Where can I buy Generac 5870 8,000 Watt Air-Cooled Propane/Natural Gas Powered Home Automatic Standby Generator With Transfer Switch (CARB Compliant)Generac Guardian 5870By Anthony L. MaiuriI purchased the Generac 5870 Generator in July 2010. It arrived by CEVA freight and the driver dropped it off 10 feet from the site that I prepared for it. Upon inspection it was in great condition except for a small ding at the base of the unit; no problem just cosmetic. I decided to keep it versus send it back and wait for a new one. It came with a 5 foot electrical tail protruding from the generator and two tails protruding from the transfer switch (a two foot tail that attaches to your main distribution panel and a 30 foot tail that connects to the generator's 5 foot tail via a connection box). Instructions are well written and easy to follow. I am a retired IT Executive with some knowledge about electrical connections so I did the electrical hookup myself. The gas connection I sub-contracted to a local propane service agent. I am glad I did as the gas connection line depends on the distance from the propane tank to the generator and the number of appliances and associated BTU's that are hanging off the gas line that you want to connect to. Because I was on the cusp of exceeding the exisitng gas line capacity, I decided to run a separate one inch gas line to where the propane tank line enters the house. Since an additional regulator and line was required, the existing piping and regulator had to be re-piped and teed. Switching the generator from natural gas to propane is very easy. Just place the T-handle into the slot located on the air breather housing inside the generator, pull it out (spring tension), and turn clockwise 90 degrees. The orfice is now good to go for propane. The gas contractor charged $98 an hour plus parts. It took him 4 hours (@400). I haven't receive the bill yet for the parts. Also, the amount, length, gender, and threads of nipples and pipe connectors required are numerous when running a separate line. While plumbing the generator is less complex than the electrical, I recommend having the gas connection done by a professional as they have the tools, knowledge, parts, and meters, to ensure a seemless gas connection to the unit.Prior to activating the generator, you will need to logon to Generac's site to obtain an activtion code. I did this but upon entering the code via the generator's controller, it wouldn't accept it. The instructions state that if this happens to call them. I did so, (9:30 PM on a Monday night), and a generac representaive gave me a new code. The test was successful with out any issue. One other point. The 5870 transfer switch/subpanel comes pre-wired with associated breakers; two 240 volts (one 20 amps, the other 30 amps), six 120 volts (three 15 amps, three 20 amps). There are also 240 volt/70 amp wires that run from the transfer/sub-panel switch to your main distribution panel. Generac doesn't supply the 70 amp breaker required to connect these wires into your main distribution panel;($33 at Home Depot.). Also, you will need to buy the battery that starts the generator (@$70 at Walmart). Since the pre-wired/breakers didn't exactly match the circuits ... »» Read more about Generac 5870 8,000 Watt Air-Cooled Propane/Natural Gas Powered Home Automatic Standby Generator With Transfer Switch (CARB Compliant).
Price: $2,742.00 » Get Your Discount
