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Product ReviewThe Generac Guardian QuietSource 16,000-watt aluminum 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. And for added value, this generator is built with a corrosion-resistant aluminum enclosure to better withstand the elements. This option is especially important for homes in southern and coastal communities.

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.

Built with exclusive Whisper-Test technology, the Generac Guardian standby generator can give you the power you need without the added noise. Whisper-Test reduces noise to a whisper by lowering engine speed during the generator's automatic seven day test of your system. (This test allows you to verify that your generator is in peak operating condition at all times.) The Whisper-Test sound level during these tests is comparable to a car at idle and is 50 percent quieter (59 dBA) than most other standby generators in its class.

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 Generac Guardian home 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 2.51 gallons per hour of LP gas, and 245 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 414 pounds. The generator is covered by a 2-year limited warranty.