20kw Standby Generator Comparison

Standby generators supply backup power during an outage, whether for a couple hours or maybe a few weeks after a major storm like Hurricane Sandy. Manufacturers including 20kW standby generators by the volume of continuous power they are able to provide, and not all generator ratings are equal. Briggs & Stratton, Generac, and Cummins Onan all offer standby generators that run on either LP or gas, only provide a full 20kW of power while running on LP. The generators are derated while operating on gas and can only provide up 18kW of continuous power.

Kohler generators are designed to run on either LP or NG, and so they supply the rated power for that generator. A 20kW NG standby unit will provide 20,000 watts of power, the same as the similar model that runs using LP gas.

Reserve power isn’t advertised by standby generator manufacturers, but generators provides a supplementary boost of power for a couple seconds to start large, robust motors.

Remote Options

Generac uses cellular phone texting system using Mobile Link offering to deliver status and maintenance updates for 20kW generator on any text-message-capable cell phone. Mobile Link offers web access through the computer, tablet, or mobile phone that also includes programming exercise periods or scheduling maintenance.

Cummins Onan can email updates, send maintenance requests to technicians, and permit viewing generator status from the net.

Kohler Power Systems has got the On Cue Home Generator Power Management System, which allows homeowners to watch real-time 20kW standby generator status, view and reset diagnostic codes, check status messages, and consider multiple generators on a single screen.

Warranty

All the 20kW generator manufacturers offer warranties applicable to standby power applications when a utility supply is connected. Off-grid systems not connected to the utility supply are not covered by the standard consumer warranties.

Kohler’s consumer warranty is a few years or 2000 hours. Using off-grid applications being a standby unit, they offer an 18 month/1000 hour warranty. Labor is just covered throughout the first couple of years after installation.

Generac offers a 5 year consumer warranty with complete coverage for that first couple of years, coverage only on parts in year three, and limited coverage about the alternator and engine in years 4 and 5.

Briggs & Stratton supplies a 4 year, 1600 hour limited warranty on parts and labor.
Cummins Power Systems comes with a limited consumer warranty for 5yrs or 2000 hours. Off grid applications have warranty coverage for 12 months or 1000 hours. Travel and labor are covered for that first couple of years.

For more information go to: www.NPSGenerac.com

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