Salt Air and Standby Generators

[High5]

We are in the market for a 20kw standby generator. Just not sure what brand will withstand salt air. We live by the water. I understand the enclosure is well protected. But salt air will enter through the louvers. It's the fasteners and brackets internal to the unit we worry about. Kohler says their units are not tested for that harsh an environment. Generac or Cummins sales staff are clueless. So I'm reaching out to you guys. Any of you live near salt water and own a standby generator?

 

[toplessHO]

thats the price you pay for the ambiance of water front.
they make ones with stainless steel enclosures,but expect nothing to last more than 5 yrs.
I would worry more about the electrical connections and wiring vs fasteners and brackets
Maybe solar and a big battery bank kept in a climate controlled room is a better option

 

[High5]

thats the price you pay for the ambiance of water front.
they make ones with stainless steel enclosures,but expect nothing to last more than 5 yrs.
I would worry more about the electrical connections and wiring vs fasteners and brackets
Maybe solar and a big battery bank kept in a climate controlled room is a better option

You're correct. Wiring and their connectors is a concern also. The electrical contractor will be asked that question. We are looking into solar. But that may have to come a few years down the road. I'm not thrilled about 5 years. If that's all we get. But considering these conditions, we'll have to wait and see.

Thanks for your input.

 

[scooby074]

Directly On the ocean here. Bigtime salt spray

Installed a Kohler 20k 2 years back. No problems. The Kohler enclosure is plastic so its corrosion proof.

Most of the neighbors have Generiacs because they are cheaper. They seem to have lots of problems.

Closest neighbor has Kohler and has had it over 5 years now with no problems. That was the determining factor for our purchase.

 

[High5]

Directly On the ocean here. Bigtime salt spray

Installed a Kohler 20k 2 years back. No problems. The Kohler enclosure is plastic so its corrosion proof.

Most of the neighbors have Generiacs because they are cheaper. They seem to have lots of problems.

Closest neighbor has Kohler and has had it over 5 years now with no problems. That was the determining factor for our purchase.

Thank you. We have been taking a serious look at the Kohler brand even though their tech said they did not test specifically for salt spray. We live on an island so service support will be challenging. Having confidence a generator will be reliable is high on our list.

 

[LXCam]

If you're that concerned why don't you build a enclosure around it. It's really not a big deal to extend the exhaust and provide ventilation.

 

[rlitman]

...Wiring and their connectors is a concern also...

If you're using stranded wire, use tinned wire. Spray Fluid Film on surfaces that may corrode. Fluid Film should be good on the electrical connections too.