The 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.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: All as Expected
Comment: GUARDIAN QuietSource Aluminum 16,000 Watt Standby Generator
Very happy with this product. Works as expected without a glitch.
Customer Rating: Summary: GREAT
Comment: Before buying I did my reserch on the Webb. First choice was this generator. Then came the question where to buy. After going to many sites and checking, Amazon came out on top. Amazon did everything they claimed they would do. Generator arrived at my front door without any problem. Since I had n/gas the set was hooked up at cost of about 244 including a rebate . Next because of codes in Brevard cty Fl had a Guardian dealer to install per code. cost about 1,800. Set has ran its test cyle now for several weeks and performed a electric failure test at installation. Everything worked well on the 16 circuits I picked to operate. I am very pleased and just hope I never have to use it. If you plan to purchase a set , this is the one!. .. Last thing the gas contractor who is very busy installing the gas hook up said this generator is running about 5 to 1 of all gen sets they are hooking up.
Customer Rating: Summary: Works as Advertised and Even Better than Expected
Comment: I live in Kansas where we have extended power outages 5-6 times a year, some lasting days at a time. I finally decided to get an automatic generator to work whether I'm home or away on business, and I could not be more happy. Since I purchased this Guardian unit, my sump pump keeps working during and after a storm (so my basement doesn't flood), my food stays cold and fresh, and most importantly, My Life Goes On Without Interuption. That's the key! I looked at Briggs, Kohler and Guardian before purchasing the Guardian 16kw, and all I can say is It's Great! Why pay 30-60% more for the other brands, when I get more coverage, at least as good quality if not better, and at a better value than the Briggs and Kohler models (Kohler's similar model was double the price of the Guardian!). I checked on getting the unit installed before I purchased the generator, so when the generator arrived, I had it installed through a local Guardian installer within 3 days of the unit arriving. Not only did I get the unit quickly, but the total install price was around $1500. Less than I expected it to be and the unit was installed in less than 1 day.
Did I mention the system has run flawlessly. It's worked twice in the last 3 months, and I've become everyone's favorite neighbor since I got this installed. I'd give this unit a 10 for performance, a 9.5 for value, and an A+ to Amazon as well. It's nice to get a product this good delivered right to my home with the click of my mouse. The info on Amazon's site was very helpful in helping me select the right unit as well. Thanks Amazon, and thanks Guardian for making a Great Generator!! You made a believer out of a skeptic! I'll recommend your product to everyone I know!
Customer Rating: Summary: Update: Would not start 5 ton A/C compressor, now does
Comment: UPDATE: Amazon will not let me change the rating from 1 star in this update, and I did not want to delete this and start over because some may find this update/info useful. I would give it 4 stars now. Our electrician contacted us recently and informed us that he has installed a few more of these where people had the same problem. He had a particularly diligent customer that got his HVAC guy to come out and diagnose the situation. Turns out that some AC compressors have a built in "hard start" kit, which is basically a big capacitor. Some, including mine, do not. For about $200, I had one added to my 5 Ton AC Compressor and this generator now starts the AC with ease... much easier than it was working to start my smaller 3 Ton downstairs AC. So now I am very pleased. The unit works as advertised but I thankfully had not had to use it since the past two hurricane seasons have mercifully passed us by. Original review follows:
Original 1 star review:
This unit will NOT start our 5 ton A/C compressor if there is any other load on the system. Even when it does start the 5 ton compressor, the voltage drop is significant (~25-30%) and potentially damaging to other appliances (refrigerator, microwave, electronics) that are connected to it. Since having air conditioning at our home in South Florida after a hurricane is the primary reason we bought it, I must say that we are less than satisfied with this result, especially because all the sales literature states that this unit WILL run a 5 ton A/C.
Note that we have the generator running on natural gas and not propane.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: WARNING, WARNING, WARNING
Comment: I just installed this machine but a few things really, really bothered me about the process.
First: the Transfer Switch is for INDOORS ONLY. I had to buy and outside box that cost 285.00 in which I could put the INDOOR transfer switch.
Second: The unit REQUIRES a natural gas REGULATOR. It cost another 112.00.
Third (and probably most important) it is very, very noisy. The information from Generac says the unit sounds like a car at idle and has a decibel rating of 59 at 50% use. Not true. The car they used for the test must have been a muscle car!
Getting the parts was a hassle as well as expensive. The fact it didn't have a regulator is just WRONG. My furnace came with one, my water heater came with one and my gas range came with one. What's with that Generac????
Otherwise the machine does start my 4 and 1/2 ton AC, 2 fridges and all other appliances with no problem.
Bill Tell
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