Frequently Asked Generator Questions
About the Product | About Maintenance & Use
About the Product
What is the difference between portable, regular automatic standby generators, and the new energy efficient GE Generator Systems?
The differences have to do with the steps needed to have emergency power flowing into your house in the event of a power outage. Portable systems are wheeled units that require you to roll the generator outside, start it up, and hook it up to a power inlet box. From there you must go to the transfer switch panel installed near your circuit breakers and switch the power coming into your house from the main line to the generator running outside. After the power from your local utility is restored, you are required to reverse the setup process. Regular standby generators feature automatic operation, run on natural gas or liquid propane, and are permanently installed to your home's electrical system. Energy efficient GE standby generators have all the features of a regular standby generator, but also feature patented Symphony power controls that provide for easy installation to your home's electrical panel and act as a power 'traffic cop' in your home, simultaneously orchestrating the surge requirements of multiple high watt appliances for efficient whole house comfort. Consumers no longer need to purchase a large, expensive and fuel-hungry generator to have complete comfort when the power goes out. Thanks to GE's patented smart surge management technology, finally you can enjoy the comfort of your whole house with a smaller, quieter, more energy efficient standby generator.
How does the GE Standby Generator System work?
At the point of loss of utility power, the system will wait approximately 6 seconds to start (this is to verify that the power is going to stay out). After it has started it will go through a warm up period of 20 seconds. After this time the transfer switch will change over to generator power. The house will remain under generator power for a minimum of 5 minutes, even if the utility power comes back on. After utility has come back on, and the generator has powered up the house for at least 5 minutes, the transfer switch will go back to utility power after 10 seconds. The generator will then run 1 minute to cool down before turning itself off.
What is the Symphony™ Power Management System and how can it benefit me?
The Symphony™ Power Management System isolates four 50 amp high wattage circuits from your main distribution panel to allow lower priority, high wattage items to start in order of consumer preference. Basically, the Power Management System makes room on the generator. These would be circuits that you would not mind being turned off for a short period of time while the A/C runs. You can hook these circuits up in priority, 1 is the highest priority and 4 is the lowest. Discuss with a dealer how you want each item hooked up.
What are Symphony™ Power Controls and why are they better?
The patented Symphony™ controls are computer controlled devices that connect to your homes electrical panel and the GE standby generator. Featuring patented power technolgies, the Symphony™ family of power controls allow for much greater sizing flexibility than the competition. Standard whole house packages (10kW - 20kW) include a generator and 200 amp Symphony™ whole house automatic transfer switch which features patented load shedding capabilities that enable you to prioritze up to two high wattage appliances, typically central air conditioning, without fear of overload. For consumers with homes featuring all electric appliances, the Symphony™ power management system upgrade enables consumers to maintain the same compact overall generator size by adding up to four additional lower priority, high wattage appliances for whole house comfort. The system 'manages' consumer power demand in real time, thus allowing consumers the full range of appliances and amenities in the home with a more compact generator.
Can I run my central air conditioner on the Home Generator System?
Yes. The Symphony™ whole house transfer switch will monitor loads on the generator while under emergency power, to determine if there is enough room on the generator to run up to two central air units from 3 to 5 tons (depending on the size of your generator). The Symphony™ Power Management System upgrade allows you to manage 4 additional lower priority, high wattage appliances for maximum comfort and control from a smaller generator.
Will I be able to use all of my high wattage appliances at the same time?
Managed power means just that - although you will have full access to your homes many appliances, due to the high wattage requirements of some appliances like your stove or electric clothes dryer, you may need to prioritize your needs rather than using both items at the same time. For example, if you want to cook a turkey and dry your clothes, the system's efficient management would only allow you to manage these tasks one at a time, but with a much smaller generator. A smaller generator means less expense, less fuel consumption, lower emissions and quieter overall operation. This small concession has much greater long term rewards for the end user, and only subtle adjustments to your daily routine are needed to have affordable whole house power.
How do I select a Whole House System that is right for me?
Proper sizing starts by determining:
(1) your home's square footage and
(2) central air power requirements
Determining central air conditioning requirements and your home's overall square footage together provides a good way to quickly ascertain your home's power needs. To determine the size, or 'tonnage' central air conditioner(s) you have, look at the nameplate on the outdoor air conditioner(s) for the BTU rating in the model number. One ton of cooling is equal to 12,000 BTU's. Most residential AC units start at 2 ton, or 24,000 BTU's and increase in half-ton increments up to 5 tons. GE's patented Symphony™ power controls offer a whole house solution for virtually every size home. To determine an accurate measurement of your home's total power requirements, it is recommended that you seek out a licensed electrician.
What is a transfer switch?
A transfer switch is a device that is fed by both utility and generator power. It isolates the two types of power from each other so a back feed does not occur. National Electrical Code requires a device like this if two types of power are going to feed the house. The Symphony™ transfer switch features patented controls that have the ability to manage up to two Central air conditioners in addtion to your whole house. The entire line of Symphony™ power management devices - transfer switches and power management systems - comply with all 2009 NEC code requirements.
Can I run a computer or other sensitive electronic equipment off the generator during a power outage?
Yes. GE standby generators feature the new Synergy™ powertrain, which features a commercial grade Vanguard V-Twin engine and a premium quality alternator for ultra smooth power from your generator. And it's just as safe as what you normally have coming out of the wall socket. The spikes or surges that accompany power generation (also known as "harmonic distortion") are just a normal aspect of electricity. However, when considering sensitive or expensive electronic equipment running off a wall outlet, you should use a good surge protector to guard against small influxes of power. The Synergy powertrain features a 5 year limited warranty-- the best in the business and your guarantee of quality and performance.
Does motor starting require a different wattage?
Yes. Induction motors require larger amounts of amperage for initial start-up than when they are running. Some appliances and tools, such as your refrigerator/freezer, furnace fan, air conditioner, electric chain saw, weed trimmer, etc. will require more watts than normal running wattage for motor starting. The advanced Symphony™ controls enable GE standby generators to manage the starting requirements of most induction motors.
What does a GE Standby Generator System typically cost?
When you choose the safety, reliability and automatic operation of a GE Generator System, there are several items that contribute to the total cost: the cost of the system itself and installation charges. Costs may vary depending on the size of the unit, transfer switch used, location of installation, and permits required for installation, and optional maintenance contracts can also add to the cost. Check with a local dealer for specifics. Typically, the transfer switch is included with the system. GE standby systems are optimized for fast, low cost installations and the power management capabilities allow for a more affordable whole house solution.
Can I install the unit myself or does someone else need to?
It is recommended that you have your GE Standby Generator System (generator and transfer switch) installed by a licensed contractor. Failure to do so could be dangerous for both family members as well as outside repair workers trying to fix downed power lines. In addition, professional installation is required to maintain the warranty. They would also make sure that all the necessary permits are pulled to verify an inspector would pass it. Most GE Standby Generator Systems dealers are capable of not only performing the necessary installation, but can also offer maintenance agreements that ensures the generator is being serviced on a regular basis. See our Where to Buy page for the dealer nearest you.
What happens in a typical installation?
A basic installation includes:- Delivery of the system to dealer. Additional charges for drop ship to consumer.
- Installation of the 50, 100 or 200 amp transfer switch is then hardwired into your home or business.
- The transfer switch is installed within 2 feet of the main distribution panel and 30 feet of the generator inlet box.
- Final start up inspection of system and completion of start up form.
- Clean-up of installation debris after installation is completed.
- Consumer is responsible for making arrangements to provide all necessary gas service and connections.
What is the warranty?
The warranties will vary depending upon the unit that is purchased. Entry-level systems will carry a 4-year limited warranty; while more advanced systems carry a 5-year limited warranty.
How do I purchase one...who do I call?
If you are interested in learning more about our products or are looking for information on how to purchase please call 1-888-575-8226.
How can someone become a dealer for GE Standby Generator Systems?
If you are an electrician, small engine dealer, or in the construction trade and are interested in providing GE Standby Generator Systems to your customers please call 1-888-575-8226.
About Maintenance & Use
Do I need to start the generator frequently when it is not being used?
One of the advantages of the 7, 10, 12, and 15KW automatic GE Standby Generator Systems is that they are designed to run once a week for twenty minutes. All you have to do is program when you want this task to be performed and it will start up automatically. During this time it will not only lubricate the engine, but it will also run a diagnostics check. If there are any problems with this process, an LED display located inside the front access panel will alert you.
How long will a unit run before I have to let it cool down or refill it with fuel?
Another advantage of our GE Standby Generator Systems is that they run on liquid petroleum or natural gas, so they don't need to be refueled as often, if at all. Additionally, rest periods to allow cooling are not necessary. All GE Generator Systems are air-cooled and do not require you to turn them off after extended run times. However, you will need to turn off the unit before refueling (if running on LP gas) or when checking the oil levels which should be done on a regular basis during and after extended use (refer to your owner's guide for instructions).
Do I have to worry about "back feed" if the generator is running when the power comes back on?
No. All of our transfer switches are designed to keep generator back feed from occurring. When the contractor installs the transfer switch, it will be connected directly to the utility power. A control board will be able to sense when the utility power has returned to transfer back to utility (it is programmed so the generator powers up the house for a minimum of five minutes). Everything is programmed so that one source of power is broken before another source of power is made.
How often do I have to change the oil?
The engine maintenance manual recommends 50-hour intervals between oil changes and 100-hour intervals for the oil filter. We do require that 5W30 fully synthetic oil be used when doing a change. This will enable the engine to stabilize quicker (it has 20 seconds to do this). All GE Generator Systems are shipped fully lubricated and the engines broken in, no break-in of the engine needs to be performed.
Can I run the generator inside my home?
No! A generator has an internal combustion engine and uses gas and oil. The exhaust from running a generator contains lethal carbon monoxide. Therefore, this unit should always be placed in a well ventilated area.
Can I vent exhaust out of an enclosed area?
No. Carbon monoxide gases produced by the engine could be deadly. GE Generator Systems are designed to be installed outside where there is plenty of ventilation. Never run these units inside a home or enclosed area.
Who do I call if I have any questions or maintenance issues?
We recommend that you first contact the person or contractor who performed the original installation. First-hand knowledge of your original system installation qualifies them as the best equipped to field questions and perform any needed maintenance. Oftentimes installers will also offer you special maintenance agreements once the original system is installed, making any potential mechanical problems less worrisome to the consumer. You can also call Briggs & Stratton directly at 1-888-575-8226, Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm Central Standard Time if a problem requires additional help. We are always here to help.
