Frequently Asked Questions to Our Local Electricians

Can I install the generator myself or use my own electrician?

For safety reasons and to ensure adherence to all local, state and national electrical codes, Generac HIGHLY recommends you use only an experienced, authorized Generac installer. It will also protect your warranty. Unauthorized installers can void your warranty. If this occurs then repairs are not covered under Generac's stated warranty. In addition, the electrician must be D.O.T. certified for natural gas. This is absolutely another safety and warranty concern. You should not risk voiding your warranty let alone risking the safety of those you care about.

We are Wilmington's LEADING PREMIER Dealer! Authorized for Installation, Warranty & Service. Call Us Today!

Do they have to be maintained?

Yes, simple maintenance is required and highly recommended even during the warranty period. All generators have very sensitive controls and require periodic oil and filter changes to ensure maximum performance for years of reliable service. As the area's leader in standby power we are committed to providing all our customers with annual preventative maintenance contracts that will help to ensure a worry-free ownership experience. Refer to the owner's manual for warranty and maintenance information.

Who is Generac?

Since 1959, Generac has been designing and manufacturing backup power generators for residential, commercial and industrial applications. We have grown to be the world's largest provider of residential standby generators, selling five times as many generators as all of our competitors combined. Generac's broad product line ranges in output from 800 watts to 9 megawatts, and are available through the industry's largest network of independent generator dealers, retailers and wholesalers. Generac is a proud supporter of the Home Safety Council and its products have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. For more information on Generac and its extensive line of backup power products, give us a call directly.

What is an automatic standby generator?

An automatic standby generator is a back up electrical system that operates whether you are home or away. Within seconds of an outage, it automatically supplies power directly to your home's electrical circuit breaker box. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and waits for the next outage. It operates on natural gas or liquid propane gas and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit.

Why should I have an automatic standby generator installed instead of just using a portable generator?

During a utility power outage, an automatic standby generator provides numerous advantages over a portable generator:

The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed standby generators as a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.

With an automatic standby generator properly installed outside, your home is protected from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much greater risk with portable generators.

Running on the home's natural gas or LP fuel supply, it is less expensive to run than gasoline and does not need to be refilled.

They start automatically within seconds of a power outage, and eliminate the need to haul a portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout your home.

They provide protection 24/7, whether you're home or away, and they turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.

Simply put, you don't have to baby-sit them!

What is the difference between an automatic air-cooled generator and an automatic liquid-cooled generator?

The engines! Air-cooled generators come with engines that use fans to force air across the engine for cooling, while liquid-cooled generators use enclosed radiator systems for cooling, similar to an automobile. Generally, liquid-cooled engines are used on larger kW generators due to the larger engines required for the higher power output.

How does the Generac OHVI® engine compare to air cooled engines used in other brands of standby generators?

Unlike other engines, used in backup power generation, Generac OHVI engines are made specifically for generators. They are engineered to run for the long periods of time required during a severe power outage or on a job site, utilizing the same type of pressurized oil lubrication used to give automobile engines long and trouble-free lives. Generac OHVI engines have a significantly longer life than competitive engines, making them the best investment on the market.

What's the advantage of an aluminum enclosure?

In addition to its sturdy galvanneal steel enclosure with RhinoCoat, Generac is one of the few companies to offer premium aluminum enclosures for its residential standby generators. Aluminum enclosures are naturally rust and corrosion resistant. For salt air or high humidity conditions, aluminum is highly recommended to ensure decades of worry free service.

Can an automatic standby generator replace utility service?

No...the generator fuel costs would be much more expensive than buying power from the utility company since their cost to produce electricity is divided among thousands of customers.

How do I correctly size a generator for my home?

It's best left up to the professionals like Power 2 You Electric and that is why we offer a FREE on site survey.

The most logical way to determine your needs is to envision your home without power. Some outages may be short in duration, while others could last for days or weeks. What would your family miss during an outage?

With the broadest product line available, essential circuit coverage starts with the economically priced systems. Other larger systems are available to cover virtually any application. Note the three most common types of applications based on your choice:

1. Essential Circuit Coverage * may be achieved by pairing the proper amount of circuits and appliance loads with a proper size kW generator and transfer switch. For example, with selective circuitry coverage a smaller system could comfortably supply power for the basic important necessities. With this system, you could cover (1) lights and TV in the family room, (2) microwave and lights in the kitchen, (3) refrigerator, (4) well pump, (5) sump pump, (6) garage door opener and (7) furnace.

2. Managed Whole House Coverage - You can get more coverage with less generator, up to whole house coverage, by pairing a smaller generator with one of Generac's Nexus™ load shedding switch options. This creates a managed power solution where non-essential circuits are shed when the generator approaches maximum capacity. They are cycled back on when essential circuits no longer require power, so all circuits receive power at different times.

3. Complete Whole House Coverage - Easily cover every circuit in your home by pairing one of Generac's larger kW units and the proper transfer switch to provide full coverage. No circuit is ever left uncovered, so every appliance is available every minute.

*In many applications it is just as cost efficient, if not more, to install one main transfer switch rather than spending the time and expense on removing and segregating circuits into a separate standby panel.

What type of oil should I use?

An SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines, similar to your car. Refer to your owner's manual for details.

What happens if the generator gets overloaded?

This will not occur if the system has been properly sized and installed by Power 2 You Electric. But if by some unusual circumstance this does occur Generac generators are equipped with overload protection. In the rare event of an overload, the generator's circuit breaker will trip, disconnecting the unit from the load. Simply correct the overload and reset the breaker in the generator.

I no longer have my Owner's Manual, how can I get another copy?

Owner's manuals and other technical / repair information can be downloaded from generac.com or call 1-888-GENERAC.

If I have a problem with my generator where do I go for help?

We are Wilmington's LEADING "PREMIER" Dealer, authorized for Installation, Warranty & Service. Call Us Today!