Customer Reviews

Generac Guardian Series 5870 8,000 Watt Air-Cooled Liquid Propane/Natural Gas Powered Standby Generator With Transfer Switch (CARB Compliant)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I purchased the Generac 5870 Generator in July 2010. It arrived by CEVA freight and the driver dropped it off 10 feet from the site that I prepared for it. Upon inspection it was in great condition except for a small ding at the base of the unit; no problem just cosmetic. I decided to keep it versus send it back and wait for a new one. It came with a 5 foot electrical tail protruding from the generator and two tails protruding from the transfer switch (a two foot tail that attaches to your main distribution panel and a 30 foot tail that connects to the generator's 5 foot tail via a connection box). Instructions are well written and easy to follow. I am a retired IT Executive with some knowledge about electrical connections so I did the electrical hookup myself. The gas connection I sub-contracted to a local propane service agent. I am glad I did as the gas connection line depends on the distance from the propane tank to the generator and the number of appliances and associated BTU's that are hanging off the gas line that you want to connect to. Because I was on the cusp of exceeding the exisitng gas line capacity, I decided to run a separate one inch gas line to where the propane tank line enters the house. Since an additional regulator and line was required, the existing piping and regulator had to be re-piped and teed. Switching the generator from natural gas to propane is very easy. Just place the T-handle into the slot located on the air breather housing inside the generator, pull it out (spring tension), and turn clockwise 90 degrees. The orfice is now good to go for propane. The gas contractor charged $98 an hour plus parts. It took him 4 hours (@400). I haven't receive the bill yet for the parts. Also, the amount, length, gender, and threads of nipples and pipe connectors required are numerous when running a separate line. While plumbing the generator is less complex than the electrical, I recommend having the gas connection done by a professional as they have the tools, knowledge, parts, and meters, to ensure a seemless gas connection to the unit.
Prior to activating the generator, you will need to logon to Generac's site to obtain an activtion code. I did this but upon entering the code via the generator's controller, it wouldn't accept it. The instructions state that if this happens to call them. I did so, (9:30 PM on a Monday night), and a generac representaive gave me a new code. The test was successful with out any issue. One other point. The 5870 transfer switch/subpanel comes pre-wired with associated breakers; two 240 volts (one 20 amps, the other 30 amps), six 120 volts (three 15 amps, three 20 amps). There are also 240 volt/70 amp wires that run from the transfer/sub-panel switch to your main distribution panel. Generac doesn't supply the 70 amp breaker required to connect these wires into your main distribution panel;($33 at Home Depot.). Also, you will need to buy the battery that starts the generator (@$70 at Walmart). Since the pre-wired/breakers didn't exactly match the circuits I wanted to back up, I needed to swap out the wire and breaker in the transer/sub-panel box from 30 amp/10 wire to 40 amp 8 wire to match my AC circuit in the main distribution panel. Also, I had to swap out the wire and breaker for one of the 20 amp/12 wire circuits in the transfer/sub-panel box to 15 amp/14 wire. All in all, the install went great. I now have my critical circuits backed-up for less than $3000.

I had a Generac Guardian 8kw generator installed at my home about 15 months ago. Three weeks ago we experienced a power outage, our first since the unit was installed. The generator failed to provide any backup power. In fact, it did nothing at all. After checking the unit, the person who installed it told me the failure was due to an "over speed" problem. He explained how I could do periodic checks on the generator's status. I had a simple question about his instructions that I posted on Generac's web site. This evening I received a reply from Generac stating that my question had been "rejected". No explanation as to why. So much for the company's customer support.

I have the earlier model but I think the same warning applies. I have this generator hooked to vital circuits in my house. During a recent power outage, I noted some of my appliances making humming noises. I did not think a lot about it but found out afterwords that my DSL modum, my security system transformer and my electronic panels and a transformer to my HVAC system were fried. Coincidentally,I had a generac repairman coming out the next day to do regular maintenance. He found that the voltage regulator on the generac was out. Repairs for all of the electrical damage and to the generator are over $2000 dollars so far. Everyone considering a whole house generator must not rely on the voltage regulator on their unit to protect their home from generator surges. So, count on another 120-180 dollars from a good surge protector to protect your house from your faulty generator! This was advice not mentioned in the install book nor by my original electrician. Generac was notified and offered no help other than to say they have had no recall on the voltage regulators........live and learn!

The reviews for this Generac are not particularly enthusiastic. I purchased an earlier but similar Guardian (Generac unit sold by other outlets) Mine was rated at 7KW. Had it for a couple of years now. Works flawlessly. Following is my previous review of that unit. It should be the same basic technology...

"Bought it at Home Depot, for considerably less money. Don't know if they still handle them. Made by Generac. Comes with transfer switch and everything you need to use it. So far, has worked flawlessly. Within seconds of shutting off the electricity the generator is up and running and it automatically shoulders the load. When I turn the power back on it transfers the load, runs for a few more seconds in case the power fails again and then shuts down. It runs once a week for 10-15 minutes to keep the cobwebs out and the battery is automatically kept charged.

I use it at my vineyard in California's Anderson Valley. It supplies power to the main house through the transfer switch and also has 240 & 120 volt outlets for use with an extension cord.

This is Generac/Guardians smallest unit. Both Home Depot and my electrician thought it would be too small, but I am kind of an energy freak, with CFL bulbs, Fujitsu high efficiency heat and A/C air pumps, EER 26, COF 12 (all electric resistance heaters deliver 3413 BTU's of heat per KW of electricity. This unit delivers 12,000 BTU's of heat per KW of electricity which makes it cheaper to operate than propane, natural gas, kerosene, oil, etc.), and a propane stove, oven, dryer, etc. When we installed it the electrician had me turn on all available electrical stuff in order to overload the generator and learn the drill for using it manually.

I turned the Fujitsus up to 86*, turned on the bathroom heater, two bedroom heaters, the microwave and an iron, but it wouldn't shut down. The electrician, who was measuring the load said that it would eventually shut down, but the switch was a "slow blow" setup. The voltage did drop and it would have harmed things like the tv eventually.

In any event I will never have all that stuff on together again, and it is clear that this generator will easily handle any normal load, including the Fujitsu heat pumps.

All bets are off on this small generator if you have electric hot water heating, stove, and/or a convectional electric heating system. (My heating and AC is electric, but uses little electricity)

According to the specifications this unit uses around a half a gallon of propane per hour under a moderate load. Since it is hooked up to the residential propane tank I could withstand a very lengthy power failure.

The case is substantial and weather proof. It is the same as the larger capacity units. The only difference is the engine and generator head are smaller, and, incidentally more fuel efficient. The rest is the same as the larger units.

In the past I would drag the portable generator over to the house, get it running, and run extension cords for the reefer and freezer. Now I don't do anything. Home Depot was selling the unit for $1,800, less another $200 if you opened a credit account with them. I did that and haven't used the card since. The electrician cost $300 and I had to run a gas line to the generator (did that myself).

As you can tell I am quite pleased and my wife is dying to have a party the next time the power goes off in the valley."

Hope this is helpful. Good idea to find a dealer/electrical contractor so it is set up properly and, if defective, can be handled on the spot.

I have a 8KW Generac Generator that was purchased 25 months ago. The first breakdown was a air filter hose that vibrated lpose from the engine, the unit will not start if the hose is loose. Technical showed up a couple of weeks later and tightened the connection. Second incident was a out of control run situation. The unit had to be manually turned on and off, cause was a blow fuse in the Switch Box. Not covered under warranty. These are minor issues but getting a technician to show up is problematic. If you live in the boonies and need a technician that has been trained by Generac, good luck.

We purchased this generator as a back-up to our PV solar system. Within the first year, we were having problems and had to hire a certified Generac repair person to get it running. We were told that it was not covered under the warranty because we use it with a solar set-up. We've now had it repaired 4 times in just over 2 years and have spent almost $1000. We plan to purchase a new one but will not buy another Generac.

I bought the generac guardian 5501, 8000W since january 2010. I have to change the Generator Control Panel three times because it become in circuit and it cost near $250. I think than the generator its good but the electric components are really bad. I do not recomend to buy this generator. I do not know wich one is good but I know this one its bad. Dont buy it

We put one in several years ok. Very loud with neighbors complaints a block away. It didn't work right after installation. We couldn't get anyone to fix it including the dealer. I'm technical and found its was the voltage regulator. $200 for a small simple part that was not reimbursed. Now the main circuit board, CMA, is blown . I was quoted $500 for it but they don't have any and are back ordered. This company I think goes after the low bid price. They will not talk to any one but says talk to your dealer. A stone wall.
There are many other units on the market, like Kohler, GE etc. Their marketing is good and they have everybody selling them. Must be a high commission. My advice look elsewhere. A back up generator has to work when you push the button. Some of these don't as noted by some other people.

Better then hauling gas cans to constantly fill a portable unit.No more long extension cords to the frig or tv. Goes on by itself at a loss of power and turns itself off when the power comes back on. Just sit back and relax.
Ordering from Amazon.com was a snap. Free delivery and no sales tax. GREAT.

Don't waste your money getting some over priced unit to power your entire house. This generator is everything the company says it is! It is quiet, has smart looking enclosure and runs like a top! It is only 8,000k but it was big enough to run my heating system, office, family room lights and 70" TV, master bedroom/bath, office, kitchen frig and central ac units (one floor at a time). It gets you buy in a pinch....God forbid every light is not on in your house! LOL

Highly recommend!!!