Looking for Answers about Generac Power Systems 20kW Guardian Series Automatic Standby Generator A?

The "3000 hour" mark is not an absolute--only a milestone. The generator can run for a very long time with proper maintenance, and some individual components can be replaced to extend the life of the unit.

No, this unit does not. The pre-wired conduit is part of Generac's EZ Switch, which can be purchased separately for use with this unit.

That really depends upon how long you would like it to run during a power outage. To help you determine the answer to that question, we can provide you with fuel consumption rates for this unit. For LP fuel, the 20kW Guardian Series consumes 1.89 gal/hr at 1/2 load and 2.90 gal/hr at full load. You can use these data to determine how much fuel you want to have on hand to run your backup generator.

Please see the owner's manual at http://goo.gl/y8XpH. Beginning on page 33 you will find a number of installation drawings that will give you the dimensions you need.

No. If you would like a portable gasoline-powered generator of comparable size, we recommend Generac's GP175000E--one of the largest on the market.

If the site is tamped down it should only need to be leveled once. If you are in an area where the ground is softer or absorbs more water than normal, it could be more often.

The generator's power output is affected by the fuel the system is using, the ambient temperatures during use, and elevation above sea level. To be sure that this model will power your central air conditioner, we recommend discussing with a licensed electrician or a Generac dealer (http://www.generac.com/Service/Deal...).

The dimensions (L" x W" x H") of this unit are 48 x 25 x 29. Generac recommends that a concrete base slab should exceed the length and width of the generator by a minimum of six (6) inches (0.152 meters) on all sides; this should easily accommodate the fascia.

You cannot turn the exercise cycle off. It is required for the generator to exercise once a week for 10 - 15 minutes to ensure that it will function properly during a power outage. You do have the ability to schedule when this occurs at any time of day or night, but it cannot be disabled.

If this is referring to where the wire enters the transfer switch, there are knock outs on the bottom right and left side but a hole can be punched elsewhere if you want to have the wires enter from another location.

Both are acceptable, but one might be required over the other by your local building code authorities. We recommend discussing your local code requirements with them before making a decision.

It is designed for LP vapor (gaseous state).

Regarding oil, Generac recommends that all oil meet minimum American Petroleum Institute (API) Service Class SJ, SL or better. Use no special additives. The appropriate viscosity oil grade should be used according to the following operating temperature ranges.

• SAE 30: Above 32° F
• 10W-30: Between 40° F and -10° F
• Synthetic 5W-30: 10° F and below

We do recommend you change the oil and filter after first eight (8) hours of operation and then every 200 hours thereafter, or 2 years, whichever occurs first. You should change it sooner when operating under a heavy load or in a dusty or dirty environment or in high ambient temperatures.

The rated maximum continuous load current at 240V AC is 83.3 amps when running on liquid propane fuel and 75 amps on natural gas fuel. For additional information, please see the spec sheet at http://www.generac.com/SpecSheets/0...

At 23 ft. with the generator operating at normal load, the unit produces 66 dB(A). At the same distance in Quiet-Test low-speed exercise mode, the unit produces 60 dB(A).

The 20kW Guardian Series is not intended to be used in this way. Please consider installing it permanently. If your building codes will allow it, the unit can be installed as close as 18" to your home. This might make permanent installation an option in your situation. Otherwise, we would recommend a GP17500 portable generator instead, in conjunction with a manual transfer switch.

If your local building codes will allow it, you can install this unit as close as 18" to your home, with a minimum of 5' of clearance on either side. For specific information about how close you can install your generator to the home, please see the owner's manual at http://goo.gl/vodrK. Be sure to consult with your local code authority to make sure that our recommendations comply with local codes.

I am passing your question on to our partners at The Home Depot; they will answer your directly via e-mail.

If your local code doesn't require a concrete pad, then it doesn't likely require that a generator installed on concrete pad be anchored to the pad. As long as your local code authority finds it acceptable, this is not a problem.

The separation is required by the National Electric Code.