What are the specifications of the various Guardian Generator models?
Click the links below to download PDF's showing the specifications for the different Guardian Automatic Standby Generator models:

> Guardian 7kW, 10kW, and 13kW
> Guardian QuietSource AC 16kW
> Guardian Elite AC 18kW

What is a Guardian Automatic Standby Generator?
A Guardian 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. Guardian Generators operate on natural gas or liquid propane and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit.

What will it power?
Guardian Automatic Standby Generators supply electricity to the electrical panel circuits of your home through a built-in load center. You select the number of circuits you want to protect and match it to the appropriate Guardian Generator system. Everything on that circuit will be protected. Guardian Generators also powers furnaces, air conditioners, well pumps, water heaters and other appliances that are hard wired into your electrical panel.

Why should I buy a Guardian Automatic Standby Generator instead of a portable generator?
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. Guardian Automatic Standby Generators operate automatically so it protects your home even when you’re away. When utility power returns, the standby generator shuts itself off.

Why circuits and not watts?
Establishing wattage requirements of the appliances you want to power during an outage is difficult because those appliances can be plugged into various outlets in your home. That’s why Guardian Generators has simplified the process. By allowing you to protect everything on chosen circuits, you no longer have to worry about individual items.

What’s the difference between air-cooled and liquid-cooled?
Guardian 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. Guardian 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.

Do Guardian Automatic Standby Generators have to be maintained?
Just like your car’s engine, generators need periodic oil and filter changes. Many customers rely on Guardian's preventative maintenance kits to satisfy routine maintenance requirements. Refer to your Guardian Generaowner's manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules. Kits can be purchased through Harper Power Products.

What is the advantage of an aluminum enclosure?
Aluminum is corrosion resistant, so it prolongs the life and look of the generator, particularly in salt air communities.

What is Whisper-Test™? (Guardian QuietSouce models only)
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.

How do I select a Guardian Generator that’s right for me?
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, Guardian allows 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.

How long does it take to install a Gua automatic standby generator?
Guardian air-cooled models, which come equipped with a comprehensive installation manual, can take as little as four hours to install. They come pre-mounted on a composite pad to further simplify installation. Liquid-cooled generators normally require up to 14 hours to install. 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.

How much fuel does a Guardian Automatic Standby Generator use?
Based on a 7-16 kW Air-Cooled Generator
Natural Gas (cu ft/hr): 100-250
LP (cu ft/hr): 50-90

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.

The Guardian Generator that I've chosen has a 100-amp automatic transfer switch. What if I have 200-amp service?
Emergency circuits should always be isolated by the emergency load center. An isolated sub-panel helps to prevent overload situations.

Where can I purchase parts?
Parts can be purchased through any Authorized GUARDIAN Dealer. Part numbers are located in the owner's manual.

What is the cost of a service/maintenance contract?
Costs are determined by the installing dealer and are based upon service levels. Cost will also vary based on hourly labor rates in your local area.

Propane tanks are usually rated by pounds. Is there a conversion that can be applied to the fuel consumption numbers?
Yes. For general conversion, propane weighs 4.24 pounds per gallon. 1 lb. = 8.58 cu. ft. 1 gallon = 36.39 cu. ft.

Where do I go to have warranty repairs performed?
Any Authorized GUARDIAN Service Center can perform warranty service.