Looking for Answers about Generac Power Systems 8kW Guardian Series Automatic Standby Generator?

I can live with running only 33A while running the generator - we'll adjust our use of appliances, etc. But I don't want to have to think about that through daily life (i.e. I'm running the dishwasher now - better not use the microwave).

Since the transfer switch itself is capable of switching 100A, can I upgrade the utility feed to the transfer switch with the appropriate gauge of wire and use a 70A (or 100A) breaker? Do you see any problems with that?

Yes

No. You will need to extend circuits from the second panel to the transfer switch. Be sure to extend the neutral, ground and hot wire for each of the circuits.

Concrete pads require the generator to be bolted to the pad. It also increases the db levels. Use 3/4" stone bed base. Elimates vibration noise that can penetrate the interior of your house and will improve db levels.

Of all generators (7-8-10-14) I've installed that used NG required 1 1/4" service entrance and a 3/4" line to the generator.

If you have temps that run below 32 degrees for 3-4 days at a given time I would go with the kits

Providing useful numbers within a few feet is far easier said than done and there are good reasons this is not specified.

The reason is that the generator is a physically large sound source and emits somewhat different sound levels in different directions. This is typical of large sound sources such as machine tools and vehicles. Thus, the loudness from only a few feet away will vary quite a bit depending on one's position in relation to the generator. The closer one is the more variation there will be. Whether one is sitting or standing will make a difference as well.

In addition, nearby surrounding objects, like the wall of a building can reflect the sound adding to the overall loudness, but this too will vary with one's position in relation to the wall and generator.

Lastly, the overall sound levels and the level at particular frequencies vary somewhat with the load on the generator.

The 62 dBA at 23 ft provided by Generac is likely an average of data measured at a number of points around the unit without any nearby reflecting surfaces. Close-in loudness variations become more uniform at distance as the different sound levels emitted from specific parts of the unit overlap and thus tend to average out. As such, sound levels at longer distances are the only really useful single numbers for these kinds of large sound sources.

Close-in measurements really need a detailed 3-D map of sound levels around the unit to be at all useful. However, such maps are only accurate for the specific measurement distance.

That said, a simplistic calculation says that at 6 ft one might expect average levels in the range of 75 dBA. However, at this distance there would be significant variations from this around the unit, complicated by any sound reflections from nearby walls or other large, solid objects and by the generator load.

I've installed over 50 generators in the last two years. I would not recommend an 8K system for what you want to connect to it. I would strongly recommend you consider at least a 14K machine. If you eliminate the AC you could get away with the 8K

Most state and local electrical codes do not accept the fire rating stated in the generac specifications. Consequently if you choose to place the unit closer than 5' and a fire originates from the generator which burns your house could be challanged by your home insurance provider leaving you in a potential financial loss.

I can't imagine that your local building code would allow you to install this unit under a deck. Check with your local building inspector before proceeding.

During times where snowfall is expected, you will want to ensure that snow and/or ice is cleared off of, and away from, the enclosure. There should be no snow piles or large accumulations of snow within three feet of the unit to ensure proper air flow if the unit were needed in an outage. If necessary, due to local codes or in areas with high precipitation, the unit may be installed on a structural steel base to elevate the unit. The base for the unit must be level, and meet all spatial recommendations in the manual, as well as comply with local and national codes.

The smallest propane tank we can recommend for use with our current 2013 and newer automatic standby generators that utilize an Evolution Controller is a 250 gallon tank. The answer above is referring to the 2010 Nexus Controller product only. The volume and pressure required for the unit can be located in the owner’s manual and installation guidelines that are provided with the unit. The fuel consumption for each model number can vary, and we recommend ensuring the documentation utilized reflects your particular generator’s model number. To locate a copy of the owner’s manual and installation guidelines for your particular unit, search the model or serial number here: http://www.generac.com/Service/Manu....