Generac Standby Generators: Complete Buyer’s Guide
Generac Power Systems is the most widely installed home standby generator brand in the United States. The company manufactures its generators in Eagle, Wisconsin, and has been producing backup power equipment since 1959. For homeowners weighing their backup power options, Generac offers the broadest product range, the most robust dealer network, and some of the most competitive pricing in the category.
Home Standby vs. Portable: Which Generac Generator Is Right for You?
Generac manufactures both permanent home standby generators and portable/inverter generators. Standby units are permanently installed beside the home, connected to natural gas or propane, and activate automatically during outages. Portable generators require manual start, use gasoline or propane, and are better suited for short-term backup or job sites.
For homeowners seeking uninterrupted protection during extended outages, standby generators are the superior choice. They require no fuel storage, no manual startup, and they run as long as the gas supply is available. The Generac 22kW Guardian Series is the best-selling residential standby unit and is suitable for most 2,000 to 3,000 square foot homes.
Generac Standby Generator Size Guide
Sizing a standby generator correctly is critical. An undersized unit will overload and shut down; an oversized unit wastes money. The following ranges apply to most residential installations:
- 10kW to 13kW: Small homes under 1,500 sq ft, essential circuits only
- 16kW to 20kW: Mid-size homes, central AC up to 3 ton, most essential loads
- 22kW: The most popular size, suitable for most homes with central AC
- 24kW to 26kW: Larger homes, high-demand HVAC, multiple critical loads
The generator sizing calculator above provides an initial estimate. IB Lighting’s technical team can review your panel layout and confirm the correct size before you purchase. Call (800) 674-9019 or email support@iblighting.com.
Generac Transfer Switches
Every Generac standby generator installation requires an automatic transfer switch (ATS). The ATS monitors utility power and signals the generator to start when an outage is detected. Generac manufactures its own line of transfer switches, including the RTSI series and the Smart Management Module, which allows the generator to manage high-draw appliances intelligently to prevent overload.
IB Lighting carries the full Generac transfer switch lineup. Our team can advise on whether a whole-house transfer switch or a critical-circuit transfer switch is the right solution for your installation.
Buying Generac at IB Lighting
IB Lighting is a family-owned electrical supply company serving customers across all 50 states. We carry Generac’s full residential and commercial generator lineup and ship every order with free freight insurance included. Generac products follow manufacturer pricing guidelines, and final pricing is displayed securely in the checkout process.
No sales tax applies in select states, calculated automatically at checkout. All Generac units purchased through IB Lighting include the complete manufacturer warranty. Our team provides pre-sale sizing assistance and post-sale technical support at no additional charge.
Related Product Categories at IB Lighting
In addition to Generac generators, IB Lighting carries a comprehensive range of electrical supply products including automatic transfer switches, electrical wire and cable, luxury lighting fixtures, and HVAC equipment. Browse the full IB Lighting shop or contact our team for product availability and expert recommendations.