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Guardian QuietSource 16,000 Watt Standby Generator #5243
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Average customer review:
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #85859 in Home Improvement
- Color: TAN
- Brand: Guardian
- Model: 5243
- Dimensions: 28.00" h x 24.00" w x 48.00" l, 505.00 pounds
Features
- 16,000-watt (LPG) / 15,000-watt (NG) generator can run 5-ton A/C unit or two 4-ton A/C units with 16 circuits of extra coverage
- Powered by 992 cc 30 HP Overhead Valve Industrial engine
- Whisper-Test technology reduces exterior noise to minimum
- Pre-packaged and pre-wired for easy installation
- Measures 48-by-24-by-28-1/4 inches (LxWxH); weighs 426 pounds; 2-year limited warranty
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Review
The Generac Guardian QuietSource 16,0000-watt home standby generator is one of the most affordable automatic standby generators on the market today. Featuring a newly designed alternator that can start a 5-ton and a 3-ton, or two 4-ton air conditioners with plenty of power to spare, this generator will give you the backup power you need when the grid goes down
At the heart of the generator is a powerful 992 cc 30 HP Generac OHVI (Overhead Valve Industrial) engine, the only air-cooled engine designed specifically for generators. This engine offers the finest lubrication technology available by providing instantaneous disbursement of lubricant to all engine parts. It also features a spin-on oil filter, which is an automotive style for easy maintenance. The generator also has an electronic governor, which maintains steady speed and eliminates voltage drop when loads are applied. This, as well as the automatic voltage regulator, provides a smooth rate of electricity, which is especially important for sensitive electronic devices such as computers. The engine offers one of the longest life expectancies in the industry, with over 3,000 hours of runtime.
 Generac Guardian generators are designed for affordability and long life. See the product specifications. View the generator in greater detail. |
 The generator automatically sends power through your home's electrical system during a power outage. |
For added convenience, the generator arrives at your doorstep pre-packaged with a pre-wired, 12-circuit load center. This makes installation easy and, therefore, incredibly affordable for the do-it-yourselfer. For your safety, Guardian standby generators are UL 2200 listed and all transfer switches are UL 1008 listed. (Users should consult with area building codes and regulations before attempting installation.) The generator comes with a pre-wired automatic transfer switch, outdoor connection box and composite mounting pad. The automatic transfer switch automatically switches the source of power from the utility to the generator within seconds of a power outage, and because it's automatic, you never have to flip a switch.
Like all Guardian standby generators, this standby generator can operate on clean-burning natural gas or LP gas service. This provides you with unlimited runtime during extended utility power failures and meets all EPA emissions requirements. The engine consumes approximately 2.18 gallons per hour of LP gas, and 220 cubic feet per hour of natural gas.
Maintenance is a breeze, thanks to the generator's convenient design features. A hinged top and removable front panel offers quick and easy access for maintenance and servicing, and a new textured, powder coat paint process provides consistent coverage and better bonding to seams and exposed edges providing, which translates to a durable, long-lasting, tough finish that can withstand the elements. The enclosure also includes key locks for safety and sound-absorbing panels for exterior noise reduction. The generator measures 48-by-24-by-28-1/4 inches (LxWx H) and weighs 426 pounds. The generator is covered by a 2-year limited warranty.
Amazon.com Buying Guide
Five Tips for Buying Backup Power
 | Download our worksheet (PDF) to help you determine your power requirements. |
What Types of Generators Are There?
Generators come in two basic types: standby and portable. There also are inverters, which are not generators but may meet your needs. The source of backup power you ultimately choose will be determined by many factors, including your power requirements.
 A standby generator is installed permanently outside your home or commercial building. |
 Portable generators, such as this Briggs & Stratton model, are fueled by gasoline and include 120-volt power outlets like the ones in the walls of your home. |
 View a movie about why you might want to consider installing a standby generator (requires Flash). |
Standby Generators: A standby generator is permanently installed outside your home or commercial building and wired directly into the electrical system to provide power to some or all of your home's circuits during a disruption of normal utility power. Standby generators are fueled by liquid propane or natural gas.
The number of circuits to which a standby generator can provide power--and the number of appliances you can run on those circuits--is determined by the power capacity of the generator.
Standby generators are about the same size as, and look similar to, a standard central air conditioner. A standby model may cost as little as $1,500 or as much as $15,000 or more--the greater the power capacity, the higher the cost.
Portable Generators: Portable generators are versatile. You can use them for
- emergency power at home,
- for power in remote locations where utility power is unavailable, or
- for recreational purposes, like boating or camping.
Portable generators range in cost between a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the capacity and features.
Inverters: Inverters turn DC power into AC power, the type of current that powers everyday appliances. A common use of an inverter is to connect one into a car's cigarette lighter and then plug small home appliances into the inverter.
Inverters have added features over the years, and today many inverters include emergency radios, lights, or their own internal battery to store power.
When you purchase an inverter, you need one that can handle the wattage of the appliances you intend to connect to it. Some inverters are made specifically to power low-wattage appliances, like portable phones or digital music players. Others can handle heavy-duty power tools.
If you're buying an inverter that's powered by its own battery, you'll have to consider how many hours the inverter can provide power before needing a recharge.
The rest of this buying guide focuses solely on standby and portable generators.
How Much Power Do I Need?
There are two basic power measurements for generators: peak power (also known as startup power) and continuous power. Both are measured in wattage.
- Peak power is the wattage required for appliances at startup or when they are running at their highest levels of power consumption.
- Continuous power is the wattage required for operation of those appliances under normal load.
Standby Generators: Standby generators create from 5,000 to 25,000 watts or more of power. You'll have to choose a generator that supplies sufficient peak and continuous wattage for the appliances on the circuits you need to power.
You can choose between an air-cooled and a liquid-cooled model standby generator. Generally, liquid-cooled models are bigger and create more power.
Portable Generators: A small 1,000-watt portable generator may be all you need for recreational purposes. And you may use up to 8,000 watts if using a generator to power tools on the jobsite.
Because you plug appliances directly into a portable generator, you'll also want to make sure that your model has the number and type of outlets you need. The size of the fuel tank also is crucial. The bigger the tank, the longer your generator can run without refilling and produce power.
If you want to use a portable generator to power specific circuits in your house--or the whole house--follow the guidelines for choosing a standby generator.
What Features and Accessories Do I Need?
Aside from pure power production, there are some useful features and accessories to consider when buying a generator.
Transfer switch: If you want to use your generator to power your home, you'll need a sufficiently sized generator and a transfer switch. The transfer switch safely closes off the utility power line to your house's electrical system and opens a direct line to the generator and reverses the process when utility power is restored.
Standby models can work either with a manual or an automatic transfer switch. The benefit of an automatic transfer switch is that it senses when utility power has been lost and automatically switches to generator power.
Wheeled Frames: As the name suggests, portable generators can be transported to different locations. The smallest portable generators are comparatively light--perhaps 50 pounds--and can be carried. Larger models can weigh as much as several hundred pounds, making a wheeled frame essential for transportation.
Other Considerations:
- Noise: Generators aren't necessarily quiet. Some offer extra features to reduce the noise created during operation.
- Weather Protection: Make sure the generator you purchase is suited for the climate in which you'll use it.
 Standby generators are wired directly into your current electrical system and generally require professional installation. View larger. |
 Setup for portable generators is easy. Just make sure to keep the exhaust port pointed away from your house, and to have the proper distance from your windows and other house openings. View larger. |
First, mount the unit outside your home on a concrete pad or plastic mounting pads that come with the generator. You may need a contractor to pour the concrete foundation and mount the generator.
Next you'll need to contact your gas or propane company to connect the unit to its fuel source.
Last, you'll have to call an electrician to hook the generator up to your home's electrical system. Some generators come with pre-wired kits that make it easier for the "do-it-yourselfer" to do the wiring. In most cases, it's probably safest and best to have this work done for you.
Once installed, operation depends on whether you've used a manual or an automatic transfer switch. With an automatic transfer switch, if the generator senses a disruption in utility power, it turns itself on and takes over power production until utility power resumes. With a manual transfer switch, you have to handle these chores yourself.
On a standby model, you'll have to change the oil and filters on a regular basis. Many manufacturers provide maintenance kits to make this easier.
Portable Generators: If you're not planning to hook your portable generator into your home or building's electrical system, there is not a lot of setup involved other than finding a safe place outside your home for the generator. Because portable generators create carbon monoxide, you should never run them inside a building, beneath a window, or near any opening to your house (doors, vents, etc.).
Once situated, fill the generator with the required type of gasoline and oil and start the unit. Startup can be as simple as pressing a switch, but on some you'll have to yank a manual recoil pull-cord.
Of course, you will have to plug the appliances you want to power into the generator, refuel it as necessary, and shut the generator off when you're finished with it.
If you want to connect your generator to your home's electrical system, you'll need a manual transfer switch. Make sure your generator's manufacturer supports connecting your model to a transfer switch. If supported, comply with your model's safety and warranty guidelines as well any local building codes during the installation. In general, it's best to hire an electrician to handle the wiring of your home to the generator and transfer switch.
However you use your generator, over time you'll have to change filters, oil, and spark plugs. Plus, you should not store raw gasoline in the generator when you're not using it. Either run the generator empty or add a gasoline stabilizer that will prevent the gasoline from "gumming" up. Many manufacturers sell tune-up kits for their models.
How Do I Run a Generator Safely?
- Do not operate generators indoors, in enclosed spaces, or near a window. Make sure there is proper ventilation for all exhaust.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance.
- Do not operate generators near combustible materials.
- Operate portable generators on a level surface.
- Do not plug a portable generator directly into your house circuit.
- Do not attach a generator's transfer switch to your circuit box yourself unless you're very sure of what you're doing. Check all applicable local, state, and national codes and the warranty information before you do this.
Customer Reviews
Solidly built for home and office emergency use.
This 16,000 Watt generator (16LP/15NG) works as advertised, handling the full load of starting a 3.5 ton A/C, hot water heater (heating), electric range top (2 burners on) , electric oven (on at 350 degrees), microwave and all lights in a good sized home, when fully broken in. It's improved capacity (over the 15,000 Watt model being phased out) can start up a 5-ton a/c unit or two (2) 4-ton a/c units.
This is more load than I need it to do, in actual usage, and it handles it just fine.
This is for light home/small business generating work, perhaps running 10-14 hours a day with full load for several weeks a year, longer hours with 1/2 load, and changing oil and filter more often than yearly to be real safe...Obviously your mileage will vary, and ask the dealer if another larger one is for you if you need more steady high loads. It's rated to last 3,000 hours.
It isn't a heavy duty commercial grade water cooled car engine type or diesel one made to run 24/7 with full load for months...and nor is it that price!
May you and I never need it, however I and others recommend this brand highly.
Pour a roughly 5 x 3 foot slab and/or a 5 x 5.5 foot cleared pea gravel bed on high ground >3 feet from your home, near the power distribution box and not too far from your gas source. Hope your bedroom wall isn't there, cuz even this "quiet" one is moderately noisy when running at it's full load mode when it's right next to you!
Be aware that it does need a ~$60 battery, 8 foot grounding rod, two quarts of synthetic oil, and a replacement generac oil filter to get you started and through the 4 hour break in period. Caution: the maximum ambient temperature is 104 degrees...do not operate it in temperatures higher than this!
The generator cost is only the start of your entire costs..definitely shop for electricians, propane tank/NG gas installation and hookup, cost of pouring a slab,etc. There can be a 2x difference in quoted prices. Make sure someone gets you through the break in stage if you are not electrically/mechanically minded, and someone can adjust the valve clearance of the engine after 6 months of use.
If you are concerned about locking the top, this will not put your mind at ease...a 10 year old can pop off the unit's top quickly, as only one handle has this chintzy plastic "lock" (and two keys). This "lock" had the silly plastic cylinder pull out, stuck to the key! Perhaps a locksmith can find a replacement and put in a serious metal, not toy-like plastic lock!
If you are looking to use it for home use after a hurricane, flood, snowstorm or similar long power outage, this is good for you. The aluminum housing is going to last longer than steel in wet/salt air regions. My neighbors had the earlier 15,000 watt versions running during the weeks without regular power after hurricanes in Florida, and the generators performed without problems. (A year later, one steel enclosure is starting to rust a bit, sometimes it may be worth the extra money to get the optional aluminum housing instead- just depends on your climate).
There are some significant improvements in the whole set up for the 16 kWh over the prior 15 kWh (besides getting a somewhat quieter engine, ability to run more air conditioning capacity,and add a few more circuits). Two separate electricians who have installed many units, said that this newer 16,000 Watt was WELL worth the extra money.
Solidly built for home and office emergency use.
This 16,000 kW generator works as advertised, handling the full load of starting a 3.5 ton A/C, hot water heater (heating), electric range top (2 burners on) , electric oven (on at 350 degrees), microwave and all lights in a good sized home, when fully broken in.
This is more load than I need it to do, in actual usage, and it handles it just fine.
This is for light home/small business generating work, perhaps running 10-14 hours a day with full load for several weeks a year, longer hours with 1/2 load, and changing oil and filter more often than yearly to be real safe...Obviously your mileage will vary, and ask the dealer if another larger one is for you if you meed more steady high loads. It's rated to last 3,000 hours.
It isn't a heavy duty commercial grade water cooled automobile type or diesel engine made to run 24/7 with full load for months...and nor is it that price!
May you and I never need it, however I and others recommend this brand highly.
Pour a roughly 5 x 3 foot slab and/or a 5 x 5.5 foot cleared pea gravel bed on high ground >3 feet from your home, near the power distribution box and not too far from your gas source. Hope your bedroom wall isn't there, cuz even this quiet one,can be moderately noisy when running at it's full load mode when it's right next to you!
Be aware that it does need a ~$60 battery, 8 foot grounding rod, two quarts of synthetic oil, and a replacement generac oil filter to get you started and through the 4 hour break in period. Changing the oil is easy-just remove two bolts, the front panel comes off, and the filter and a draining hose for the oil are easy to get to. Caution: the maximum ambient temperature is 104 degrees...do not operate it in temperatures higher than this!
The generator cost is only the start of your entire costs..definitely shop for electricians, propane tank installation and hookup, cost of pouring a slab,etc. There can be a wiiide range in quoted prices! Make sure someone gets you through the break in stage if you are not electrically/mehcanically minded, and someone can adjust the valve clearance of the engine after 6 months of use.
If you are looking to use it for home use after a hurricane, flood, snowstorm or similar long power outage, this is good for you. My neighbors had the earlier 15,000 watt versions tested during the weeks without regular power after hurricanes in Florida, and the generators performed without problems. (A year later, one steel enclosure is starting to rust a bit, sometimes it may be worth the money to get the optional aluminum housing instead-depends on your climate).
There are some significant improvements in the whole set up for the 16,000 over the prior 15,000 kWh (besides getting a somewhat quieter engine, and a few more circuits). Two separate electricians who have installed many units, said that this newer 16,000 kWh was WELL worth the extra money.
Lousy Customer Service
I have the 15000 LP model. When I tried to change the oil for the first time the oil drain plug would not unscrew. The threads of the nut were cross threaded, and probably put on with a power wrench, so three grown adults could not wrench off the bolt to drain the oil.
So, I cut it off and drained the oil. I e-mailed Generac with the engine serial number, etc. They e-mailed me back 4 days later requesting the generator serial number. This was a nuisance as we had put the generator away. (its not on a slab but on a large mobile cart for inside storage)
So I pull it out, uncover it, get the number, put it back away, and send them the number. I then get a next day response telling me to call a local dealer for warranty service????? For a 10 dollar drain hose!
So.....I could not care less how well something works. Customer service is key. And when I offer to send in a defective part for review prior to receiving a replacement I would expect any major company to comply. If they have a problem shipping a hose that costs them a buck to make on a 4000$ generator what happens if something really goes wrong? Think twice about this generator!
