Generac Centurion™ 5538 - 16kW Essential Circuit Standby Generator System (Aluminum Enclosure)

I purchased this unit in September and had it professionally installed. The shipper used a dolly to place the unit just where I wanted it, so there was no worry about moving this heavy unit at the time of delivery.

The only problem during the installation was that the insulation on the top lid of the unit was too thick and interfered with the switch (the switch kept turning on and off). Removal of some excess insulation solved the problem. The unit runs in test mode for ten minutes each week and is relatively quite. It sounds like someone in the distance is using a leaf blower.

Also, the circuit breaker box is large and needs to be placed within two feet of your present box (the wire they include to connect the two units is only about two feet long). Finally, I called Generac (the maker of Centurion) about oil requirements (I am in South Bend, Indiana) the company said that they now recommend using synthetic 5W30 all year long, this differs from the recommendation in the manual

I purchased this unit in September and had it professionally installed. The shipper used a dolly to place the unit just where I wanted it, so there was no worry about moving this heavy unit at the time of delivery.

The only problem during the installation was that the insulation on the top lid of the unit was too thick and interfered with the switch (the switch kept turning on and off). Removal of some excess insulation solved the problem. The unit runs in test mode for ten minutes each... more

I live out in rural West Virginia. We have VERY BAD Service in regards to Power Outages.
I have only had my 16kw generator for a couple weeks and it has already been all I expected it to be.

Had NO problems with installation. I already had installed a Smart Switch disconnect so I did not use the supplied transfer switch.
All I need was the "battery" charger from it. All else was simple connections.

Unit works wonderfully and I would highly recommend it to anyone. It is even more quiet than I expected.
Again...I am very pleased!!!

I live out in rural West Virginia. We have VERY BAD Service in regards to Power Outages.
I have only had my 16kw generator for a couple weeks and it has already been all I expected it to be.

Had NO problems with installation. I already had installed a Smart Switch disconnect so I did not use the supplied transfer switch.
All I need was the "battery" charger from it. All else was simple connections.

Unit works wonderfully and I would highly recommend it to anyone. It is... more

Generator arrived as promised, less than 2 weeks after ordering, price dropped $300.00 but I was not offered any refund. Email correspondence did state that I could return mine, purchase a new one at the lower price but I would have to pay the return shipping. Sounds quite lame, a simple refund maybe half would have made me a little happier.

Did not expect the expenses for hookup to be so much, new gas line and regulators are $1400, don't have the estimate for the electric yet. Some permits required, certain restrictions on placement.

No visible damage however lid is a little off making it difficult to lock on one side. One of four bolts holding generator to composite pad is loose and all attempts by self met with negative results. Apparently factory cross threaded the bolt/nut and it can't be corrected without raising entire unit for bottom access. Nearby authorized Generac service states they will come out and check it out when they find time, that time is still unknown.

Purchased the required 26R battery and attempted installation, impossible to insert without removing a black plastic piece at the intake area first than replacing it. Seems like that area could be a little racked, so close but no way. I do suppose it will be just fine however.

I must add that I am too far away for the 30 foot conduit, that is an added expense and I require approx 55 feet of gas line.

Generator arrived as promised, less than 2 weeks after ordering, price dropped $300.00 but I was not offered any refund. Email correspondence did state that I could return mine, purchase a new one at the lower price but I would have to pay the return shipping. Sounds quite lame, a simple refund maybe half would have made me a little happier.

Did not expect the expenses for hookup to be so much, new gas line and regulators are $1400, don't have the estimate for the electric yet. Some... more

The standby generator by Generac is my second one to purchase and everything is just as promised. A very good product for an excellent price. The service during the sale and delivery was exactly as advertised. For a service business, you guys certainly understand the importance of delivering all services just as promised. This is greatly appreciated in today's environment of most businesses not meeting expectations. You exceeded mine once again.