Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I think the previous reviewer has an electrician that doesn't know what they are doing. Read the comment that someone posted about electrical needs so that you understand why the person is most likely wrong about being misled. Especially when the power numbers are in every brochure, online, and written info about the generator, it really makes it seem that the poster & electrician don't understand power and load sharing.
My review of the Generac 5503 14,000 Standby Generator: This thing is flawless. We have 100amp service in the house. We went with the 14,000 and load shedding and can run our whole house. It is pretty quiet - sounds like a car is running. Inside the house (except near windows on the side it is installed), you can't even hear it running. We had the company that we bought the generator from install it as well - they got the permits from the town, arranged power disconnect, basically did everything - we just signed paperwork. They are also a certified service center. It still is amazing to have it come on automatically and shut off automatically. Oh, and it does a self test 1x per week - you set the day and time. Install took 4-5 hours.
How we arrived at the 14,000 watt. We have a well, so automatically we couldn't have the 8,000 according to the literature from Generac. We thought we would get the 10,000. I came up with a list of things we 100% couldn't do without (well, fridge, furnace, certain lights, etc.). I counted the circuits (counted doubles as 2) on the circuit board to see that I didn't go over 10 (the 10,000 has 10 circuits). The installation estimate person came over (installer knew electricity, the product, was very knowledgeable). We went over the list. Well come to find out, it wasn't as simple as counting the number of circuits. There is the further info about what amps each circuit is rated for. For example, the well was a 20, the dryer was 2 30s, etc. Each generator has specific amps/circuits it has included in its power management. Go to the Generac website and look at that info. We found out that my list wasn't doable on the 10,000, I could either cut the list or go up in size in the generator. The installer recommended that we go with the 14,000 ($300 more than the 10,000) and then he also mentioned load shedding (another $300) and we could have the whole house. Needless to say, we spent the extra $600 total and went with the !4,000 and load shedding.
I HIGHLY recommend that if you go to get a standby generator that you have a very knowledgeable installer and estimator. Otherwise, you may be in for a few surprises. Also, there are different power management/load shedders depending on the amps that your house is. I realize now after that fact how easy it would be to order the wrong thing. The company we went with also fixes all the bad installs locally - lots and lots of them. Fixing a bad install after the fact is a LOT more expensive than doing it right the first time.
The person who posted above most likely ordered the wrong power management system or didn't understand about figuring out what circuits would work - I'm guessing. Clearly their electrician doesn't understand power. Looking on my own, I didn't understand it when I read the info. Now that I read it after the install, I completely understand it.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Generac Guardian Series 5503 14,000 Watt Air Cooled Propane/Natural Gas Powered Home Automatic Standby Generator With Transfer Switch (CARB Compliant)
Experience fast-acting, automatic protection from power loss with the Generac Guardian Series 5503 14,000 / 13,000 Watt Air-Cooled Propane/Natural Gas Powered Automatic Standby Generator with Steel Enclosure. Ideal for home use, this generator powers up automatically and within seconds of a power outage without the need for any manual startup. Without any buttons to push or cords to plug in, an automatic standby generator starts up by itself even when you're away! Featuring easy installation, it comes pre-wired and packaged with virtually everything necessary to connect to your home's electrical system and existing LP or natural gas fuel supply, so you can be protected the next time the lights go out.
Hands-Free Automatic OperationWhen the power goes out, this generator eliminates the trouble of dealing with a fuse box in a dark basement or going outside in a storm to start a portable generator. After all LP or natural gas and electrical connections are completed, the Generac 5503 is ready to run 24/7 and requires absolutely no manual operation, no fueling, and no extension cords. The generator responds within seconds of power outages, so inconveniences like heat or air conditioning loss and burst pipes or spoiled food are quickly avoided.
Initial setup is easy. The generator arrives pre-wired and equipped with the necessary installation gear: a 14-circuit transfer switch (NEMA 1, indoor-rated only), pre-wired conduits, an outdoor connection box, a flexible fuel line pigtail, and a composite mounting pad. (Additional items and tools may be needed to complete the installation to meet local codes. Consult a licensed professional for further details.)
The unit can be programmed to perform a weekly exercise at the time of your choice, so it will be ready for continuous and reliable operation on a moment's notice. For your convenience, it also offers a two-line LCD digital controller, an at a glance indicator light and system status LED, plus an easy-to-access external main circuit breaker.
Superior Technology for Secure Output, Quiet Operation, and DurabilityThanks to Generac's exclusive True Power Technology, this generator provides clean, continuous power, so sensitive electronics and microchip appliances like laptops and HVAC equipment can be operated without the worry that unexpected power surges bring. The ultra-quiet design means that noise levels during self-tests are 1/3 quieter than portable generators, so your daily routine is unaffected.
The generator's corrosion-resistant, galvanized steel enclosure is protected by Generac's proprietary RhinoCoat system--a unique process that binds the paint to the metal surface for a long-lasting, durable finish. This allows the generator to sit outdoors and withstand harsh weather conditions without developing an unsightly appearance.
Like all Generac generators, this model is UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed for safety.
Rugged, Worry-Free Design The generator features the 992cc Generac OHVI® Engine, an exclusive air-cooled generator engine with a high-performance design that can accommodate large electrical loads. The engine optimizes power to respond swiftly to changing conditions. To add to your peace of mind, the engine requires routine maintenance only once every two years, or after 200 hours of use.
This Generac generator meets CARB requirements. It requires a Group 26R 12-volt minimum 525 CCA battery (sold separately).
What's in the BoxGenerac Guardian Series 5503 14,000/ 13,000 Watt Automatic Standby Steel Generator; 100 Amp NEMA 1 automatic transfer switch with 14-circuit load center; 30-foot, 5-foot, and 2-foot pre-wired conduits; outdoor connection box; 1-foot flexible fuel line pigtail; composite mounting pad; installation guide and owner's manual.
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