Shawn’s Guide to Backup Generators
I have seen thousands of standby generator installations over the years, so here are the essential things I cover with you when I perform an on-site survey.
Generator Placement
The generator should be placed at least 5 feet from any opening like doors, windows, or exhaust or intake air vents.
The generator should be placed at least 10 feet away from the propane tanks.
The generator should be placed 2 to 5 feet away (depending on the manufacture) from any combustible material, such as your house, deck or porch, and vegetation.
Transfer Switch
This is a switch about the size of your electrical panel that will mount next to your existing electrical panel in most cases. Occasionally they need to be mounted outside near your meter socket or in more remote locations.
Most of the generators we install have whole house transfer switches. Unless you choose a 7, 8, or 10 KW generator, there is little reason not to choose a whole house transfer.
Fuel
80% of all automatic standby generators in the state of Maine run on Propane Gas. The remaining 20% are run of natural gas. There are diesel generators but I have not seen many.
As a side note, 90% on the automatic generators out there can be converted from propane to natural gas easily. No need to purchase a new generator if natural gas becomes available.
Generators typically draw around 1.5 gallons per hour.
Propane tanks vary on size but the most common size is a 110 gallon tank.
During the winter typically a 110 gallon propane tank only has 85 gallons of “usable” fuel in it.
For the gas piping installation I have the company who is supplying the gas do the install of the gas piping. This way there is no confusion if there is every a question about fuel to the unit. One sole source of responsibility.
For the gas piping installation I have the company who is supplying the gas do the install of the gas piping. This way there is no confusion if there is every a question about fuel to the unit. One sole source of responsibility.
Sizing
This really requires a site visit. There are calculators on the web to help you size a generator but with today’s load management systems you can do a lot with a little.
It costs you just a little time to meet with me and when I am done you will have the exact size I recommend and my reasonings as to why I chose the size I did.
Permits, Scheduling, and Coordination
When you choose LaPlante, this is my responsibility.
Questions I Get Asked
- How loud is the unit?
You are always welcome to hear a unit run here at our office, or as one customer put it “it sounds like a lawn mower.” As a reference point she was standing three feet away from the unit. - Which brand is best?
All the brands have their different strengths and weaknesses. We represent Generac, Briggs and Stratton, GE, and Kohler. I will share with you all of the brands and you can choose which is best for you.
We represent all of the brands because it is not about what I want, it is about what is best for you, and only you know what is best for you.
I hope this helps.
If you have any questions, please feel free to use the contact us page and send us an e-mail. Or just give us a call!
Yours for being prepared,
Shawn LaPlante
