20kw Standby Generator Comparison
Standby generators supply backup power in an outage, whether for some hours or perhaps a couple of weeks after having a major storm like Hurricane Sandy. Manufacturers including 20kW standby generators by how much continuous power they could provide, and not all generator ratings are equal. Briggs & Stratton, Generac, and Cummins Onan all offer standby generators that run on either LP or gas main, but only give you a full 20kW of power while running on LP. The generators are derated while operating on gas main and will only provide up 18kW of continuous power.
Kohler generators are designed to run on either LP or NG, plus they give you the rated power to the generator. A 20kW NG standby unit will provide 20,000 watts of power, identical to the similar model that is run on LP gas.
Reserve power isn’t advertised by standby generator manufacturers, but generators can provide another boost of power for some seconds to get started on large, durable motors.
Remote Options
Generac uses the cellular phone texting system using their Mobile Link offering to supply status and maintenance updates for his or her 20kW generator on any text-message-capable mobile phone. Mobile Link also provides web access through the computer, tablet, or cell phone that also includes programming exercise periods or scheduling maintenance.
Cummins Onan can email updates, send maintenance requests to technicians, and allow viewing generator status from the net.
Kohler Power Systems gets the On Cue Home Generator Power Management System, that enables homeowners to watch real-time 20kW standby generator status, view and reset diagnostic codes, check status messages, and view multiple generators about the same screen.
Warranty
All the 20kW generator manufacturers offer warranties applicable to standby power applications where a utility supply is connected. Off-grid systems not connected to the utility supply are not covered with the standard consumer warranties.
Kohler’s consumer warranty is 5 years or 2000 hours. In a few off-grid applications being a standby unit, they provide an 18 month/1000 hour warranty. Labor is only covered throughout the first couple of years after installation.
Generac also provides a 5 year consumer warranty with complete coverage for your first couple of years, coverage only on parts in year three, and limited coverage on the alternator and engine in years four and five.