Home Standby Generator bought or you are seriously considering making a purchase â€" here are a few issues you should consider with respect to installation.
Solid Floor:
Most Standby Generators are fixed and so you are going to have to find a spot on your property to locate the new machine. This spot will need a solid floor.
Roof and Walls:
Many Standby Generators are encased to protect them from the elements, but not all are. You may have to build a roof and walls to protect you machine. Not only that, but cold conditions, especially snow and frost, impact on the performance of the generator and particularly its fuel consumption.
Noise:
Again, depending on the model and the noise it produces when at full power, you may not want to locate it near your home or your neighbors.
The Big Lift:
You will not be able to maneuver the machine into position yourself. Unless the retailer has offered to deliver the generator to your prepared location you will have to arrange for a few friends to help out.
Fuel Supply:
The generator will either be connected to the same gas line as supplies your home or it will have its own fuel supply. Either way you must take this into consideration both when deciding on where to locate your generator (you want to near the fuel line) and you’ll want to have a plumber lined up to do the necessary connections.
Power Supply from the Generator:
You will also need to connect your standby generator to your home power supply. This is most likely a task for a qualified electrician.
Transfer Switch?
Depending on the model you own you may or may not require a transfer switch which is a buffer between the power produced by the generator and the power used by domestic appliances.
Negotiate with the Seller:
A Standby Generator is going to cost you thousands of dollars. Anyone willing to spend that kind of money with a retailer is in a good position to discuss terms. You may find the dealer is willing to take on responsibility for many of the issues list above. Indeed, some will deliver, and install.
Solid Floor:
Most Standby Generators are fixed and so you are going to have to find a spot on your property to locate the new machine. This spot will need a solid floor.
Roof and Walls:
Many Standby Generators are encased to protect them from the elements, but not all are. You may have to build a roof and walls to protect you machine. Not only that, but cold conditions, especially snow and frost, impact on the performance of the generator and particularly its fuel consumption.
Noise:
Again, depending on the model and the noise it produces when at full power, you may not want to locate it near your home or your neighbors.
The Big Lift:
You will not be able to maneuver the machine into position yourself. Unless the retailer has offered to deliver the generator to your prepared location you will have to arrange for a few friends to help out.
Fuel Supply:
The generator will either be connected to the same gas line as supplies your home or it will have its own fuel supply. Either way you must take this into consideration both when deciding on where to locate your generator (you want to near the fuel line) and you’ll want to have a plumber lined up to do the necessary connections.
Power Supply from the Generator:
You will also need to connect your standby generator to your home power supply. This is most likely a task for a qualified electrician.
Transfer Switch?
Depending on the model you own you may or may not require a transfer switch which is a buffer between the power produced by the generator and the power used by domestic appliances.
Negotiate with the Seller:
A Standby Generator is going to cost you thousands of dollars. Anyone willing to spend that kind of money with a retailer is in a good position to discuss terms. You may find the dealer is willing to take on responsibility for many of the issues list above. Indeed, some will deliver, and install.
About the Author:
Paul Simmons writes on all matters related to Generators for Home Use. He is a contributor to the online review website Generators for Home Use Reviews where he reviews the top selling Home Generators and offers help to prospective buyers.
