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As the risk of baron outages and rolling blackouts increases , due in part to an age electrical gridiron and an addition in atmospheric condition case that interrupt magnate , householder are looking for direction to protect their house and family from unexpected loss of big businessman . Portable generator that run on diesel or gasoline can help power small widget or possibly a few space heaters in a taking into custody , but they do n’t bring home the bacon enough electricity to keep a whole menage run .
introduce the standby generator . Also called a whole - house source , this backup power producer is designed to provide enough electrical energy to power an entire business firm in the issue of a power outage . We wanted to know just how efficient a standby source could be , so we installed and tested theBriggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW Standby Generator .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Installing a standby source is n’t a DIY project — at least not totally — although enthusiastic DIYers can do some of the piece of work to help oneself concentrate facility costs . Ahead , get wind how to get the correct standby generator for your dwelling ’s needs , and find out what happened when we installed and tested the Briggs & Stratton standby generator .
The Briggs & Stratton standby generator: At a Glance
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What is the Briggs & Stratton Standby Generator?
For many , the name “ Briggs & Stratton ” is synonymous with high - lineament small engines . Indeed , the company ’s locomotive engine are found in a vast regalia of today ’s power equipment , include lawn mowers , snow cetacean mammal , and other lawn and garden machines .
My husband , John , a general contractor , and I have long been fans of Briggs & Stratton engines , so we were frantic at the chance to install and test one of the company ’s standby generator . The unit we set up was the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect PPDX26 , a behemoth of a power producer that ’s available fromdealers nationwideas well as at home improvement pith such as Lowe ’s and Electric Generators Direct .
The generator we tested was designed to be permanently install and connected to a home ’s electric system and either a natural gun line or a propane line . In our shell , it ’s plug into to propane . When the tycoon goes out , the generator detects the fall in electricity and automatically kick on , beginning the job of converting propane to electrical energy . When power from the utility comes back on , the standby generator stops generating electrical energy and allows the public utility company to supply power to the house once again .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
That ’s a simplified explanation of how the generator knead — many will still have doubt about specifics , such as sizing , installment , and position requirements . In increase to our hand - on testing , we consulted with Matt Buff , Senior Trainer Standby Power for Briggs & Stratton . Buff walk us through some of the facility requirements and familiarise us with the backup generator ’s feature film .
How easy (or challenging) is it to install the Briggs & Stratton standby generator?
A common , if not the most common , question that handy homeowners call for is whether or not they can instal a standby generator themselves . harmonize to Buff , establish aBriggs & Stratton generatoris a “ big project ” and that “ a licenced electrician and plumber will be demand ” to ensure all local and national codes are met .
We retrieve that to be reliable , but we were still able to bring through some money on installation by pour a concrete pad to hold the generator and grind the trench need for running the novel wiring and gas lines from the electrical meter to the generator . We used a skid steer to take the author from the obstetrical delivery truck and move it to its young locating . The whole weigh about 600 pound , so we knew we ’d need more than just a hired hand hand truck to move it .
Pouring a slab is optional , since the company makes a precast concrete tablet that can be placed on a level area to hold the generator . On our property , due to its sound clay filth that expands and contracts , we felt the precast pad might shift over prison term , so we pour a steel - reinforce concrete slab . Using a precast pad is suitable where the soil is stable . The elementary retainer is that the surface that holds the source is point . accord to Buff , a level surface is life-sustaining for insure “ … the engine is capable to circulate its oil properly and to make certain the unit is able to shed water , rather than let wet build up . ”
Photo: Glenda Taylor
How does the standby generator keep power from backfeeding?
Backfeeding is more of a problem withportable generatorsthan connected standby generator . Backfeeding happens when the exploiter connects a portable generator to an wall socket in the home during a power outage , and the electrical energy endure through the nursing home ’s circuits and even backward through the power lines that furnish electrical energy to the planetary house . It can be severe — if an unsuspecting lineman is hear to restore a downed index line , back - fed electricity can result in a cushion or accidental injury .
luckily , that ’s not an issue with the Briggs & Stratton generator because it requires the installation of a transfer switching . Buff excuse that the transfer replacement direct the electricity from the source to the house and maintain it from backfeeding on the power grid ’s principal lines . “ depend on how you are powering your firm , you could either connect the transfer of training switch to your master service entry control board or buy a subpanel that will serve up to power only specific applications , ” he narrate us .
For our ( rural ) initiation , the electricians , Drew Oliver and James Todd McGee of Pestinger Heating & Air Conditioning , Salina , Kansas , prefer to deploy the transference switch outdoors , next to the service entrance panel . From there , the new wiring link up the transfer substitution to the author .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
What size standby generator do I need?
The primary purpose of a standby generator is to power a house during a mogul outage . For this reason , the author should be herculean enough to furnish the electricity needed to scarper all or most of the home ’s appliances , include clothes drier , HVAC units , microwaves , AC units , and more . If the author is undersize , householder wo n’t be capable to lead all of their appliances . If it ’s too herculean , it will burn through supernumerary natural petrol or propane , generating more power than the home will use .
Briggs & Stratton provides a handyinteractive sizing calculatorthat helps homeowners pick out the correct - size author based on their dwelling appliances .
Once we ’d installed the standby generator and the electricians ran a preliminary trial to determine everything was turn as it should , we ran our own test to see if the 26kW standby author would cater all our needs . We keep out off the electrical big businessman to our house at the main disconnect panel . In about 10 second , the Briggs & Stratton mechanically started running , and we sound into the house and turned on all the spark and widget , one by one . We were a little neural that the generator might not cater ample magnate , but it did ; it ran every appliance we had .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Most of the time , we are n’t pull out that much power , but it was reassuring to know we could if we had to .
How loud is the Briggs & Stratton standby generator?
We were expecting monstrously cheap noise when the standby source was running , so we had it installed behind our garage , as far out from our main house as possible , but we were pleasantly surprised .
As the electricians started the generator for the first time , we comment on how much quieter it was than we expected . One of the electrician who also regularly install Generac and Kohler standby generator told us that in his opinion , theBriggs & Stratton generatorwas notably quieter than either of the other two models .
For an altogether objective measurement beyond the lineman ’s opinion , we used a decibel tester . We stomach 8 feet from the generator when it was unravel to take readings , which fluctuated between 70 and 72.5 decibel . That ’s comparable to the noise of a dishwasher in operation , or slightly louder . We would n’t want it near an opened bedroom window , but we could just find out the author when we depart indoors and spread the household windows . Keep in creative thinker that this is about 60 foundation aside and behind a garage , a aloofness that sure dampers the sound .
Where is the best place to locate a standby generator?
Before deciding to invest in a standby source , take down that there are rubber requirements for placement . “ ensure you have a fix around your dwelling house where the generator can be 5 infantry away from any hatchway to the home and has quad to accommodate necessary airflow , ” Buff said . Standby generator are very safe when installed correctly , but because they burn fuel to generate major power , they put off carbon paper monoxide ( CO ) . Briggs & Stratton recommends install a CO detector inside the house , but the safe solution is an ounce of bar .
In addition to the manufacturer ’s demand , which let in not position the back of the building block any snug than 18 in from an exterior wall , we were advised not to implant George Bush or locate a fence within 3 feet of the front and sides of the generator . We also learn the generator could not be under an overhang any secretive than 5 foot from the top of the building block . These restrictions all reduce the jeopardy of CO accumulating or entering the sign . Our local codes did not have any extra emplacement demand , but check with your local building authority to see if yours does .
How much does it cost to install a standby generator?
Installing a standby generator is n’t crummy , but you will be glad you invested in one if you live in an area that experiences frequent world power outages or if you want extra sureness that your family line wo n’t be without magnate . To make owning a generator a bit easier on the wallet , Briggs & Stratton offer some helpfulfinancing options . We ’d tossed around the idea of installing a standby source several times after our local utility experienced downed line of merchandise , and we ended up with spoiled nutrient because the refrigerator could n’t keep it cold .
The cost to buy a standby source will run more or less $ 4,000 to $ 10,000 , depending on wattage , and that ’s just the offset . The installation can easily add together another $ 3,000 to $ 6,000 , depending on the particular yard and how much work is necessary .
To save money , we did the prep act upon ourselves , let in constitute and pour the concrete slab , and trench for the new wiring and gas agate line . We also purchase the necessary wires , pipes , and conduit ahead of time , which cost about $ 275 , rather than get them from the electrical contractor who would have charge a markup on the materials .
We terminate up paying $ 2,700 for the electrician to connect the transfer switch and the generator . We would have had extra plumbers ’ fee to put in the unexampled gas lines , but our plumber were too busy to do the piece of work , so they cleared us to put in them . This was possible because we ’re licensed declarer , but the middling DIYer may need to have a licensed pipe fitter connect the lines , depending on local codes .
The tangible interrogation is , what is peace of mind of mind worth ? Yes , a standby generator will prevent perishable foods from pamper , but it will also keep a home ’s security system operable , keep the lights on , and ensure that any powered aesculapian equipment stays running .
While no unequivocal bailiwick come up to how much installing a standby author will add to the value of a planetary house when it sells , homeowners may realize a 50 to 70 percent return on the investment ( ROI ) . That will ultimately depend on wattage , the home ’s value , the old age of the unit , and whether the region sees many power outage . With growing grid insecurity , having a standby generator may well be a selling point .
Is the Briggs & Stratton standby generator right for you?
decide whether to set up a standby generator is a personal choice that require factorisation in the desire for backup power against budget , yard size , and local computer code and regulations . Before purchasing one , verify you ’re not open to HOA rules or neighborhood compact that limit the facility of standby generator .
If you get the all - clear and you require the sureness that comes with knowing your home will still have access to power in the event of an outage , then we find Briggs & Stratton is a worthwhile pick for a backup generator . Although we did not set up and test any other generator brands , we discussed the professional and gyp with the electrician who installed our unit . They were impressed with how quiet the Briggs & Stratton ran , compared to other mannikin they ’ve turn with . We also asked how the overall cognitive process of installing our author compared to that of other brands , and they tell us that it was nearly the same . In other run-in , the same wiring and bathymetry concepts are in gaming no topic the generator trade name .
However , if you ’re looking to instal a standby author as a DIY projection and you are n’t a licenced linesman , you might want to reconsider . Local codes will unremarkably take installation by professional , and you may also have to deplume a permit . We ’re knowledgeable in basic wiring , but installing theBriggs & Stratton generatorwas beyond our skill Seth . In addition , a pipe fitter will believably be necessary to connect the gas telephone line and instal the regulators that ensure the correct amount of accelerator pedal pressure level feed in the generator .
So far , we ’re impressed with both the power output and the relief of procedure of the Briggs & Stratton standby generator . We ’ve configure it to fly the coop weekly startup test , and a lustrous blue lighter on the front tells us at a glimpse that the generator is ready at a instant ’s notice to bulge in the event of an outage .
Where to Buy the Briggs & Stratton Standby Generator
Choosing the Right Generator
Thebest standby generatorsare powerful social unit that monitor the flow of electrical energy into a home and stand quick to start producing power in the event of an outage . Unlike standardportable generatorsordual - fuel generator , which can be used to power a few all-important appliances , standby generators can produce enough power to run an entire home — without interruption .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer differentiate in construction , remodeling , and genuine estate . She and her hubby own a general contracting company , and she is experienced in both residential and commercial-grade building app . She try out a across-the-board stove of power peter as well as other nursing home improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
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