The short answer to 'where are Generac generators made' is that the Generac G-Force and OHVI engines are innovatively designed and manufactured by Generac Power Systems. Generac Power Systems produces these engines at its facility in Wisconsin.
However, it's important to note that the Generac OHV engines aren't engineered in the United States. Instead, it is said that these Generac OHV engines are made in China.
History of Generac Generators
Generac Power Systems Inc. was founded by Robert Kern in 1959. Robert committed to engineering and manufacturing the very first affordable backup generator. Today, the dream still continues as Generac generators are known to be high-quality and affordable.
Durability, excellence, and innovation are synonymous with the Generac brand. Generac generators made in the US are manufactured in Eagle, Berlin, Oshkosh, Whitewater, and Jefferson manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin.
In addition to portable generators, Generac Power Systems Inc. manufactures automated transfer switches, modular paralleling systems, gasoline-fueled, diesel-fueled, and bi-fuel engine-driven power generation equipment.
Generac generators are known to be high-quality, high-grade, and powerful generators. In addition, Generac generators are reliable and have given numerous people great service for over 60 years. Back in December 2009, Generac rebranded its industrial products division by presenting Generac Industrial Power.
The Generac Industrial Power came with brand new enclosures, engines, visual changes, and ergonomic changes.
What Makes Generac Generators Stand Out?
Generac generators often come with extremely powerful engines that are very reliable. The Generac G-Force Engine is renowned as one of the most reliable engines in the world.
Generac generators made with this engine are sturdy and require less routine maintenance than most other affordable generators.
The G-Force Engine is also pressure-lubricated, which adds to its appeal. Some other features that make these Generac engines exceptional include superior stress sensors, unique oil filtering systems, and a plasma-filled compression ring layout.
Here are some other features that make Generac generators amazing.
1. Powerful Engines
We've seen above how the Generac engines are incredible. However, even the engines on the Generac portable generators are also known for their power and durability. You can check out our review of the Generac iX2000 if you want to get started with the Generac family.
The Generac portable generator comes with an OHVI generator which can run four times longer than other brands in the market. You can check out how long generators run in our detailed review here.
Some of these brands include Kholer and Champion. Even the China Generac portable generator has a powerful engine. These Generac engines come with incredible safety features, including:
- A low-fuel auto-shutoff function
- Emergency circuit breakers. These are to protect the engine from overloading
- Galvanneal steel with a RhinoCoat outer layer. This is to prolong the life of the engines.
2. Eco-Friendliness
In this day and age, we have to think about conserving the environment. Therefore, it's no surprise that one of the things that make Generac generators amazing is the first that they are eco-friendly.
So, how are these portable generators eco-friendly and environmentally friendly? The first thing is that they consume less fuel than most generators, and they also produce fewer emissions.
The brand is doing so well that it received the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval when it comes to this aspect. This is amazing because few generator brands have received this seal of approval.
Generac Holdings has gone a good job of ensuring that it is responsible when it comes to creating environmentally friendly products. Therefore, if shrinking your ecological footprint is important to you, Generac generators are for you.
Even the manufacturing process for the standby and portable generator is made in such a way that the environmental impacts are reduced. This is done by consciously reducing the number of materials used and the emissions produced.
3. Low Maintenance
Generac Holdings produce generators that are easy to maintain. This applies to the portable generator and the standby generator options. You especially want the standby generator to be in tip-top shape when it comes to solving your power outage problems.
The standby generators perform a weekly exercise where they ensure that everything is running well. These weekly tests ensure that you won't have to come out of pocket suddenly in case something happens and you don't know about it.
These exercises allow you to catch issues before you need your generator, and you can't rely on it. These tests are also done quietly, which means that you don't have to wake up the whole neighborhood when the tests are running.
4. Variety of Sizes
Whether you get engines that are made in China or not, you can be sure that you can get Generac generators in various sizes. In addition, you can get portable generators in various sizes that suit your needs and available space.
The sizes also affect the prices. Therefore, you can be sure that you can comfortably get generators within your budget. Check out our guide on choosing a generator if you're not sure where to start.
How Do You Install Generac Standby Generators?
So, you've got your superb standby generator and want to set it up. Where do you start? Here's a short guide to help you install your standby generator with ease.
The best way to install your Generac generator is actually to get a professional to do it for you. This way, you won't have any costly or dangerous accidents happening as you try to figure out everything on your own.
Here's how to install your Generac standby generator.
Step 1: Choose the Site
The first step to properly install your Generac generator is to find the right site for it. So, what's the right site? For one, you must find a site that doesn't flood and is in a stable and well-draining area.
Another thing to note is that your Generac generator should be within three feet of your air conditioning units, utility meters, and anything else you'll need to service.
Also, ensure that your home standby generators are near your natural gas supply line and your electric meter. This will help you save on installation costs. Once you've settled on the site, your professional installer will handle any required local permits.
Step 2: Actual Installation
Before setting up your whole house generator, you must first prepare the site. How can you do this? You can either pour and fix a cement slab or put down a bed of pea gravel. This will ensure that your Generac generator has a proper bed.
Your professional installer will do the measurements to ensure that the generator bed allows for the necessary clearances. These include being 18 inches from your house, 60 inches from your windows and doors, and having at least 36 inches in front of it.
The latter is to ensure that your technician has enough room to work on the home standby generators should something happen.
Step 3: Connect to Fuel Source
Whether your generator is using Briggs and Stratton engines or OHVI engines, it will need to run on fuel. Therefore, the next step is to connect your generator to the right fuel source.
Another step in this installation process is to connect your generator to your main breaker box. Next, you will install a transfer switch next to your main breaker box. Don't be surprised if your professional installer advises you to replace the entire breaker box.
Once this is done, you'll now set up the wiring between your generator and the breaker box.
Step 4: Simulate A Power Outage
How else will you know if the standby generator works unless you simulate a power outage? So, once you're done with the entire installation process, you'll need to simulate an outage. This will ensure that your brand new generator and the transfer switch worked very well as expected.
Once you run the test and see that everything works well, the next step is to set up the generator's "exercise." This is a weekly test run that your generator does to ensure that everything is in great working condition.
This exercise ensures that there are no surprises during a power outage when you need your generator to work well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Generac Generators
1. Does Briggs & Stratton own the Generac brand?
In 2001, the Briggs brand acquired Generac Portable Products from Beacon Group. Beacon Group is a New York-based investment firm.
This is what makes Generac and Brigs & Stratton have history between them. When Briggs & Stratton acquired the Generac Portable Products, the brand became Generac's competitor with some products.
2. What brand engines does Generac use?
Generac generators use engines made by Generac Power Systems. This is a manufacturing company that has its facilities in Wisconsin.
These high-quality engines are built on-site in Wisconsin. However, there's debate as to whether the engines used in the portable generates are made in China by Briggs & Stratton.
3. Are Generac engines high-quality?
Yes. Generac engines come in various sizes for portable, inverter, and standby generators.
Given that they have been producing generators for over 60 years, these engines are very reliable and innovatively produced.
