake and exhaust.
Note: It is recommended to check with your city, county and state codes as they may differ from the manufacturers recommendations.
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.
by Jim, Product Expert
Q: What kind of oil comes in the generator, and when it is time to change it? Can I run Mobile 1 Synthetic 5W30 year round in central Oklahoma? by Ron Hopper from Oklahoma on January 24, 2011
A: The Generac standby generators are shipped with 5W30 oil in them and Generac does give the option to use 5W30 Synthetic in needed. The owner's manual covers all oil options and temperature ranges. Oil changes are determined by use and maintenance is also covered in the manual.
Q: Can this generator be anchored to the slab? If so, can you provide an anchor bolt layout by Gregg Deemer from Texas on January 21, 2011
A: Generac's model 5885, as with all of their standby generators, are anchored to the pallet at all 4 corners with special anchors which can be used to anchor the unit directly to your concrete base using concrete bolts. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: I would like some help choosing a standby gen. Ratings are confusing...the 10kW and 14 kW specs claim they are able to power 2.5 ton central units. Here's what I have"
-1 yr old Rheem 2 ton heat pump (52 locked rotor amps - 1 amp 1/3 hp running)
House loaded - 33A per leg/15.2kW total -HVAC on -Water heater on -Refrigerator on -Multiple room lights/TV/coffee maker on
If I change over to LP water heater, that would cut 19A per leg/8.7kW total - this would yield a total running kW of 6.44kW.
Question is will the 10kW or 14kW standby units run my house loaded as described: a) As above, with electric water heater? b) as above, with LP water heater?
Also, why does Generac claim these tonnage ratings if the units won't supply it?
Thanks for your time.
Regards, Dave Hinkson
by Dave Hinkson from South Carolina on January 20, 2011
A: Generators are sized based on the starting amperage load of the equipment you are powering. The formula to use for each item would be starting amps x volts = watts and when considering your heat pump has a starting amp load of 52 amps the starting wattage for this unit would be 12,480 Watts and you would use the same calculations for each item you are powering individually at start-up.
Proper sizing of the generator is crucial to the success of any installation and requires a good working knowledge of electricity and its characteristics, as well as the varying requirements of the electrical equipment comprising the load. When analyzing the electrical load, consult the manufacturer’s nameplate on each major appliance or piece of equipment to determine its starting and running requirements in terms of watts, amps and voltage. When choosing the generator output for commercial or industrial applications, select a rating that is approximately 20 to 25% higher than the peak load (for example, if the load is about 40 kilowatts, select a 50 kW generator). A higher rated generator will operate comfortably at approximately 80% of its full capacity and will provide a margin of flexibility if the load increases in the future.
The Ton rating listed on the site are estimates and not specific due to the different AC manufacturers and internal compressors in the AC units. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: I'm planing on the 5873. Does that model start automatically if the power goes out? by Blair Reese from California on January 19, 2011
A: This is an automatic standby system and the generator constantly monitors incoming utility power and when power is lost the generator starts and then switches the automatic transfer switch to generator power. When utility power is restored the generator switches the automatic transfer switch back to utility and the generator then powers itself down and continues to monitor utility power. by Jim, Product Expert
Overall Rating
4.9
(Based on 14 Reviews)
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Jim Baugher, Product Expert Electric Generators Direct
Jim's Recommendation
Generac Power Systems offers two versions of a 17 kW home standby generators.
The 17 kW generators are extremely popular because they pack enough power to run a 5-ton air conditioner.
This model sells the best out of the four versions for a few reasons:
1. Automatic Transfer Switch
Guardian's 100-Amp Distributed Load Center is the brains of the generator. You simply pick 16-circuits that you want to power during an outage. Most people choose this option.
If you want to power more than 16-circuits or run two air conditioners simultaneously, you should consider the Guardian 20kW Smart Circuit standby generator system instead.
2. Steel Enclosure
Guardian offers a steel and aluminum enclosure. The aluminum option is great if you live near the ocean or gulf because it simply doesn't rust.
If you live inland, the steel option will serve you well. Guardian uses a powder coat painting system which keeps the enclosure well protected.
November 07, 2011
Bill Baltimore, MD
Quality & Simplicity In One Package
As a commercial electrical contractor I purchase and install a variety of natural gas and diesel generators. Usually, somewhere along the line, parts don't ship, information is not conveyed or equipment is delivered with issues. To my surprise and great pleasure, none of the above occurred when I purchased in installed the Generac model 5873.
On-line info was very thorough and aided in the planning of the installation. The unit shipped right away and was delivered to the installation address when promised and on time. Installation was a piece of cake and start-up went very smoothly. My customer loves the unit and I have recommended it to two others, one of whom just placed his order.
As a commercial electrical contractor I purchase and install a variety of natural gas and diesel generators. Usually, somewhere along the line, parts don't ship, information is not conveyed or equipment is delivered with issues. To my surprise and great pleasure, none of the above occurred when I purchased in installed the Generac model 5873.
On-line info was very thorough and aided in the planning of the installation. The unit shipped right away and was delivered to the installation address when promised and on time. Installation was a piece of cake and start-up went very smoo... more
October 24, 2011
Duane Wayne, IL
My Generator Review
Its not my gen. I installed it for a customer. I've installed 5 or 6 of these 17 k gens. People like them cause they are not very expensive. They really like the sale price!! I like the pre-wired transfer switch.. Sometimes we have to rewire the feed that goes out to the generators because local codes don't allow flex pipe. But not a big deal.. We pipe it in, pull the wire and we're finished.
2 men 1 day total install, on most of them. I have a lot of people wanting them when they see the Jones just got 1. I'm working on 4 or 5 bids now. Money is tight now 4 people , for them to spend what extra they have on a gen is a tough call. Do we go on vacation or get a gen? Wonder what the wife says?
Its not my gen. I installed it for a customer. I've installed 5 or 6 of these 17 k gens. People like them cause they are not very expensive. They really like the sale price!! I like the pre-wired transfer switch.. Sometimes we have to rewire the feed that goes out to the generators because local codes don't allow flex pipe. But not a big deal.. We pipe it in, pull the wire and we're finished.
2 men 1 day total install, on most of them. I have a lot of people wanting them when they see the Jones just got 1. I'm working on 4 or 5 bids now. Money is tight now 4 people , for them to... more
October 21, 2011
Barry Providence Forge, VA
Quality Issue
After Hurricane Irene I made up my mind to purchase a generator. I looked at various models and makes on line and after consulting with a friend who formerly installed Generac generators, I purchased a Generac. I ordered it on 9/9/11, it arrived 9/12/11. Due to the backlog of work, a local propane company could not run the new gas line to the generator until this week, 10/19/11.
Looking forward to being finished with this project, when we fired up the generator, it made an unusual noise in the exhaust fan area and then shattered the fan blades. I noticed some tool and pry marks and dents on the housing that enclosed the fan on the bottom, inside of the generator. Evidently someone goobered up something on the assembly line and forced the fan unit in regardless of the outcome. Quality Inspection should have caught this blunder before final packaging for shipping.
Anyway, yesterday I called Generac, because PED only sells generators, don't look for warranty help from them and they were in touch with a local warranty electrical company that will come out next week to address this problem. To put it bluntly, this experience has tarnished my opinion of Generac, only time will tell if the corrections are done quickly and effectively, Generac's warranty division was quick to assist and get the repair process going, kudos for that.
After Hurricane Irene I made up my mind to purchase a generator. I looked at various models and makes on line and after consulting with a friend who formerly installed Generac generators, I purchased a Generac. I ordered it on 9/9/11, it arrived 9/12/11. Due to the backlog of work, a local propane company could not run the new gas line to the generator until this week, 10/19/11.
Looking forward to being finished with this project, when we fired up the generator, it made an unusual noise in the exhaust fan area and then shattered the fan blades. I noticed some tool and pry ... more
October 06, 2011
Dennis Edgewater, MD
Stripped Screw In Breaker
Finally got my generator hooked up and as the electrician was check all the screws in the breakers he found that one of the screws in the 2 post 20 amp 220 volts was stripped. With the power off to the house I went to the hardware store and bought a new one. The electrician said it must have come from the manufacturer that way...
October 03, 2011
Irwi South Brunswick, NJ
Advanced Wireless Monitor
Works very good, completely satified with this product. I am now able to control my generator from within my home, excellent product. As a future enhancement it would be nice to get a new version that can be accessed via the internet within my home or on a iphone
September 28, 2011
Joe Lake Royale, NC
Piece Of Mind in North Carolina
I am very pleased with the quick ordering and delivery service I received on my Generac Guardian 5873 17KV model Emergency Generator. Even though my particular model was back ordered, it was delivered on the date I was told it would be. The additional cost for the Lift Gate Delivery was well worth the money. My electrician has been very busy installing Generac Generators in North Carolina after the severe weather this Summer. I hope I never have to use it, but I have the piece of mind knowing my generator is ready to go in case I do.
September 27, 2011
Irwin South Brunswick, NJ
After Hurricane Irene I Needed The Protection
Got the Generac 17KW Essential Circuit system and the advanced wireless monitor. The service I got from Electric Generators Direct was outstanding. The prices were very reasonable and I was amazed after I ordered my system in a matter of days the trucking company delivered it home.
I give these guys A+++ If I ever need a generator again 100% I will buy it from this company
September 21, 2011
Irwing South Brunswick, NJ
Generac 17KW
I got my unit installed about a week ago and was extremely satisfied with Electricgeneratorsdirect.com The pricing was cheaper than HomeDepot and I got my unit delivered in a matter of days. The trucking company was excellent and I have had nothing but excellent review on everything.
If I ever need to buy another generator again without any hesitation I will buy from electricgeneratorsdirect.com The service is great, I had a couple questions and I immediate answers got all my questions answers. The website also has lots of excellent advise and recommendation tips. I give you A++
August 30, 2011
Kevin Englewood, NJ
Residential Palace
Just finish easy install and hurricane Irene hit!!!!! Generator preformed with excellence that was written by Jim.
Thanks to everyone for their help and expertise!!!! This generator did what its built for ran 23hrs. Never missed a beat. Thanks
August 14, 2011
Dave Berrien Center, MI
Great Experience
I had ordered my generator from "Electric Generators Direct" because they were $300-400.00 cheaper than Lowes or Home Depot. I was amazed that 3 days later I had my generator delivered to my home. The driver was very friendly and kind enough to lower the generator from the truck and hand truck it over to my area where I was going to install my generator. He also said that he was delivering these generators about one a day and has never had one of them returned for damage. I am very impressed with this company and have told a number of people in my barber shop about this website. I would highly recommend them to people. Thanks again!
I had ordered my generator from "Electric Generators Direct" because they were $300-400.00 cheaper than Lowes or Home Depot. I was amazed that 3 days later I had my generator delivered to my home. The driver was very friendly and kind enough to lower the generator from the truck and hand truck it over to my area where I was going to install my generator. He also said that he was delivering these generators about one a day and has never had one of them returned for damage. I am very impressed with this company and have told a number of people in my barber shop about this website. I wo... more
July 24, 2011
Bob Topeka, KS
Added Value & Piece OF Mind
We have had our standby 2 years now. Our house is total electric, so adding the unit gave us piece of mind, as well as adding value to our home. We bought a 500 gallon LP tank for added insurance. The unit has performed as advertised. One of the times we lost power was for 5 hours, the only thing we had to do was reset clocks on microwaves and such. The generator has performed flawlessly. Maintenance is minimal. Just changed the oil with the Guardian kit(5664), took about 30 minutes ready to go for another year or so. If you are contemplating a standby generator you can't go wrong with this unit
We have had our standby 2 years now. Our house is total electric, so adding the unit gave us piece of mind, as well as adding value to our home. We bought a 500 gallon LP tank for added insurance. The unit has performed as advertised. One of the times we lost power was for 5 hours, the only thing we had to do was reset clocks on microwaves and such. The generator has performed flawlessly. Maintenance is minimal. Just changed the oil with the Guardian kit(5664), took about 30 minutes ready to go for another year or so. If you are contemplating a standby generator you can't go wrong wit... more
July 03, 2011
Dan Celina, OH
Generac 17W Install
Received my generator in good condition, the R & L carrier almost put it within 4 ft. of the pad in my flower bed. Most of the contractors I received estimates from where outrageous, in fact the quoted install prices where slightly higher than the generator itself. I found a qualified electrician to to the job for his hourly rate with my help. The job took roughly around ten hours, that includes a few trips to the hardware store for a few odds and ends. My contractor ran the proper tests on the generator after the install and said it was running perfect from the factory as is and no adjustments where necessary.
Received my generator in good condition, the R & L carrier almost put it within 4 ft. of the pad in my flower bed. Most of the contractors I received estimates from where outrageous, in fact the quoted install prices where slightly higher than the generator itself. I found a qualified electrician to to the job for his hourly rate with my help. The job took roughly around ten hours, that includes a few trips to the hardware store for a few odds and ends. My contractor ran the proper tests on the generator after the install and said it was running perfect from the factory as is and no adjus... more
December 13, 2010
Brian Vineland, NJ
Piece of Mind...
Although we're never without electric for too long, with the winter months becoming more severe, we decided to get a backup power unit. We chose the Generac 17kw unit as Generac came highly recommended and the 17kw will easily run everything we need hooked up.
The unit arrived within a week of ordering it (we paid the $50 guarantee fee). The unit came crated nicely and everything was within the crate. We hired a local authorized dealer to install the unit, to ensure it was done properly, and so not to negatively impact the warranty requirements.
Everything went smoothly...the installation was completed within two days... The unit has only been hooked up a week now, but if the power goes out, we should be covered.
Although we're never without electric for too long, with the winter months becoming more severe, we decided to get a backup power unit. We chose the Generac 17kw unit as Generac came highly recommended and the 17kw will easily run everything we need hooked up.
The unit arrived within a week of ordering it (we paid the $50 guarantee fee). The unit came crated nicely and everything was within the crate. We hired a local authorized dealer to install the unit, to ensure it was done properly, and so not to negatively impact the warranty requirements.
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