What is the difference between manual, semi-automatic, and automatic Home Generator Systems? The differences really have to do with the steps needed to have emergency power flowing into your house in the event of a power outage. Both the manual and semi-automatic systems require you to wheel the generator outside, start it up, and hook it up to the inlet box. From there you must go to the transfer switch panel installed near your circuit breakers and switch the power coming into your house from the main line to the generator running outside (this applies to the manual switch only, as the semi-automatic is set up so you only need to turn on and plug in the generator). After the power from your local utility is restored, you are required to reverse the setup process.
The Semi-Automatic system is a much easier process. With no need to flip any switches on the transfer box, you are only required to push the start button on the generator. When the 6.5 kW unit is installed, it is automatically wired so you never have to manually switch from local utility to the generator and vise versa. All you need to do is plug in the generator once it is running.
One of the clear advantages with the Automatic 10kW Home generator System is that the unit turns itself on and off automatically without you ever having to leave the safety of your home. Our automatic Home power system also exercise themselves once a week. You can even set the time when the unit will perform this diagnostics check. The generator will then be ready to run whenever needed. See our Product page for more information about the three options available.
Can I run a computer or other sensitive electronic equipment off the generator during a power outage? Yes, the power coming from your power inverter is just as safe as what you normally have coming out of the wall socket. The spikes or surges that accompany power generation (also known as "harmonic distortion") are just a normal aspect of electricity. However, when considering sensitive or expensive electronic equipment running off a wall outlet, you should use a good surge protector to guard against small influxes in power.
What size generator do I need to run electric items in my house during a power outage? Most average homes of 1200 to 3000 sq. ft. can use a 3000, 4000, or 5000 watt generator. The most common items that need emergency power during a blackout would be the furnace blower motor, refrigerator, freezer, lights, TV, sump pump, and water pumps.
Does motor starting require different wattage? Induction motors require larger amounts of electricity for initial start-up than when they are running. Some appliances and tools, such as your refrigerator/freezer, furnace fan, air conditioner, electric chain saw, weed trimmer, etc. may require more watts than normal running wattage for motor starting. This must be considered when sizing a generator to meet your needs.
Can I install the unit myself or does someone else need to? It is recommended that you have your Home Generator System (generator and transfer switch) installed by a licensed contractor. Failure to do so could be dangerous for both family members as well as outside repair workers trying to fix downed power lines. In addition, professional installation is required to maintain the warranty. Most Briggs & Stratton Power Product dealers are capable of not only performing the necessary installation, but can also offer lifetime maintenance agreements. These allow you worry free ownership and insure that the generator is being serviced on a regular basis. See our Contact Us page for the dealer nearest you.
What does Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) do for me? AVR maintains steady voltage. This is important for running sensitive electronics such as computers, microwaves and televisions.
Who makes your transfer switches? Briggs & Stratton Power Products has partnered with Eaton's Cutler-Hammer to bring you the best available automatic transfer switch in the residential market. It is UL approved and carries a five (5) year warranty.
What is the warranty? We offer a limited two (1) year warranty on our portable Home Generator Systems and a complete three (3) year/1500 hour warranty on our Automatic Home Generator Systems. The automatic transfer switches have a separate warranty through Eaton's Cutler-Hammer with a five (5) year warranty.
What's the difference between rated and maximum watts? The rated watts of a generator is the amount of power the unit can produce continuously, while the maximum wattage is the power that the generator can produce for short periods of time.
What do you mean by "full capacity outlets"? A full capacity outlet allows the full rated power of the unit to be drawn from a single outlet. On a 4000 watt generator, you could pull all 4000 watts from a single outlet if necessary.
ABOUT MAINTENANCE & USE
Do I need to start the generator frequently when it is not being used? We recommend exercising the generator at least once every month on the portable units. This will help to keep the engine lubricated for when you need to use the unit at a moment's notice. You should not leave gas in the tank for more than a month. If you think it could be a while before you use the generator again, a fuel stabilizer is recommended.
One of the advantages of the Automatic Home Generator System is that it is designed to run once a week for twelve minutes. All you have to do is program when you want this task to be performed and it will start up automatically. During this time it will not only lubricate the engine and charge up the included battery, but it will also run a diagnostics check. If there are any problems with this process, an LED display located inside the front access panel will alert you.
How long will a unit run before I have to let it cool down or refill it with fuel? Depending on which unit you buy, your refill times will vary. It is rare that a given generator will need to run at full load all of the time, therefore Briggs & Stratton Power Products run times are calculated at half-load (where only half of the generator's power potential is being used). Additionally, we have designed the mobile units with extra large gas tanks, which enables you to fill the gas tank before going to bed, without needing to think about refueling the unit until the next morning. One of the clear advantages of the Automatic 10kW Home Generator System we offer is that they do not need to be refueled as often, if at all, because they run off LP (propane) or Natural Gas. Additionally, rest periods to allow cooling are not necessary. All Briggs & Stratton Home Generator System generators are air-cooled and do not require you to turn them off after extended run times. However, you will need to turn off the unit before refueling (if applicable) or when checking the oil levels which should be done on a regular basis after extended use. (Refer to your owners guide for instructions.)
Do I have to worry about "back feed" if the generator is running when the power comes back on? No. All Cutler-Hammer automatic transfer switches are designed to keep generator backfeed from occurring. When the contractor installs the transfer system into a house or small business, they will also hard wire the switch directly into the circuit breaker. When the home is running off of the generator, it automatically separates the power coming in from the utilities and the generator, preventing damage to your house. Only when the system switches back to power will the appliances assigned to the generator then receive power from the homeowner's utility. With the Automatic Home Generator System, the unit senses when the power has been restored and automatically switches back to utility power before shutting down. Briggs & Stratton Power Products along with Eaton's Cutler-Hammer has taken great care in the design of each system to ensure maximum safety.
How often do I have to change the oil? Synthetic oil is required when an oil change is needed. An oil change is recommended every 50 hours and the oil filter every 100 hours. Note: the 18 HP V-Twin Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine on the 10kW Home Generator System is shipped with a pre-filled crankcase and a pre-run engine, effectively eliminating the need for you to 'break in' the system. There is an hour meter located inside the front access door that will help you gauge when maintenance is needed. The 10kW system is also equipped with remote status alerting you to any maintenance needs.
Who do I call if I have any questions or maintenance issues? We recommend that you first contact the person or contractor who performed the original installation. First-hand knowledge of your original system installation qualifies them as the best equipped to field questions and perform any needed maintenance. Oftentimes installers will also offer you special maintenance agreements once the original system is installed, making any potential mechanical problems less worrisome to the consumer. You can also call Briggs & Stratton Power Products directly at (800) 270-1408, Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm Central Standard Time if a problem requires additional help. We are always here to help.
Can I vent exhaust out of an enclosed area? NO. Carbon monoxide gases produced by the engine can be deadly. Briggs & Stratton Portable Products are designed to be run outside where there is plenty of ventilation. Never run these units inside a home or enclosed area.
Can I run the generator inside my home? NO! A generator has an internal combustion engine and uses gas and oil. The exhaust from running the generator contains lethal carbon monoxide. Therefore, this unit should always be placed in a well ventilated area.
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