Eliott from Scotch Plains, NJ has been a Green Sun Energy Services client since October of 2021. The generator was commissioned in May of 2022: 18 kW on natural gas, on a 200-amp service-entrance switch with two smart management modules, sized against a 16 kW calculation for the 2,452 square foot house. Two washers, an electric dryer, an electric oven, two refrigerators, a separate freezer and a dishwasher make up the load – a house doing rather more laundry and cooking than its floor area suggests. The pavers where the electric and gas lines would be trenched were removed by the household in advance, which was agreed at the survey rather than discovered on installation day. Annual maintenance, an extended parts-and-labor warranty and monitoring we manage all sit behind the machine.
Project Facts
- Location
- Scotch Plains, NJ
- Services
- Standby Generator Installation, Standby Generator Service
- Client since
- October 2021
- Manufacturer
- Generac Model # 7228
- Rated output
- 18 kW LP / 17 kW NG
- Fuel
- Natural Gas
- Home sized for
- 2,452 sq ft
- Electrical service
- 200 amp
- Transfer switch
- 200 amp
- Load management
- Managed Whole House
Standby generator questions from Scotch Plains homeowners
Will an 18 kW generator run an entire Scotch Plains 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.
How quickly does it take over?
The automatic start sequence normally begins within seconds of the controller deciding that utility power has failed or fallen outside acceptable limits. There is a deliberate short delay so that a momentary flicker does not trigger a full start and transfer. Exact timing depends on the controller, the transfer switch and the configuration.
What is a sediment trap for?
It helps stop foreign material in the gas line from reaching the generator's fuel controls. Where the fuel-gas code and the system configuration call for one, it is fitted, and the maintenance schedule includes inspecting or cleaning it.