Douglas from Matawan, NJ has been a Green Sun Energy Services client since January of 2019. The 20 kW standby generator at the house was installed by another company in June of 2012, and Douglas brought its servicing to us six and a half years later. The six-year and seven-year services were both carried out, the second completed two days before Christmas 2019 with 251.5 hours on the meter and the fuel plenum inspected and clear of rust, and we were back once more when the machine needed attention between visits. Two hundred and fifty hours is more than ten days of running — this is a generator that has been called on repeatedly rather than one that exercises itself and waits.
Project Facts
- Location
- Matawan, NJ
- Service
- Standby Generator Service
- Client since
- January 2019
- Manufacturer
- Generac Model # 5887
- Rated output
- 20 kW LP / 18 kW NG
- Transfer switch
- 90 amp
- Load management
- Managed Whole House
Standby generator questions from Matawan homeowners
Will a 20 kW generator run an entire Matawan 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.
Is a standby generator the same as a portable one?
No. A home standby generator is permanently installed and automatically connected to the home's electrical and fuel systems. A portable normally has to be placed, fuelled, started and connected by hand each time, using approved connection equipment. The standby machine is designed as an integrated backup-power system rather than as something you fetch out of the garage.
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.