WHICH GENERATOR IS RIGTH FOR YOU?
How do you size a generator?
NFPA 70 also known as the National electrical code, Art 702, addresses this
requirement and states that standby non required power generators shall be
capable to supply required power to all load connected to the generator, to
meet this requirement the owner shall select the load that are to be connected
to the emergency generator and do not exceed the capacity of the generator.
How
much fuel does a Residential Emergency Home Standby generator use?
|
|
7 KW |
12 KW |
15 KW |
15 KW |
20 KW |
25 KW |
40 KW |
|
Nat. Gas cu ft/hr |
105 |
185 |
240 |
277 |
369 |
441 |
735 |
|
Lp Gas cu ft/hr (gal/hr) |
44.1 (1.2) |
79.0(2.17) |
102.3 (2.8) |
110 (3.1) |
143 (4.0) |
175 (4.8) |
310 (8.8) |
Figures are fuel consumption values at 100% (full) load. It is unlikely
that the generator would run at full load for an extended period of time.
Therefore, your consumption would decrease accordingly.
The generator that I've chosen has a 100-amp
automatic transfer switch. What if I have 200-amp service in my home?
It is always recommended that emergency circuits be isolated
by the emergency load center. An isolated sub-panel will prevent the
possibility of the generator becoming overloaded. Thus, the system will respond
automatically.
Will 200-amp automatic transfer switches be
available for the air-cooled models, and the 15 kW and 20 kW liquid-cooled
Residential Emergency Home Standby generators?
No. It is not electrically necessary. The outputs of these
generators are safely carried with the 100-amp automatic transfer switch.
What is the expected life of the engine?
A properly maintained engine should provide over 20 years of
operation under emergency standby conditions. Keep in mind that the units are
not intended to provide continuous power (24 hours a day, 365 days a year).
Where can I purchase parts?
Parts may be obtained by contacting Empire Electric part
department at 305-264-9982. Part numbers are located in the owner's manual.
What is the cost of a service/maintenance contract?
For service calls labor rates are $ 83.00 per hour, three hours minimum, plus
travel time, plus the required materials or a yearly service contract, which
includes two visit per year, two oil change, oil and air filter change check
all part listed in the maintenance contract for 500.00 per year, paid at the
commencing of the annual contract, plus damaged parts, if any.
How much oil does the engine crankcase hold?
Air-cooled: 7 kW, 12 kW and 15 kW –
Liquid-cooled: 45 kW –
What type of oil is recommended?
The recommended oil for the 7 kW, 12 kW and 15 kW air-cooled
units is 10W-30 temperatures above 20° F. Use 5W-20 or 5W-30 for temperatures
below 20° F. After the first oil change, all-season 5W-30 synthetic oil may be
used. API Service Class SG, SH or SJ should be used in all cases.
The recommended oil for the liquid-cooled units is 15W-40. All oil should be SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines.
Propane tanks are usually rated
by pounds. Is there a conversion that can be applied to the fuel consumption
numbers?
Yes. For general conversion, propane weighs
INSTALLATION
OF THE GENERATOR
TO START THE PROCESS WE NEED FROM YOU:
·
HAVE
A LICENSED GAS COMPANY CONTRACTED TO INSTALL THE GAS SUPPLY FOR THE GENERATOR,
IF YOU DON’T HAVE A GAS COMPANY WE CAN REFER YOU SOMEONE.
·
PROVIDE
US WITH A RECENT SURVEY OF THE PROPERTY FOR PERMITTING PURPOSES.
·
SIGN
AND NOTARIZED THE CITY/COUNTY APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS.
·
SIGN
AND NOTARIZED NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT FORM AS PER
HOW LONG THE INSTALLATION TAKES
The air-cooled 7 kW, 12 kW and 15 kW,
which comes equipped with a comprehensive installation kit, can take as little
as 16 hours to have the actual installation performed, other permitting related
procedures like to plan creation, plan processing, permit and inspections, may
make the overall installation to take about two months, The liquid-cooled 15 kW
to 45 kW generators will normally take from 2 days to 3 days. Air-cooled units
are typically installed on a composite mounting pad. Liquid-cooled units,
because of their additional weight, must be installed on a stronger mounting
surface. The increased installation time is necessary to pour a concrete slab
and allow for it to set properly. If the installer can source a prefabricated
mounting pad that will meet the increased weight requirements of a
liquid-cooled unit, the installation time will be reduced accordingly, but
still a permitted work, will need to go to thru the permit procedures, that
will make the overall installation to take about two months.
The length of time is based on a
typical application. It does not apply to applications that require extended
runs of conduit or gas piping or the placement of a unit far from the incoming
gas or electrical service.
Typical timeframes:
a)
An
average time frame for plan design, plan review by the local municipality and
obtain the required permits, may take 4 weeks.
b)
Only
after permits are obtained, the merchandise will be released in order to avoid
restocking charge, back freight cost, and
the like in case the local jurisdiction or community refuse to accept
the installation of the generator due to zoning set back or noise requirement
etc.
c)
Once
the generator arrives, the customer will be contacted to start the
installation. Electrical installation of the generator will be completed within
5 working days; owner shall coordinate
with the gas company to complete the work as soon as possible.
d)
An
average installation takes from 8 weeks to 12 weeks from placing the order to
final inspection; it all depends on job conditions, and requirements of the
municipalities where the job take place.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE INSTALLATION
For
Home Depot customers:
·
You
paid the total contracted amount directly to Home Depot before the beginning of
the process.
·
Once
order is accepted, and released, a non refundable charge of $1500.00 for
engineering and permitting cost will be charge in case or customer cancellation
after the third day of installer receiving the order.
For
all other customers:
·
Once
you approved our proposal, the schedule of payments is as follow:
·
$2,000.00
Deposit to start the installation process.
·
Price
of the generator in order to place the order.
·
Balance
of the proposal at the Final inspection approval.
Items that will lead to additional
cost, and are not included in base cost:
a) Meet flood elevation criteria for the
location of the generator. Certain properties are located within flood zones,
these areas may be required to raise the generator above flood elevation
criteria, as set by local municipalities.
b) Structural engineer calculations for pouring
in place concrete slab, precast pads, or slabs made by
the customer (if required by local jurisdiction)
c) For liquid cooled, crane cost for job
conditions where is required to fly the generator over the house, to the
proposed location.
d) Where required by the municipality, the
installation of gas leak detector inside of the house will be at additional
cost.
e) Where requested by the municipality, if the
master permit is required to be obtained by other than the electrical
contractor (i.e. a general contractor or a mechanical contractor, etc) cost to
hire this third party contractor will be at additional cost to the owner.
f) Any other work mentioned in the scope of
work, other work requested to be performed by others (i.e. inspectors, owner
etc.)