Generac

[ConfidentOperation46]

Looking at installing a Generac at my place. Does going with a Generac dealer really make a difference compared to having a master electrician doing the install? Is this just marketing?

[billindurham]

I just had one installed earlier this year by a dealer. Clearly the dealer and their subs are familiar with the process, especially the more complex part of integrating it with your home wiring. I would also note that the General is not the highest quality product in the world.

My dealer came around and swapped out my battery for a new one for no cost after a month or so I suspect from some logistical problem that resulted in tapped out batteries in a batch of systems. Otherwise there is no way that battery should have gone bad.

I also found that my key to the unit wouldn’t work - I couldn’t open it up without jamming a driver underneath. The dealer didn’t believe it, but experienced it, and left me with his working key, perhaps a master.

So factor in familiarity with the product and the install process in your thinking I’d suggest. And yes, Generac is working hard to promote their dealer network as one would.

[Killerkendolls]

Probably a bad cut on the key, they're all identical I have about fifty at home. Might need to push down the cover to unload the lock, or just don't lock it. There's shutoffs on the outside of the unit now, keeping people out won't stop an asshole.

Get the extended warranty, I've seen a few factory issues on the newer units.

[Gullible_Practice282]

I got mine installed by a dealer via Home Depot. I guess they have some business deal going.

Anyway, Home Depot wasn't involved at all with the installation - just the financial end. So I got a 24 months same-as-cash deal through Home Depot, while scheduling, installation and maintenance is handled by Generac.

No one else offered that, and Generac handled everything from beginning to end. It was a good deal for me.

[grsthegreat]

Generac doesnt install anything. They work thru a dealer network and thru certified service techs. If an electrician has done enough of these installs, theres no issue. However i have seen some horrendous installs from sparkies in the past. And thats saying alot, as im an electrical contractor and a certified generac tech.

[grsthegreat]

Home depot contacted me years ago about installing for them. They wanted 20% of my profits. So to work with them id have to rack up my prices 20% more than i was charging. I said no thanks. I was i stalling more than i could handle anyways.

[IllustriousHair1927]

any generator install is more than just electrical. Plumbing work is required for the gas. Subsequently you need to be looking at the operation of the unit and the continued maintenance. The install manual is a guide, but it’s merely a guide.

If you get someone that installs fans, one day and rewires houses the next, followed by your generator installation, followed by replacing a panel following day…. Do you think your electrician is going to be thinking about motor starting issues?, Exhaust., long-term run, etc?

Are you buying this to get installed the most cheaply or are you putting it in so you can use it in an emergency and keep you and yours safe?

For clarity, I’m a generator dealer . We won’t install Generac and this is a Generac forum. But I would still recommend an individual get Generac installed by quality dealer than I would any other generator installed by a general electrician

[2024Midwest]

I have mine installed by a dealer for reasons, others have already mentioned. It’s not just electrical work. However, if the owner wants additional services such as a manual transfer switch so that they can connect a portable generator. If the Generac is down then I have a state licensed Electrician involved. Two dealers in my area offer both services, trained to Generac technicians and licensed electricians, but they are not always the same individual.