The generator experts at Electric Generators Direct have written a comprehensive Standby Generator System buyer's guide to help homeowners select a standby generator and automatic transfer switch for their homes.
|
 |
Home Standby Generator Systems
How to Combine a Standby Generator and Transfer Switch
Electric Generators Direct
|
So now... You should know how many amps come into your electrical panel.
You should also know how many kilowatts your standby generator needs to start your central air conditioner.
And, finally, you should have a basic grasp of the different automatic transfer systems available.
Now, we just need to blend all three together.
To make things simple, use the chart below to pick a home standby generator system.
For example, you have 200-amp service and want to power your central air conditioner and mission critical appliances, we recommend:
Standby Generator = Generac Guardian 20kW
Automatic Transfer Switch = 200A Service Entrance + AC Shedding
 |
100-Amp
Service |
200-Amp
Service |
Portable Alternative- Automatic vs Manual
- Natural Gas or Propane
- Lowest Cost Possible
|
|
|
|
Mission Critical- No Central AC
- Refrigerator, Sump, Lights, Furnaces, etc.
|
|
|
|
Air Conditioning Plus- 4-Ton Central AC
- Mission Critical Appliances
|
|
|
|
Whole House- Power Everything
- Price Doesn't Matter
- Transfer Switch Sold Separately
|
|
|
|
|
100-Amp
Service |
200-Amp
Service |
Portable Alternative- Automatic vs Manual
- Natural Gas or Propane
- Lowest Cost Possible
|
|
|
|
Mission Critical- No Central AC
- Refrigerator, Sump, Lights, Furnaces, etc.
|
|
|
|
Air Conditioning Plus- 4-Ton Central AC
- Mission Critical Appliances
|
|
|
|
Whole House- Power Everything
- Price Doesn't Matter
- Transfer Switch Sold Separately
|
|
|
|
Batteries  There's a reason batteries are sold separately. You want it to be fresh when you buy it. Otherwise, a standby generator is just a big paper weight.
The battery basically jump starts the standby generator. Without the battery, you need to be home to pull a recoil cord to start it, which totally defeats the purpose.
Cold Weather Kits  Your battery will serve you well... as long as it doesn't freeze. If you live in climates where the temperature plummets below freezing for extended periods, you should consider a Cold Weather Kit too.
The kit basically keeps your battery toasty. Plus, it keeps the oil from freezing into sludge. We recommend installing a Cold Weather Kit at the same time your generator is installed.
Lift Gate Service  Keep this in mind. Standby generator systems don't ship in little brown trucks. Instead, they will arrive at your home on a semi-truck designed for loading docks.
We strongly recommend ordering lift gate service to safely lower it from the back of the truck to the curb. Otherwise, it will take an army of people to unload the 500-pound generator without destroying it upon decent.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Air Compressors Direct
Shop by Brand [+]
