Janice from Manchester, NJ has been a Green Sun Energy Services client since September of 2020. The generator was commissioned in April of 2021: 20 kW on natural gas, on a 200-amp service-entrance switch with two smart management modules. The load calculation asked for 14 kW across the 2,700 square foot house, and a double electric oven is the appliance that most often lifts a figure like that – two elements drawing together approach the demand of everything else combined. Seven months separated the contract from the commissioning, the equipment lead times of late 2020 rather than anything on site. An annual maintenance plan covers the yearly visit.
Project Facts
- Location
- Manchester, NJ
- Services
- Standby Generator Installation, Standby Generator Service
- Client since
- September 2020
- Manufacturer
- Generac Model # 7039-1
- Rated output
- 20 kW LP / 18 kW NG
- Fuel
- Natural Gas
- Home sized for
- 2,700 sq ft
- Electrical service
- 200 amp
- Transfer switch
- 200 amp
- Load management
- Managed Whole House
Standby generator questions from Manchester homeowners
Does a 200-amp service need a 200-amp transfer switch?
A transfer switch installed in the service path has to be rated appropriately for the service and the configuration. A 200-amp service commonly uses a 200-amp service-rated switch, but the actual design is confirmed by the electrician rather than assumed from the service size.
How far does a generator have to be from a window or door?
Manufacturer guidance requires substantial separation from operable windows, doors, vents and other openings through which exhaust could enter the house -- commonly five feet for the applicable air-cooled configurations. The exact model's current installation manual has to be checked before a location is approved.
Will a 20 kW generator run an entire Manchester house?
For many homes, yes, but that does not mean every load can run at the same moment. Houses with two central air conditioners, electric heat, EV charging, pool equipment or electric cooking may need load management or a larger machine. The answer comes from a load calculation rather than from the phrase whole house.