NG Standby Generator

[GTO]

Wondering what the GJ hive thinks about Kohler and Generac Standby Gens.
I've heard from the electricians I know that they prefer the Kohler units ??

Looking for a unit 8-10kw with a whole house transfer.

Thanks

 

[Speedy Petey]

In that range they are pretty close. Generac is a tiny bit easier install, but Kohler has a better warranty. Kohler is slightly more expensive.

 

[GTO]

In that range they are pretty close. Generac is a tiny bit easier install, but Kohler has a better warranty. Kohler is slightly more expensive.

Thanks,I would like the Kohler over the Generac,but I can't find a 10kw Kohler NG.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Contact a sales rep in your area.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Like most large appliances, permanently installed standby generators require periodic maintenance and possibly repairs.

Look carefully at

• the maintenance schedule, including the cost of required maintenance items
• warranty
• servicing dealers in your area.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Thanks,I would like the Kohler over the Generac,but I can't find a 10kw Kohler NG.

Yup, I only see 8.5 and 14.
Personally I'd go with the Kohler 14kW. It's only about $900 more than the Generac 10kW. ESPECIALLY since you want to go whole house as opposed to sub-panel style transfer.

 

[brewchief]

I would go with the Kohler, I've been hearing reports of the Generac not being able to power some newer furnaces due to a crappy sine wave that the electronics will not operate on.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Remember, generators are downgraded when run on NG versus propane or gasoline.

 

[wef]

Remember, generators are downgraded when run on NG versus propane or gasoline.

Explain "downgraded" Isn't 14 kw= 14 kw?. Fuel consumption may be different. What am I missing?

 

[ket-tek]

Explain "downgraded" Isn't 14 kw= 14 kw?. Fuel consumption may be different. What am I missing?

He means that the output is different between the two fuels. A 20kw gen may be 20kw on LP, but only produces 18kw on NG.

Most are rated like this where they only give the full advertised output when used on LP.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Remember, generators are downgraded when run on NG versus propane or gasoline.

VERY good point I forgot to make. A 14kW is NOT 14kW on nat.

 

[wef]

VERY good point I forgot to make. A 14kW is NOT 14kW on nat.

Had no idea.......seems a little dishonest.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Had no idea.......seems a little dishonest.

It's a matter of BTUs. Nat gas has less BUTs than LP, or whatever the correct term for it is.

http://www.propane101.com/propanevsnaturalgas.htm

 

[HoosierBuddy]

The engine makes less power when running on natural gas than it does on propane.

It's not dishonest, because every generator spec sheet I've seen clearly lists a different number when run on natural gas.

I had just one more thought on natural gas standby generators. You should check the BTU requirements and make sure your piping and everything back to and including the gas meter can handle the additional flow.

For example, the 14KW Generac sheet I'm looking at here (13 KW natural gas) requires 220,000 BTU/Hour at full load. My homes gas supply line from the meter is 1" (sufficient) but the gas meter itself is only rated at 250,000 BTUs per hour.

So, I can run the generator...but not my other gas appliances at the same time. So, when I finally get down my priority list to installing a standby generator (it's still a ways down the list)...my first move will be to call my gas company and have them put in a larger meter.

Phil

 

[olytdi]

Here's a thread on "Kohler vs Generac" that I found informative:

http://www.diychatroom.com/f18/kohler-vs-generac-standby-149417/

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Both Kohler and Generac are made in Wisconsin. You can't go wrong with either one! Built by Wisconsin workers who take pride in their work.

Thanks for the business!

 

[cowboyjosh]

I've owned both. The KOHLER's are the Cadillac of standby generators; whereas the GENERAC's (especially the air cooled) are the KIA of standby generators. Both require maintenance and oil changes. I think KOHLER transfer switches are a little more robust as well. I have also heard that KOHLER puts out a clean 60 Hertz whereas some of the GENERAC's have issue with a clean sine wave, causing furnaces with ECM motors and all sorts of electronics not operate properly.

Also a proper install is just as important as the equipment quality. If you do a half ***, hack install; your gonna have problems.

Good luck, I love my KOHLER; and would never live in a house without a backup generator.