Guardian 04390 15000 Watt Emergency Automatic Home Standby Generator
by Guardian
(Click here)
Product Details
Manufacturer: GuardianBrand: Generac
Edition: Lawn & Patio
Model: 04390
Publisher: Guardian
Studio: Guardian
Music Label: Guardian
Product features:
- 15,000/13,000 watt model with 12 circuits that is completely pre-packaged for easy installation
- System supplies back up power within 30 seconds, so you won't have to lift a finger when utility power fails
- Includes: Automatic Transfer Switch with built-in emergency load center, 30 ft. and 2 ft. pre-wired conduits, pre-wired external connection box, composite mounting pad, 1 ft. flexible fuel line and "Do-It-Yourself Instalation Guide"
- Powerful OHVI overhead valve industrial engine with pressurized lubrication and spin-on oil filter for long life
- Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California
- Streamlight 33202 ProPolymer 3 C-Cell 10-LED Flashlight, Yellow
- Panasonic SQT555W601 Automatic Power-Failure Light
- GenTran 10-Foot 6/4 Generator Twist Lock Extension Cord With 50-Amp Connections RJB06410
- GenTran RJB06425 25-Feet 6/4 Generator Twist Lock Extension Cord with 50-Amp Connections
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Guardian 04390 15000 Watt Emergency Automatic Home Standby Generator
Customer Review: Great generator and easy to install yourself
Summary: 5 Stars
I was a little apprehensive in deciding to install the Generac myself after reading some of the reviews. I took the plunge and found out that there was nothing to worry about. Before I bought it, I checked with my propane supplier and found out that the gas pressure their regulator supplies was within Generac's guidelines (11"-14" water column is pretty standard).
It took about 2.5 weeks to arrive after ordering it and came by ABF freight (semi truck). I was able to unload it from the truck with my tractor and pallet forks. I first had to convert it to propane with the supplied orifice, etc. which took about 40 min. I chose to pour a concrete pad which isn't required, but I thought it would be a more stable base. This took 3 hours.
Next was hanging the transfer box and running the pre-wired 30' BX conduit to the location where it will go through your wall. This took about 2 hours. Since I am running it on propane, I took advantage of the offer of a free upgrade to 15KW (nat. gas runs at 13KW) from Generac by calling their toll-free number. It was difficult to get through to a person (I had to lie to the automated answerer saying I wanted to be a Generac dealer), but once through, it was shipped free of charge within a week. This upgrade requires the swapping out of the 60A breaker on the generator with a supplied 70A and the replacement of the pre-wired 30' BX conduit and the conduit that goes between the generator and the external box with another that has heavier gauge wire for the additional amps. This switchover took 1 hour. Installing the external electrical box and wiring it up took an hour also.
Next, I had to run about 20' (with associated valves and fittings) of additional LP line from where mine left off in the house to the generator. This took me and a helper 6.5 hours.
The wiring of the designated emergency circuits was quite easy due to the color-coded, tagged wires that are supplied with the transfer switch. I removed the black wires from my existing breakers (and removed the breakers) and pigtailed them to the new wires/breakers in the transfer switch box. All of this wiring took 2 hours. I then followed all of the testing procedures checking voltages with a mulitimeter and performing the engine break-in (which takes about 4 hours). After the break-in, I changed the oil (with a required all-synthetic oil) and the filter and now it is ready to go!
If you are going to install this yourself prepare to spend about 18-20 hours, depending on how much gas line you have to run. Also, some things that you will have to buy that aren't really mentioned in the literature are: Automotive battery (550CCA min.) $58, 8' ground rod/cable $13, Circuit breaker that fits your existing breaker box to feed the transfer switch panel $20 (mine was Square-D which are expensive normally, but I got it on ebay), LP pipe/valves $50, Misc. conduit straps, etc. $5, Concrete pad (Quikcrete from Home Depot)$40. Total=$186
I have had some experience with wiring and construction and am generally handy with tools. If you have that general level of ability, this shouldn't be a problem for you. It sure beats the $900 that Home Depot wants to install it "professionally".
As far as quality goes, this thing is built like a tank. Everything looks and feels to be heavy duty. Case is weather proof and well thought out, generally. (I wish they would have a bigger battery compartment so I could have gotten a 600+CCA battery in, though) I was really worried about the noise; no need to be. I placed it near a window of the family room about 2' from the wall and only had to turn up the TV slightly when it was running. A low hum is what it sounds like through the wall. Outside, you don't have to shout to be heard while within 10' of it with all covers closed, but don't stay too close for too long with the top open and the front cover off because you could go deaf! This thing is loud without the sound attenuation afforded by the enclosure.
It had no problem powering everything that is hooked up to it during testing: Well pump, Heat Pump/AC, propane furnace, 2 sump pumps, 2 refrigerators, 1 deepfreezer, several lighting and outlet citcuits, TV/VCR, microwave, septic aerator/sump pump combination. The lights dimmed momentarily when the heat pump kicked in, but other than that, you can't tell you're "off the grid".
Now we're just waiting for the power to go out.
Good Luck!
More Guardian 04390 15000 Watt Emergency Automatic Home Standby Generator Customer Reviews:
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