Dependable power when it's needed most. Easy to start (1 pull most of the time, 2-3 at the most.)

“Dependable power when it's needed most. Easy to start...”

Written on: 19/06/2011 by LFOD (1 review written)

Purchased my Generac 5500XL with a Generac transfer switch back in 1999 after having suffered a flooded basement when the electric went out for four days in the winter. Can't run a sump pump without the power. Now, the sump pumps, refrigerators, freezer, furnace and a couple of lighting circuits (including the TV outlet) are powered by the unit. Keep it in a Suncast Horizontal Garden Shed (4-1/2 ft. x 3 ft.) which has two swing out doors and a top that tilts up, so it gets plenty of air circulation when it's running. In the winter when it's snowing or anytime when it's raining I can keep the top lowered, prop the doors open and let it run; it's protected from the elements. When the electric goes out, I plug it in to the box mounted on the outside of the house, start it up (1 pull most of the time, 2-3 pulls at the most) and flip the transfer circuit switches. In our neighborhood, the power can go out 3 to 4 times a year, so having the unit has been a lifesaver. It has run flawlessly for twelve years during these outages, often for several days at a time. Only wish it had a option of electric start so my wife could feel more comfortable using it when I'm not around. Being a commercial unit, it has a higher sound level than some others, but it's reassuring to hear it running and know it's doing its job. I would definitely recommend this model. At the time I bought it I thought it was a little pricey, but it has saved me much more in value over the years, that its cost has been well amortized. It has a long life ahead of it still.