<?xml-stylesheet type='text/xsl' media='screen' href='/News/rss.xsl' version='1.0'?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>GUARDIAN Generators</title><link>http://www.guardiangenerators.com/News/rss.ashx</link><description>GUARDIANGenerators.com Press Releases</description><language>en-us</language><copyright>Copyright © 2003-2008 Generac Power Systems, Inc.</copyright><item><title>Generac® Power Systems Introduces 
Two New Lines of Portable Generators</title><description>&lt;strong&gt;WAUKESHA, Wis&lt;/strong&gt;. &amp;ndash; The leader in standby power generation, Generac Power Systems, Inc., Waukesha, Wis., has recently introduced two new lines of portable generators. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;As the most reliable name in power generation, we are responding to the growing demand for portable generators,&amp;rdquo; says Clement Feng, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Generac. &amp;ldquo;From home use to camping, construction or outdoor events, our portable generators provide end users with dependable power when they need it. The professional-grade XP line is engineered for high performance, long periods of operation and rough handling at job sites, while the GP line is ideal for less frequent usage, such as during camping or at home during storm-related power outages.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Generac XP line of portable generators has been engineered for high performance to stand up to wear and tear in the toughest job sites conditions. The XP units consist of durable construction with oversized full wrap frame tubing and impact resistant corners to prevent damage from rough handling. Available in five models, XP 4000, 6500E, 8000E, 10000E and 16000E, the line includes utility-quality power for sensitive electronics and covered, circuit breaker-protected outlets. Locking fold-down handles and never flat wheels provide easy storage and transportation. The unit also features start/stop, choke and fuel shutoff controls conveniently located on the outlet panel and US Forest Service-approved, spark-arrest low-tone mufflers for safety during use. A power cord set is included with the XP 4000, 6500 and 8000; electric start and battery is standard on the 6500E, 8000E, 10000E and 160000E. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The XP models feature Generac Overhead Valve Industrial&amp;reg; (OHVI) engines, which are manufactured in-house and renowned for their quality and durability. OHVI engines feature full pressure lubrication and spin-on oil filters as well as the longest engine life in the industry. With two hundred hours between oil changes, users can rest assured Generac portable generators will provide high-quality, long-term power at any job site or during any power outage. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Ideal for use in a variety of circumstances, the GP line of portable generators offers flexibility and reliability. Perfect for camping use or during a storm-related outage, the GP units are available in six models: 5000, 6500, 7000, 7000E, 8000 and 8000E. Oversized steel tube cradles provide full wrap protection on each unit and low oil shutdown protects the generator from damage. The GP units also feature circuit breaker protected outlets and low-tone mufflers. The GP 7000, 7000E, 8000 and 8000E models feature durable Generac OHVI engines. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Both the XP and GP lines of portable generators by Generac operate on gasoline. For more information on Generac&amp;rsquo;s complete line of residential and commercial products, visit Generac.com or call 888-GENERAC. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;# # # &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;About Generac Power Systems, Inc. &lt;br /&gt;Since 1959, Generac Power Systems, Inc., has been a leading, innovative manufacturer and marketer of standby generators, automatic transfer switches, modular paralleling systems, and small engines for recreational vehicle, residential, commercial, telecommunications and industrial applications. Generac&amp;rsquo;s generators range in output from three to 9,000 kilowatts. For more information on Generac or its products, visit www.generac.com.</description><link>http://www.guardiangenerators.com/News/PressRelease.aspx?itemid=390</link></item><item><title>Guardian® Introduces a New Lineup of Standby Generators</title><description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Waukesha, Wis. &amp;ndash;&lt;/strong&gt; Forecasters from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo., predict a 69 percent chance of a hurricane making landfall along the U.S. coastline during the 2008 hurricane season (June 1 through November 30). Anytime hurricanes or severe weather strikes, homeowners are at risk of losing power to their homes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), power outages can cause numerous risks, including illness from food-born bacteria, the risk of fire from candle use, and the risk of heat stroke or hypothermia in severe hot or cold weather. Homeowners also risk the security of their home and family due to security systems being disabled. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Furthermore, power outages are not uncommon. From September 2006 to September 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reported that more than 11 million people were affected by weather-related or rolling blackout power outages. Homeowners can protect against unforeseen power outages by installing a standby power generator that automatically comes on when the power goes out. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Generac Power Systems, Inc., Waukesha, Wis., has introduced a new line of Guardian&amp;reg; automatic standby power generators that have been re-engineered and redesigned to meet the power needs of any home. Recent technological advancements have made this line of standby power generators more affordable to homeowners as well. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;The new Guardian line is truly a breakthrough in residential standby power. As the number one selling standby generator on the market, Guardian offers homeowners the options they need to protect their family and valuables during power outages. They can look to us for the most choices, the best technology, and the highest value,&amp;rdquo; says Clement Feng, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Generac. &amp;ldquo;The new models reflect our market-leading commitment to bring better and more affordable standby power solutions to home and business owners, with fully automatic standby generators priced starting at $1,999.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Feng adds that the new Guardian automatic standby generators offer the best-in-class power quality (less than five percent harmonic distortion); highest-in-class power output; user-friendly digital controls; easiest serviceability with new enclosure; widest selection; and best value per kW. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;According to Feng, the new Guardian line has been redesigned from the inside out, which is the first major redesign of any standby generator on the market in years. The line is more aesthetically pleasing, more electrically powerful and, from an ergonomic standpoint, more practical. As homes have grown in size and electronics have increased in popularity, backup generators have advanced as well. &amp;ldquo;Over the years, customers have gravitated towards high-powered models. Now we&amp;rsquo;re bringing homeowners even more power with a complete offering ranging in capacity from eight kilowatts (kW) to a 20kW model, which is able to back-up an entire home,&amp;rdquo; says Feng. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The 20kW air-cooled unit offers the highest output of any generator of its kind at the most competitive price on the market. When equipped with Generac&amp;rsquo;s Power Manager&amp;reg; LTS panel, it can handle all circuits, including central air conditioning without shutting off other circuits, explains Feng. The 20kW model with the LTS switch is the first, true whole house air-cooled generator that feeds electricity to all circuits instead of juggling individual circuits on and off as power capacity narrows. The power quality is also best in its class, allowing for safe operation of sensitive electronic equipment. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The new Guardian air-cooled line comes in five models with ratings of 8, 10, 14, 17 and 20kW &amp;ndash; more than what is available from any other manufacturer. These models feature Generac&amp;rsquo;s own OHVI&amp;reg; (overhead valve industrial) engines, which are manufactured in house and designed for long life in demanding, long-run generator applications. New automotive-style enhancements to these engines promote even longer life and extended oil change intervals. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Other improvements include new enclosures made of galvanized steel or aluminum for enhanced corrosion protection, an LCD digital control panel, an exterior signal light for simple maintenance messages and an optional wireless remote monitor for performance readouts conveniently inside the house. The new air-cooled generators also feature Generac&amp;rsquo;s exclusive Quiet-Test&amp;trade; technology that reduces sound output during self-test operation, making them as quiet as a car at idle. All air-cooled products come with a three-year limited warranty for added protection. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Automatic standby generators operate on natural gas or liquid propane vapor, so there are none of the fuel storage, spillage, spoilage or odor concerns that are common with gasoline or diesel models. Because of their favorable emissions profile, gaseous-fueled generators are becoming increasingly popular as a &amp;ldquo;green&amp;rdquo; solution for backup power needs. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Generac introduced the first gaseous-fueled automatic home standby system in 1989 and has been the leading brand ever since. For more information on Guardian residential products, visit www.GuardianGenerators.com. To learn more about Generac commercial products, visit Generac.com or call 888-GENERAC. &lt;br /&gt;# # # &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;About Generac Power Systems, Inc. &lt;br /&gt;Since 1959, Generac Power Systems, Inc., has been a leading, innovative manufacturer and marketer of standby generators, automatic transfer switches, modular paralleling systems, and small engines for recreational vehicle, residential, commercial, telecommunications and industrial applications. Generac&amp;rsquo;s generators range in output from three to 9,000 kilowatts. For more information on Generac or its products, visit www.generac.com. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description><link>http://www.guardiangenerators.com/News/PressRelease.aspx?itemid=319</link></item><item><title>Generac® Power Systems, Siemens® Announce New GenReady™ Load Center for Residential Generators</title><description>Waukesha, Wis.&amp;nbsp; &amp;mdash; Generac&amp;reg; Power Systems, Waukesha, Wis., and Siemens&amp;reg; Energy &amp;amp; Automation, Alpharetta, Ga., have developed a new GenReady&amp;trade; load center panel that makes it easy to add an automatic home standby generator to any residence. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The GenReady load center takes the place of a traditional 42 circuit electrical load center at comparable cost. It features 18 essential circuits that will be powered by the utility or the generator during an outage. This streamlined system is a two-in-one product that eliminates the need for a separate emergency load center and automatic transfer switch, significantly reducing equipment and installation expense. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When installed during new construction, the GenReady panel assures the generator can be connected easily, either during the building process or afterward. &amp;ldquo;Homebuilders are trying to find ways to add value to their homes in the current downturn,&amp;rdquo; says Jon Pickens, marketing manager for Siemens Energy &amp;amp; Automation. &amp;ldquo;This unique panel allows the builder to offer a valuable upgrade to the homeowner at minimal expense. With the GenReady load center wiring and plumbing in place, the homeowner can save thousands of dollars when the generator is installed, making a home standby system more affordable.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;With more than 11 million people affected by power outages from September 2006 through September 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, more and more homeowners are investing in automatic standby generators. &amp;ldquo;Generac has always offered industry-leading solutions for adding generators to existing homes,&amp;rdquo; says Clement Feng, chief marketing officer, Generac. &amp;ldquo;Now, with the GenReady panel, we offer the easiest, most affordable solution for new homes or remodels.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Installing a generator during new construction is always the least expensive option, Feng explains. &amp;ldquo;Not only is the installation easier, but homeowners can include the cost of the generator in their mortgage package. The resale value of a generator-equipped home will also be higher.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The GenReady panel utilizes standard Siemens panelboard components and is UL Listed. It is compatible with generators rated up to 125 Amps or 30 kilowatts. Multiple GenReady panels can be supported by a single generator. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There are three alternative levels of installation &amp;mdash; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;GenReady Basic &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The GenReady panel is installed without the transfer operator. It replaces the home&amp;rsquo;s main distribution panel at no additional labor cost. This option will save the homeowner thousands of dollars in upgrade costs when a generator is installed later. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;GenReady Advanced &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The GenReady load center panel is installed with the transfer operator. All fuel and electrical lines are installed to the planned generator site along with the generator pad. The home is completely wired and ready for the addition of a generator in the future. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Complete System &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Everything included in the GenReady Advanced level is installed along with an automatic standby generator. The home&amp;rsquo;s selected circuits will be backed up by generator power anytime utility service is interrupted. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Home builders are especially interested in this product,&amp;rdquo; says Feng. &amp;ldquo;They see it as an easy way to make homes generator-ready and it perfectly positions the builder to offer a complete generator upgrade to their customers. You&amp;rsquo;ll see backup generators on a lot more homes in the future &amp;mdash; and not just on larger residences. More affordable products and easier installations make them popular, from higher end custom to higher volume tract homes. Business-minded builders already recognize this trend and are offering standby systems or generator-ready load centers as part of their construction packages.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;For more information on Generac standby power products, visit www.generac.com or call 888-GENERAC. For information on Siemens Energy &amp;amp; Automation products, visit www.sea.siemens.com. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;# # # &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;About Generac Power Systems, Inc. &lt;br /&gt;Since 1959, Generac Power Systems has been a leading, innovative manufacturer and marketer of standby generators, automatic transfer switches, modular paralleling systems, and small engines for recreational vehicle, residential, commercial, telecommunications, and industrial applications. Generac&amp;rsquo;s standby power systems range in output from seven to 9000 kilowatts. For more information on Generac or its products, visit www.generac.com.&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;About Siemens &lt;br /&gt;For nearly 160 years, the Siemens name has been synonymous with cutting-edge technologies and continuous growth in profitability. With its wide array of products, systems and services, Siemens is a world leader in automation and control, information and communications, lighting, medical, power and transportation systems. For more information, visit www.usa.siemens.com.</description><link>http://www.guardiangenerators.com/News/PressRelease.aspx?itemid=320</link></item><item><title>Generac® Power Systems Develops New Builder Alliance Program for Standby Generator Products</title><description>Waukesha, Wis. &amp;mdash; Generac&amp;reg; Power Systems, Waukesha, Wis., a leading manufacturer of automatic home standby generators, has announced its new Builder Alliance Program, which is now open to new members. This multi-faceted initiative allows homebuilders, remodelers and architects to more easily promote and sell residential generators to their customers. And with the increasing frequency of power outages, the need for automatic standby generators on new homes has never been greater. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;The Builder Alliance Program makes it easier than ever to add a standby generator to any home,&amp;rdquo; says Steve Goran, vice president of sales, Generac Power Systems. &amp;ldquo;It allows builders, remodelers and architects to differentiate themselves from competitors by offering a value-added product that is increasingly desired by homeowners for security and peace of mind. Installing a backup power system enhances a residence&amp;rsquo;s value and boosts both top line revenue and bottom line profit for the builder. Including a standby generator in the price of a new home also allows buyers to finance it as part of the purchase, making the decision to buy even more attractive.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Enrolling in the program is easy, Goran explains. &amp;ldquo;The builder, remodeler or architect signs up online and is partnered with the Generac or Guardian&amp;reg; dealer of their choice. Once enrolled in the program, Generac provides members with free consumer-oriented sales brochures and marketing materials to promote the product and help close the sale. We track orders throughout the year and reward members based on their success in marketing the generators to their customers.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Generac envisions the Builder Alliance Program as a continuing initiative that will be advantageous in numerous ways, says Goran. &amp;ldquo;As a leading manufacturer, we want to create and sustain a strong relationship &lt;br /&gt;between Generac, our distribution network, members and their customers. Through this Alliance, we&amp;rsquo;ll provide them with a higher level of service and support that will enhance customer satisfaction and increase brand loyalty. In that way, we also differentiate ourselves from other manufacturers who are focused only on selling product. That&amp;rsquo;s the Generac difference.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To obtain additional information regarding the Builder Alliance Program or to enroll as a member, visit www.builder.generac.com. Products in the program include any Generac or Guardian-branded air-cooled or liquid-cooled generator, as well as any GenReady Load Center sold as a stand-alone product. Air-cooled generators are available with outputs of 8, 10, 14, 17 and 20 kilowatts. Liquid cooled generators are offered with ratings of 20 to 150 kW. A full line of automatic transfer switches also is available. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;# # # &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;About Generac Power Systems, Inc. &lt;br /&gt;Since 1959, Generac Power Systems has been a leading, innovative manufacturer and marketer of standby generators, automatic transfer switches, modular paralleling systems, and small engines for recreational vehicle, residential, commercial, telecommunications, and industrial applications. Generac&amp;rsquo;s standby power systems range in output from seven to 9000 kilowatts. For more information on Generac or its products, visit www.generac.com.</description><link>http://www.guardiangenerators.com/News/PressRelease.aspx?itemid=321</link></item><item><title>Guardian Offers "Protect Your Neighbor" $50/$50 Referral Rebate</title><description>Have you made the investment in a Guardian home standby generator to protect against power outages?  If you've installed one of our generators and have a neighbor, friend or family member interested in one too, we have something for you!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When you recommend Guardian and they purchase one of our systems, each of you will receive a check for $50.  Just print the &lt;a href="http://www.GuardianGenerators.com/News/File/5050ReferralRebateForm.pdf"&gt;Referral Rebate Form&lt;/a&gt;, complete the &amp;quot;Current Guardian Owner&amp;quot; information and pass it on.  Give away as many referral rebate forms as you like.  We will not limit the number of referral rebates you can receive.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thanks for joining the growing Guardian owners' group.</description><link>http://www.guardiangenerators.com/News/PressRelease.aspx?itemid=300</link></item><item><title>Generac OHVI® Engine Speeds Dixie Chopper Across Country</title><description>Waukesha, Wisconsin &amp;mdash; Who would be crazy enough to drive from Indiana to California on a lawnmower just to prove a point? Matt Land, that&amp;rsquo;s who. Land, national sales manager for Dixie Chopper, made the 17 day journey along Route 66 to show &amp;ldquo;the power of propane, the durability of our lawnmower and the importance of making a difference.&amp;rdquo; Despite difficult weather conditions, he drove the lawnmower for up to 12 hours a day. Powering his unusual road vehicle was a 992 cc Generac OHVI&amp;reg; four-cycle air-cooled engine that easily withstood the challenge. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dixie Chopper partnered with Generac Power Systems, White Drive Products, Lucas Oil and the Propane Education and Resource Council to make this unique event happen. These sponsors celebrated Earth Day (April 22) by starting the &amp;ldquo;Clean Cut Across America&amp;rdquo; with a rousing send-off at Dixie&amp;rsquo;s headquarters in Coatesville, Indiana. Stops included the state capitals of Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona with the culmination of the trip on May 10 in Sacramento, California. A notable stop took place in Austin where Texas Governor Rick Perry and his running club raced the Chopper. In addition to proving the reliability of the Dixie Chopper mower and its Generac engine, the road trip also drew attention to environmental issues. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This mower is the only factory OEM alternative fuel product in the commercial turf care market. While regular gasoline engines allow evaporative gases to escape, the closed liquid propane vapor system eliminates those kinds of emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline and does not contribute to smog formation. While other mowers that use gasoline are forced to remain idle during ozone alert days, Dixie Chopper&amp;rsquo;s new model can continue to operate. The lawnmower will allow owners of landscape firms, campgrounds, and golf courses to mow at their convenience. Not only can businesses benefit from this mower, they can also reduce fuel costs during the unstable, summertime market prices by using propane instead of gasoline. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In order to make this journey, Dixie Chopper needed an engine that was not only reliable but would run efficiently on propane. For this they turned to Generac Power Systems, whose gaseous-fueled OHVI&amp;reg; engines are renowned for outstanding performance in their top-selling line of Guardian automatic standby generators. Steve Hespe, vice president of engines at Generac, said, &amp;ldquo;Dixie Chopper came to us for help in creating an LP-powered mower and our engine team responded. Dixie&amp;rsquo;s confidence in our product prompted them to consider a trip like this.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Generac manufactures some of the highest displacement air-cooled engines available to the outdoor power equipment industry in their facility in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The 33 horsepower V-twin gasoline engine makes Dixie Chopper the world&amp;rsquo;s fastest lawnmower, with a cutting speed of up to 15 mph. The &amp;ldquo;Clean Cut&amp;rdquo; mower Land drove was tuned to cruise at 30 mph. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The OHVI&amp;reg; lineup includes both single and twin cylinder offerings that are available in either horizontal or vertical driveshaft configurations: &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;220 cc Single 7.8 hp &lt;br /&gt;410 cc Single 15 hp &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;530 cc V-twin 18 hp &lt;br /&gt;760 cc V-twin 27 hp &lt;br /&gt;992 cc V-twin 33 hp &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All models are designed as gaseous-fueled engines that will operate on natural gas or liquid propane vapor, as well as gasoline. Unlike other manufacturers, Generac does not need a retrofitted LP conversion kit for their gas engines. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Full pressure lubrication makes the OHVI&amp;reg; design a long-life engine that will easily run for many hours at a time just as the Chopper did when Land made his way to California. Land said, &amp;ldquo;There were times the engine would pull down to 2800 RPM, but the governor would kick in and you could feel the muscle that engine has. It has that low end torque like my Harley has when rolling on the throttle through a turn without downshifting.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Ken Stenz, an Engines Application Manager for Generac, said customers agree with Land&amp;rsquo;s observation: &amp;ldquo;When customers compare our GTV760 and GTV990 engines to our competitor&amp;rsquo;s engines of equal horsepower, they are amazed at our superior performance. With our engine they can cut faster and mow more acres a day. Often they say, &amp;lsquo;I got to get me one of these.&amp;rsquo;&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The success of Matt Land&amp;rsquo;s cross-country trip &amp;mdash; which was made without any mechanical problems &amp;mdash; proves the speed and reliability of the Dixie Chopper mower with a Generac OHVI&amp;reg; engine. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For additional information on OHVI&amp;reg; engines, contact Steve Hespe at 262-544-4811, extension 4250. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Generac Power Systems is a leading manufacturer of diesel and gaseous-fueled engine-driven power generation equipment, modular paralleling systems, automatic transfer switches, and small engines for recreational, residential, commercial, communication, and industrial applications. Generac&amp;rsquo;s backup power systems range in output from&amp;nbsp;7 to 9000 kilowatts. For more information on Generac or its products, call toll-free 888-GENERAC or visit www.generac.com.&lt;/em&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;</description><link>http://www.guardiangenerators.com/News/PressRelease.aspx?itemid=120</link></item><item><title>Standby Power Is Now an Affordable Option for Home and Business Owners</title><description>With unpredictable weather and power outages across the nation, smart home and business owners are preparing for the worst. That&amp;rsquo;s why so many are purchasing standby power systems to protect their homes and businesses before the power goes out. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Automatic standby generators have become increasingly popular as an affordable solution to the threat of a blackout. &amp;ldquo;This system will operate automatically even if you&amp;rsquo;re not home,&amp;rdquo; says Mike Carr, a spokesman for Generac Power Systems, manufacturer of residential and commercial standby systems. &amp;ldquo;The automatic transfer switch continually senses the presence of utility power, and when it&amp;rsquo;s lost, commands the generator to start up. Within twenty seconds, the electrical load will be switched to the generator for the duration of the outage. When utility power returns, the switch will transfer the load back to the utility and shut down the generator.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Automatic home standby systems operate on either natural gas or liquid propane, with power outputs that start at 7,000 watts, or 7 kilowatts (kW). Units up to 18 kW have air-cooled engines, and other models at 20 kW and above feature liquid-cooled automotive type engines. &amp;ldquo;When you&amp;rsquo;re buying a generator,&amp;rdquo; Carr advises, &amp;ldquo;you can purchase a larger unit to cover your entire home, or buy a somewhat smaller model that will operate up to sixteen circuits that you want to have power during an outage. For whole house coverage, an electrician will need to calculate the load requirements of all circuits.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A growing number of homeowners with portable generators are trading up to permanently-installed systems. &amp;ldquo;More than 45% of our residential customers have had a portable generator,&amp;rdquo; Carr explains. &amp;ldquo;They&amp;rsquo;ve upgraded to an automatic system because of the many hassles involved with portables &amp;mdash; refueling, noise, extension cords, and so on. There&amp;rsquo;s only about a $600 difference between the cost of a 7 kilowatt portable and automatic system, but they&amp;rsquo;ve found that the benefits in comfort and convenience far outweigh the extra expense.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Backup power systems for commercial applications are also becoming increasingly popular, especially the latest gaseous-fueled models that are environmentally friendly and surprisingly quiet. &amp;ldquo;Investing in standby power is a smart business decision,&amp;rdquo; Carr says. &amp;ldquo;Commercial systems come in a wide variety of outputs and voltages, making it easy to protect most businesses in a very cost-effective manner. For supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants and gas stations, the cost of the generator could be recouped during the first lengthy outage.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Installation costs will vary depending upon the site, Carr notes. &amp;ldquo;Ask your electrical contractor for an informal site survey and load analysis before you make your purchase. The survey will take into account the location of the generator, how close it is to the electrical service entrance, and how far it is from the natural gas or liquid propane vapor fuel source. Discuss what circuits you wish to power during an outage and listen to the contractor&amp;rsquo;s advice regarding your options. Also check local ordinances and homeowner association rules to ensure that you&amp;rsquo;re in compliance.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The best news for potential buyers is that the price of automatic standby generators has been declining, making them increasingly affordable. &amp;ldquo;This solution is less expensive than most people realize,&amp;rdquo; Carr says. &amp;ldquo;The latest generation of products costs less, has more features, and is easier to install. Backup power is now a viable option for both home and business owners who want to protect themselves against blackouts.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Examples of retail prices for typical standby generators (not including installation cost, which varies according to the size and location of the generator and its proximity to incoming gas and electric service) &amp;mdash;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;table style="WIDTH: 423px; HEIGHT: 181px" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="423" summary="" border="1"&gt;
    &lt;tbody&gt;
        &lt;tr&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;Output&lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;Type&lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;Retail Price &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;Typical Applications &lt;/td&gt;
        &lt;/tr&gt;
        &lt;tr&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;7 kW &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;air-cooled &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;$1,989 &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;Small home &lt;/td&gt;
        &lt;/tr&gt;
        &lt;tr&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;16 kW &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;air-cooled &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;$3,589 &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;Medium home &lt;/td&gt;
        &lt;/tr&gt;
        &lt;tr&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;30 kW &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;liquid-cooled&lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;$8,369 &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;&amp;nbsp;Large home &lt;/td&gt;
        &lt;/tr&gt;
        &lt;tr&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;60 kW &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;liquid-cooled &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;$12,489 &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;Small business or retail store &lt;/td&gt;
        &lt;/tr&gt;
        &lt;tr&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;100 kW&lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;liquid-cooled &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;$16,489 &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;Convenience store, drugstore &lt;/td&gt;
        &lt;/tr&gt;
        &lt;tr&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;150 kW &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;liquid-cooled &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;$23,989 &lt;/td&gt;
            &lt;td&gt;Restaurant, small office building &lt;/td&gt;
        &lt;/tr&gt;
    &lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;Air-cooled models include an automatic transfer switch in the retail price. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Source: The Home Depot &lt;br /&gt;</description><link>http://www.guardiangenerators.com/News/PressRelease.aspx?itemid=121</link></item><item><title>Affordable Backup Power Solutions for Gas Stations — Automatic Standby Generator Options
</title><description>June, 2007 &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Waukesha, Wisconsin &amp;mdash; To facilitate hurricane evacuation and community safety, the State of Florida is requiring many gasoline stations to have on-site backup power. This focus on standby generators and their ability to keep businesses operating is a welcome development, but the question of cost may be on the minds of station owners. Fortunately, there are numerous options for the owners of these and other businesses. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Generac Power Systems, one of the premier manufacturers of automatic standby power products, offers an effective and affordable solution for small and midsize businesses. Generac QT Series generators range in output from 20 to 150 kilowatts and operate on natural gas, so there are no diesel fuel storage, spillage, spoilage or odor concerns. Liquid propane (LP) vapor fuel versions are also available. QT Series gensets are quieter than other generators of this type and can run with reduced sound levels during their weekly self-test routine for near-silent operation. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These efficient sources of backup power are now surprisingly affordable. &amp;ldquo;We&amp;rsquo;re doing all we can to put standby power within reach of all kinds of businesses,&amp;rdquo; says Mike Carr, Generac&amp;rsquo;s manager of marketing communications. &amp;ldquo;These new designs are priced 20% to 30% lower than previous offerings and are easy for electrical contractors to install, resulting in additional savings. We&amp;rsquo;ve broken the cost barrier and made this an affordable solution.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Investing in standby power is a wise business decision. Compared to the expense of lost revenue and inventory spoilage, an automatic standby genset is an essential solution that will provide years of reliable service. For example, here are five cost-effective options &amp;mdash; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;bull; A 15 kilowatt Generac / Guardian&amp;reg; air-cooled portable generator with transfer switch package (about $2,200 plus installation). This gasoline-fueled system would operate several gas pumps, lights and a cash register. This is the most economical solution and is easy to employ during an outage. Operation is manual. When the power goes out, simply plug it in and start it up. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;bull; A 16 kilowatt Generac / Guardian&amp;reg; air-cooled standby generator with automatic transfer switch (about $3,600 plus installation). This fully automatic system would keep several gas pumps, lights and a cash register operating. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;bull; A 25 kilowatt QT system with automatic transfer switch (about $10,000 plus installation). This fully automatic system would keep several gas pumps, lights and a cash register operating. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;bull; A 45 kilowatt QT system with automatic transfer switch (about $12,500 plus installation). This fully automatic system would provide power to gas pumps, lights, cash registers and refrigeration units. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;bull; A 100 kilowatt QT generator and automatic transfer switch (around $20,000 plus installation). This automatic system would keep a midsize convenience store fully operational, powering half a dozen gas pumps, multiple cash registers, lights, air conditioning, and refrigeration. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The cost / benefit analysis for a standby power system is compelling and simple, according to Carr. &amp;ldquo;It&amp;rsquo;s easy to see how quickly this investment will pay for itself. A business that averages $850 of revenue per hour will recoup the cost of a $20,000 backup system during its first 24-hour outage. Add the advantages of being open while competitors without backup power are shut down and the cost / benefit analysis looks even better. It&amp;rsquo;s a simple way to serve customers, safeguard revenue, maintain security, avoid losses, and protect your bottom line. In areas that are prone to blackouts, having standby power is the best way to stay in business.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Electrical power outputs of QT Series gensets include models rated at 20, 25, 35, 45, 60, 70, 80, 100, 130 and 150 kilowatts. The 100 and 150 kilowatt models are also available in modular versions, allowing multiple units to be combined for even higher output requirements. All are UL 2200 Listed and meet or exceed the safety and power output standards of Underwriters Laboratories for stationary generator systems. Both single and three phase electrical outputs are offered, as well as a variety of voltages. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Gaseous-fueled generators are the superior choice for most businesses,&amp;rdquo; Carr says, &amp;ldquo;but not all have access to LP or natural gas. For those locations, diesel generators remain a cost-effective solution and are available in a wide variety of outputs.&amp;rdquo; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In Florida, Generac products are sold through industrial dealers such as Zabatt, Inc. (Jacksonville / Orlando / Tampa) and National Generator, Inc. (Miami / Fort Lauderdale / West Palm Beach / Port Saint Lucie), as well as hundreds of Guardian&amp;reg; brand dealers, major home center retailers, and dozens of wholesale distributors. To find the nearest source of Generac or Guardian&amp;reg; products, use the online dealer locator at www.generac.com or www.guardiangenerators.com. Corporations interested in ordering generators in quantity are invited to contact Generac&amp;rsquo;s national accounts group at 800-851-8972. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Before making a purchase, it is advisable to consult with your Generac or Guardian&amp;reg; dealer representative or licensed electrician, who will conduct a site survey and electrical load analysis in order to recommend the best size and placement of the system. A check of local ordinances is also recommended to ensure compliance with any municipal requirements. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For additional information or digital images of generators, contact Mike Carr at 262-544-4811, extension 2008. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Generac Power Systems is a leading manufacturer of diesel and gaseous-fueled engine-driven power generation equipment, modular paralleling systems, automatic transfer switches, and small engines for recreational, residential, commercial, communication, and industrial applications. Generac&amp;rsquo;s backup power systems range in output from&amp;nbsp;7 to 9000 kilowatts. For more information on Generac or its products, call toll-free 888-GENERAC or visit www.generac.com.&lt;/em&gt; &lt;br /&gt;</description><link>http://www.guardiangenerators.com/News/PressRelease.aspx?itemid=122</link></item><item><title>Online Product Registration is Now Available</title><description>Completing the Product Registration Form is an important first step in protecting your investment. Here are three reasons for registering your product: &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Safety&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Registering your generator will allow us to contact you in the unlikely event a safety notification is required. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Warranty Service &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;Registering your generator will help you to receive more efficient warranty service. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Confirmation of Ownership &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;In the event of an insurance loss such as fire, flood, or theft, your product registration can serve as your proof-of-purchase.&amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To begin the online product registration process, click '&lt;a href="https://www.guardiangenerators.com/Products/ProductRegistration.aspx"&gt;Next&lt;/a&gt;'. &lt;br /&gt;</description><link>http://www.guardiangenerators.com/News/PressRelease.aspx?itemid=23</link></item></channel></rss>