Briggs & Stratton 20kW Standby Generator System (Steel) (200A Service Disconnect + AC Shedding)

This model does not come equipped with a cold weather kit, but we do have it available as an add-on accessory here.

According to the Install Manual for the generator, the unit requires 5 feet of clearance on the exhaust side of the unit from any vegetation. I would recommend taking out the grass in this area and laying down a bed of pea gravel or some type of paver. This is common for all standby generators.

The gas connection on this unit is on the back right while facing the unit. This is common on all the air-cooled units from Briggs. 

In regards to your question, proper sizing of the generator is crucial to the success of any generator 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. A certified electrician needs to be consulted for proper sizing and installation of any generator. When analyzing the electrical load, consult the manufacturer’s nameplate on each major appliance or piece of equipment to determine its starting requirements in terms of amps and voltage which can be calculated to watts using Ohms Law (Amps x Volts = Watts). When choosing the generator output select a rating that is approximately 20 to 25% higher than the peak load (for example, if the load is about 8 kilowatts, select a 10 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. Note: Applications that are commercial, all-electric homes, have heat pump systems or geothermal systems require special installation procedures and a certified electrician must be contacted to evaluate and install these types of systems.

The whole house switches are not prewired.

Per the owner's manual here is the oil maintenance schedule...

FIRST 5 HOURS:
-CHANGE ENGINE OIL
EVERY 8 HOURS OR DAILY:
-CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
EVERY 100 HOURS OR ANNUALLY:
-CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER

The "Every 8 Hours or Daily" list is during long run times. When the units run their weekly exercise they only run for 12-15 minutes, so the oil does not need to be checked or changed unless the 100 hour or annual mark comes up.

The generators internal controller will tell you when the oil needs to be changed. However, we like to recommend checking the oil every spring and fall and change as needed.

Fuel consumption rates are estimated based on normal operating conditions. Generator operation may be greatly affected by elevation and the cycling operation of multiple electrical appliances – fuel flow rates may vary depending on these factors.

Full Load - 260,000 BTU/HR
1/2 Load - 187,000 BTU/HR

Information provided is from the manufacturers specification sheet available on our website under the specs tab....

Spec Sheet

The Briggs & Stratton 20kW Home Standby model 40346 requires a Group 26R with a minimum of 525 CCA (Cold Crank Amps).

The new style Briggs standby generators exhaust out the front and the intake is on the rear of the unit.

You can review the installation location on the install drawing available on the site under the specs tab....

Installation Drawing

Sorry, there are no LP/Gasoline home standby generators available. The only option would be one of the Winco Tri-Fuel portable generators which operate on NG, LP or Gasoline....

Portable Tri-Fuel Generators