GUARDIAN® 17/16 kW HOME GENERATOR #5873 / 5874
by GENERAC® POWER SYSTEMS



OVERVIEW, CHARACTERISTICS, PRICE



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Main features
Prices and reviews
Characteristics

Standby generators

are hardwired to a house electrical system via a transfer switch and permanently connected to an external fuel source (such as liquid propane or natural gas). They can automatically supply continuous power to pre-selected circuits or the whole house in case of emergency for as long as the fuel is available.
Generac's standby generators (such as Guardian®, Guardian Elite™ and QuietSource™) were among the best selling home generators on the market. Their latest 17/16kW air-cooled genset models 5873 and 5874 (which replaced Generac 5504 and 5505) are popular choices for homes with up to 5-ton central air conditioner.
Note that regardless of place of purchase, you can order installation and service from GUARDIAN® local dealers or use your own licensed contractors.

Main features:


- Low noise
- An option with a corrosion-resistant alumminum enclosure (model 5874)
- Comes pre-wired and pre-packaged with commposite mounting pad for fast installation
- Automatic Voltage Regulator with quality electrical output for sensitive electronics (THD<5%)
-CARB compliant
- 2 year, 200 hour oil change intervals (fiirst time after 8 hours of operation)
- 3-year limited warranty

FUEL CONSUMPTION (approximate):
- 183 cu.ft/hr NG / 1.61 gal/hr LPG at halff load;
- 261 cu.ft/hr NG / 2.57 gal/hr LPG at fulll load.

AUTOMATIC OPERATION
The genset's control panel includes a control logic circuit board. This board constantly monitors utility power source voltage. Should that voltage drop below 65% of nominal (which is 78VAC), a sensor energizes a 10 second timer. After 10 sec., the engine will crank and start if utility is still low.
After the engine starts, the control circuit lets it warm up for about 5 seconds. After that it activates the transfer switch and connects load circuits to the standby power supply.
When line voltage is restored above 75% of nominal (which is 90 VAC), a re-transfer time delay starts timing.
After 15 sec. circuit board de-energizes transfer relay in the transfer switch if utility is still present and transfer loads back to the grid. After re-transfer, the engine cools down for one minute and then shuts down.

MANUAL OPERATION
Use genset's AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch and UTILITY/STANDBY handle inside transfer switch according to user's manual.

PRICE AND REVIEWS


Since these models are relatively new, see Generac generator users' reviews for the predecessor model 5504 (16kW-LPG/15kW-NG).

The model 5873 with steel enclosure is a lower cost version that sells online for about $3600. If you live in a salt air coastal area, and you are concerned of enclosure's corrosion, consider version # 5874 with aluminum enclosure, which typically costs a few hundred dollars more.

See also emergency standby home systems and Discount Generators. If you prefer to deal with a local dealer or an installer, complete a price quote request form.



TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS



Rated Power (LP / NG) 17 kW /16 kW (17000W / 16000W)
Rated Amps @ 60 Hz 240 V (LP/NG) 70.8 / 66.6 A
Surge Watts - 240V, 1Ø 29,825
Surge Amps 124 A
Engine Generac OHVI 992cc / V-Twin 2 cyl.
Alternator RPM 3600
Rated horsepower 32 at 3600 rpm
Displacement 992 cc
Sound Level:
(dBA @ exercise) 60
(dBA @ normal operation) 66
Dimensions (L" x W" x H") 48x25x29
Automatic Transfer Switch (included) 100 Amp / 16 circuit
Full Monitoring System Oil pressure, coolant temperature, engine speed, coolant level, cranking time, starter lockout, utility sensing
Shutdown and LED Indicators Overspeed and overcrank, low oil pressure, high coolant temperature, low coolant level, low fuel pressure, low battery voltage
Included Transfer switch
No. of Poles 2
Current Rating (amps) 100
Voltage Rating (VAC) 250
Utility Voltage Monitor (fixed):
- Pick-up 75%
- Drop out 65%
Return to Utility Approx. 15 sec
Auto exercised 12 minutes weekly
UL Listed Yes
Enclosure Type NEMA 1 (indoor use only)
Dimensions (H" x W" x D") 29 x 12.5 x 7
For other systems see our detailed comparison chart of standby generators.

Notes. All data here are provided As Is. While efforts have been made to provide the most current and accurate data - we are not responsible for any errors. For official specifications and warranty info contact the product manufacturer. The model may not start all brands or models of central A/C. Make sure the surge capability (amps) of the generator is greater than the LRA listed on the name plate of the air conditioner. Otherwise, you may need to install a "hard start" kit (for more info see our Sizing guide). The sole responsibility when selecting a product rests with you, the buyer- read important Disclaimer linked below.

This page contains affiliate links- see Compensation Disclosure.

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