Customer wants Generac? - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

kbsparky · 09-05-2011, 08:59 PM

I have a customer that wants a whole-house generator system installed. But he has been "shopping" on the `net, and has come across several sites pushing Generac units.

I tried to talk him out of getting one, but once he compares the price of a Kohler, or Winco, he goes right back to saying he doesn't want to spend the extra $$$$.

The Generac system he has priced out utilizes one of those cheap, self-contained "pre-wired" sub-panel/transfer switches. I don't really want to deal with one of those, but would rather install a real transfer switch that uses the entire panel, without the need for a sub-panel. Besides, his panel is in a bedroom, and the transfer switch should be located outside.

How do you handle such requests? I'm willing to hook up whatever he buys, but IF he buys this stuff, I won't warrant anything except my connections.

rnr electric · 09-05-2011, 09:04 PM

I have installed many Gnerac generators. and i can honestly report that I have not had any callbacks on them, ( newer models in the last 7 yrs or so only). I have a guy that services them monthly and have had no issues (yet)

HARRY304E · 09-05-2011, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbsparky

I have a customer that wants a whole-house generator system installed. But he has been "shopping" on the `net, and has come across several sites pushing Generac units.

I tried to talk him out of getting one, but once he compares the price of a Kohler, or Winco, he goes right back to saying he doesn't want to spend the extra $$$$.

The Generac system he has priced out utilizes one of those cheap, self-contained "pre-wired" sub-panel/transfer switches. I don't really want to deal with one of those, but would rather install a real transfer switch that uses the entire panel, without the need for a sub-panel. Besides, his panel is in a bedroom, and the transfer switch should be located outside.

How do you handle such requests? I'm willing to hook up whatever he buys, but IF he buys this stuff, I won't warrant anything except my connections.

Can you install AFCI breakers in that panel if not then that is how you can get him..

rnr electric · 09-05-2011, 09:05 PM

I buy them from my supplier and not HD.. I dont know if there is a difference

B4T · 09-05-2011, 09:06 PM

The price difference is not that much between a service rated TS and the sub-panel he wants..

He has greater selection of what he wants to run with the SRTS.. it also comes with a controller that he can regulate what loads run at one time..

When ever it comes time for a panel change, he won't have to pay extra to remove and install the sub-panel..

There really aren't any good reasons to use a sub-panel.. you save very little money in the beginning.. but pay much more in the end..

HARRY304E · 09-05-2011, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbsparky

I have a customer that wants a whole-house generator system installed. But he has been "shopping" on the `net, and has come across several sites pushing Generac units.

I tried to talk him out of getting one, but once he compares the price of a Kohler, or Winco, he goes right back to saying he doesn't want to spend the extra $$$$.

The Generac system he has priced out utilizes one of those cheap, self-contained "pre-wired" sub-panel/transfer switches. I don't really want to deal with one of those, but would rather install a real transfer switch that uses the entire panel, without the need for a sub-panel. Besides, his panel is in a bedroom, and the transfer switch should be located outside.

How do you handle such requests? I'm willing to hook up whatever he buys, but IF he buys this stuff, I won't warrant anything except my connections.

You should never allow the customer to supply anything because he is just trying to cut out your profit.

And if something goes wrong he will blame you.

Magnettica · 09-05-2011, 09:09 PM

Ask him how long he expects the generator to last. Then compare the prices of the generators. Whatever the difference is divide that cost over the course of 20 years and ask him if "x" amount per day/ week/ month is worth going with the cheaper and less dependable generator.

Frasbee · 09-05-2011, 09:09 PM

I worked with a resi-company that installed these regularly and from what I gathered about them is that they are junk. We installed 3 while I was working there (serviced several more previously installed) and there were several motor related defects that had to be fixed under warranty. Even the journeyman in charge of the service calls talked crap about them constantly.

gold · 09-05-2011, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbsparky

I have a customer that wants a whole-house generator system installed. But he has been "shopping" on the `net, and has come across several sites pushing Generac units.

I tried to talk him out of getting one, but once he compares the price of a Kohler, or Winco, he goes right back to saying he doesn't want to spend the extra $$$$.

The Generac system he has priced out utilizes one of those cheap, self-contained "pre-wired" sub-panel/transfer switches. I don't really want to deal with one of those, but would rather install a real transfer switch that uses the entire panel, without the need for a sub-panel. Besides, his panel is in a bedroom, and the transfer switch should be located outside.

How do you handle such requests? I'm willing to hook up whatever he buys, but IF he buys this stuff, I won't warrant anything except my connections.

Not everyone wants a Mercedes. The Generac makes a fine residential standby system, not the best but there fine. Don't believe the hype.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HARRY304E

that is how you can get him..

If your out to get your customer then what type of generator they want is the least of your problems.

Motorwinder · 09-05-2011, 09:11 PM

The few Generacs I've worked on, I found them easy to work on and good quality. I haven't seen many. I guess they don't break down much.

B4T · 09-05-2011, 09:13 PM

You can check prices on the site.. they are the lowest out there that I have found on the Internet.. http://www.norwall.com/

jefft110 · 09-05-2011, 09:16 PM

Just remember that If you install a SRTS then the existing panel becomes a sub and the service cable becomes a feeder.

That is of course if it isn't already.

captkirk · 09-05-2011, 09:16 PM

If your customer wants generac than just give it to him. Trying to talk him out of it is like trying to tell a customer that he doesnt want a steak but he should have salmon instead because its better for him.

kbsparky · 09-05-2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frasbee

I worked with a resi-company that installed these regularly and from what I gathered about them is that they are junk. We installed 3 while I was working there (serviced several more previously installed) and there were several motor related defects that had to be fixed under warranty. Even the journeyman in charge of the service calls talked crap about them constantly.

Were they the Centurion units?

kbsparky · 09-05-2011, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefft110

Just remember that If you install a SRTS then the existing panel becomes a sub and the service cable becomes a feeder.

That is of course if it isn't already.

Yeah, already considered. The panel is back-to-back from the meter, so we would have to replace all the feeder cables. Probably would use an outside SRTS, and then some conduit into the back of the panel run on the outside of the house.

Don't the Generac units require a propriety transfer switch?

HARRY304E · 09-05-2011, 09:27 PM

This is what i said.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HARRY304E

Can you install AFCI breakers in that panel if not then that is how you can get him..

And This is what you made my post say..There is a difference...

Quote:

Originally Posted by HARRY304E

that is how you can get him..

Quote:

Originally Posted by gold

If your out to get your customer then what type of generator they want is the least of your problems.

There is no need to edit someones post to make it look something different then what was said, just a thought..

kbsparky · 09-05-2011, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnr electric

I have installed many Gnerac generators. and i can honestly report that I have not had any callbacks on them, ( newer models in the last 7 yrs or so only). I have a guy that services them monthly and have had no issues (yet)

They require monthly servicing?