RESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

An automatic standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates whether you are at home or away. It automatically supplies power to essential circuits of your home within seconds of a utility outage. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and awaits the next outage. It operates on natural gas, propane, or diesel and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit or heat pump.

 

A standby generator can supply electricity to your whole house or you can select the number of circuits you want to protect and we'll match it to the appropriate generator system. Everything on these circuits will be protected. Common circuits include furnaces, air conditioners, well pumps, septic pump, lights, outlets, water heaters and other appliances that are hard wired into your electrical panel. Call us for a consultation on what a generator can power in your home.

 

While portable generators do supply power, an automatic standby generator produces a higher quality of electricity. It operates automatically and runs a weekly self-test to ensure proper response to your needs. There are no extension cords to plug in and no gas tanks to fill. It operates automatically so it protects your home or business even when you're away. When utility power returns, the standby generator shuts itself off.

 

Air-cooled units use engines we design and manufacture specifically for our smaller generators. Volume production helps us to keep cost down, making our air-cooled generators the most affordable for our customers. They cover essential circuits and back-up power needs in most residential applications. Liquid-cooled units use automotive engines for increased horsepower. This makes them ideal for larger requirements such as whole-house power coverage, larger homes and commercial applications.

 

Cost is determined by the size of generator, and what is required to install it. The cost of permits, gas piping, and electrical work all factor into the "turnkey" cost of the system. We've had some jobs cost under $5,000 for the smallest standby generator installation, and up to $25,000 or more for a big "commercial" type system. Call us today for budget pricing and to schedule a personal on-site evaluation.

 

Yes. The generator power produces a very clean sine wave and will have no problem powering a computer. Each generator's output is electrically regulated by a voltage regulator. The acceptable steady-state voltage variance is a maximum of 2%.

 

With permits & inspections, delivery and placement, electrical and gas piping work most jobs take about 1 week start to finish. You do NOT have to be home for all of these days, because some of them are outside inspections etc. Because of their additional weight, liquid-cooled units must be installed on a stronger mounting surface such as a concrete slab.

 

Note: Time estimates are based on typical applications. Additional time may be required to run gas conduit or gas piping or to place the unit far from the incoming gas or electrical service.

 

Just like your car's engine, generators need periodic oil and filter changes. Many customers rely on D Square's preventative maintenance agreement to satisfy routine maintenance requirements. Refer to your owner's manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules. We also are also a factory direct parts supply for you, if you want to service your generator yourself.

 

D Square can provide all warranty repairs for you. Please call us at (800) 820-0162. Our Authorized Service Center provide parts, service and information on your.

 

In standby conditions, with proper maintenance, these units will last for 20-30 years.

 

No. The generator transfer switches are designed so that it is physically impossible for back-feeding to occur. The switches utilize a three contact system with a switching mechanism eliminating all possibility of back-feeding. The entire system is UL Listed.

 

Aluminum is corrosion resistant, so it prolongs the life and look of the generator, particularly in salt air communities.

 

Whisper-Test is a feature that reduces noise by 50% during the generator's weekly self-test cycle. That makes it as quiet as a car idling in your driveway. The generator starts up and operates at a reduced speed, lowering sound output by as much as 12 decibels for units that normally run at higher speeds under load. This allows for near-silent operation in test mode and satisfies all known sound ordinances.

 

The most accurate way is to have an electrician apply an amp meter to the circuits or appliances that will operate with emergency backup power. Measurements should be taken as the appliance starts up. That's because start up requires the greatest amount of power. To eliminate the hassle of this process, some of our systems allow you to simply match your system to the existing circuits in your electrical panel. With our 8, 10, 12 or 16 circuit, pre-wired systems, we take the guesswork out of sizing. For customers concerned with air conditioning, the wattage rating of the generator and its circuit breakers inside the transfer switch should be reviewed so that A/C startup power requirements are met. Call us today for help sizing your system.

 

	7-16 kW Air-Cooled	20-45 kW Liquid-Cooled	60-150 kW Liquid-Cooled
Natural Gas (cu ft/hr)	100-250	300-750	960-2061
LP (cu ft/hr)	50-90	120-300	375-830

 

Please refer to the individual model's specification sheet for exact figures.

 

Note: Figures are based on continuous operation at full load. It is unlikely that the generator will run at full load for an extended period, therefore, consumption decreases accordingly.

 

Yes. For general conversion, propane weighs 4.24 pounds per gallon. 1 lb. = 8.58 cu. ft. 1 gallon = 36.39 cu. ft. Never use a gas grill type LP tank to operate any generator. It will not provide enough fuel flow and ice the tank and line.

 

Multiply your cubic feet per hour by the appropriate multiplier, 1,000 for natural gas, 2,520 for LP.

 

The increase in cost will be minimal. The generator will only be running for about 12 minutes a week with no load.

 

Virtually all of the problems that are seen with the generators are installation related. Improper fuel pipe size and incorrect or lack of fuel pressure are the two most commonly seen issues.

 

Parts can be purchased by calling (800) 820-0162. Part numbers are located in the owner's manual.

 

Costs are determined by your location, size of generator, and service level.

 

5W-30 full synthetic (after the first oil change) is recommended for all air cooled units. Always consult D2 or your owner's manual to confirm your generators oil type.

 

Most of the generators we sell are made in the United States. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, and California are among the states housing these factories. This ensures that our products are built to our highest standards.

 

There are safety concerns when it comes to generators. Because most standby generators are located safely in an enclosed container outside the house, the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning is lowered but still a risk. Thus CO detectors, like smoke detectors, are a great option. Another main safety concern is electrical shock. Without professional installation, electrical problems can be produced causing electrical shock not only to the homeowners but city electricians working on power lines. Fires can be produced if a generator is not installed correctly or if proper electrical safety is not followed, including not overpowering an outlet.

 

NO. Generators produce carbon monoxide which can be fatal after prolonged inhalation. All of the generators are designed to be installed and operated outdoors only.

 

Local code dictates the necessary distance required between the generator and the house. If local code defaults to manufacturers recommendations, then it can be as little as 18" or as much as 5 feet away. In most areas, code (NFPA) also requires the generators to be a minimum of 5 feet away from any air inlets (doors, windows, etc.).