Customer Reviews

Briggs & Stratton 40226 20,000 Watt Home Standby Generator System Liquid Propane Version

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In early april I decided on a 20Kw Briggs and Stratton empower with the 200 amp auto transfer switch (ACCM) after being promised by several dealers that the 15kw or 16kw units would start my 5 ton air conditioner. Needless to say this was not the case. My 20kw NG unit will start my 5 ton air, two (2) 220 volt appliances and the rest of my home (approx 3100 sf). I am happy with my decision to date though I haven't had to put it to use yet. Test mode runs as advertised on a weekly basis. No complaints from the neighbors about the noise. Note, I had to upgrade my gas meter to a larger size to accomodate the generator. Something you need to look at when installing a generator this size.

I live in a rural area in a cold part of the country. Having been without power for over a week in a previous home due a a tornado, I decided that my new home would have a backup generator. This generator is big enough to run a fairly large home as long as you limit your electric usage during a power outage. I used the 200 amp automatic transfer swith and swith the entire house from power line to generator on an outage. A smaller generator will require you to select specific circuits to energize on a failure. This increases the installation costs and it really is hard to determine what to run. I haven't had any long term outages yet, but it has worked perfectly for some short term outages. The unit is reasonably priced, has a base that eliminates the need for a concrete pad, and look good as far as generators go. This unit is heavy. There are holes provided through the base to allow pipes to be used for a four man lift. You better have some strong help if your going to move it this way. The cost of the generator is only the beginning. You will need a transfer switch and installation of the electrical and propane. Budget a few thousand more to the cost of the generator. I rest better now knowing that my pipes aren't going to freeze, and I won't have to worry about spoiled food during a power outage.