Generac Protector Series: Big Homes, Small Biz, and Larger Properties
With any home backup generator, there are advantages and disadvantages depending on your goals and desires — whether you purchase a Generac Protector series model or something different.
Compared to liquid-cooled systems, air-cooled systems are simpler and less expensive; yet, liquid-cooled systems are oftentimes more robust and effective. You’ll want to choose a cooling system that’s sufficient for your home and household needs.
When used in their intended range, air-cooled systems offer excellent performance. Residential generators are usually able to be cooled by air as long as your ambient temperature isn’t too hot. To avoid generator damage, the interior components must be constantly cooled since generators produce a great deal of heat.
Generators must be designed with cooling methods that are appropriate for their size and type. For smaller generators, air cooling is commonly used, while liquid cooling is usually used for larger generators.
Generac Protector Series: Liquid-Cooled Expense and Benefits
The internal parts of Generac Protector series liquid-cooled generators are cooled using a variety of oils or coolants. Liquid-cooled systems offer much better cooling than air-cooled systems, which is why they cost more than air-cooled models.
Essentially, engines with liquid cooling are similar to those in small cars. As pumps distribute liquid coolant to the engine block through hoses, coolant transfers heat to the radiator, where the air cools the coolant. Liquid-cooled generators are usually above 22 kilowatts (Kw) — an average generator size for the average American home — but there are some exceptions.
The costs of producing liquid-cooled engines are higher than air-cooled engines because they require additional parts (such as radiators), as well as technical engineering design considerations. Compared to air-cooled models, they are generally more powerful and durable.
Due to their higher price, these generators are usually used for commercial and industrial purposes where cooling demands are greater than those of smaller residential spaces and properties. Homeowners should consider several variables that can affect the overall cost of a home generator by thousands of dollars. To avoid buying too much generator-electrical capacity, consider the size of your home and electrical panel.
Air Cooled Generators are Cheaper, but Here’s Why
When it comes to air-cooled Generac Protector series models, air circulation is the name of the game. By sucking in cool air from the atmosphere, an air-cooled engine keeps the generator from overheating by blowing that ambient air throughout the unit.
Home standby generators up to 20 or 22 Kw typically use air-cooled engines, depending on the house, generator model, property specifics, and the homeowner’s exact needs. There are two types of air-cooled systems: Open ventilated systems and fully enclosed systems. A ventilator that uses atmospheric air releases its exhaust into the atmosphere, while an enclosed ventilation system keeps internal generator parts cool by recirculating air.
There are some limitations to air-cooled engines you should know about. Since they can overheat if used for a long time in excessive heat, it’s recommended you take note of how hot your local temperature is and how long you plan to use the generator. Whenever an air-cooled engine fails, significant and expensive repairs are usually required.
Compared to liquid-cooled systems, your chance of more maintenance and repair for an air-cooled generator that supports a larger home is higher over the long term. In hotter temperatures, engine oil (at the compound level) breaks down at a faster pace in air-cooled engines, with symptoms not even appearing for a long time after damage has already occurred.
More Characteristics of Generac Protector Series Options
As demand for backup power during natural disasters increases, liquid-cooled Generac Protector series generators are becoming more popular. Fortunately, they’ve also become more affordable.
Because liquid-cooled generators are more efficient than air-cooled generators, they consume less fuel while producing more power. This means liquid-cooled generators are also more environmentally friendly.
Generators with liquid cooling are typically larger and more powerful than those with air cooling, and they dissipate heat more efficiently, allowing them to run at higher temperatures and for longer periods of time. Due to their larger mufflers, liquid-cooled generators are also quieter than air-cooled generators — which means engine stress and wear-and-tear are less likely to occur, making them more reliable.
Don’t by any means discount air-cooled generators, as they have their optimal uses. Fans and fins surrounding the engine dissipate heat. This configuration increases the surface area available for cooling in most air-cooled units. The type of oil used to cool the engine can also enhance the efficiency of some air-cooled generators.
Small-Scale Versus Large-Scale Applications and Uses
Most people use air-cooled generators for small-scale applications such as camping because they are portable. People also use them for recreational vehicles and manually kickstarting power for homes and small businesses. This differs from many of the Generac Protector series models out there. Sometimes businesses get good use out of them, such as the power tools or other equipment that construction and infrastructure workers need on-demand.
When it comes to permanent standby generators supporting a large home or small commercial facility, there are many examples using liquid-cooled generators, including above-average houses, large residential estates, small businesses, hospitals, data centers, and even industrial properties that require continuous and reliable power. In larger residential and commercial buildings, they are commonly used for emergency backup power.
Sometimes it’s ideal for small-scale businesses to use air-cooled generators because they are less complex. However, liquid-cooled generators possess some unique traits. They are larger, produce more power, and dissipate heat more efficiently. These traits make them ideal for operations that require continuous power.
When choosing a generator for your specific needs, keep cost, efficiency, and reliability in mind. Generac Protector series generators present themselves as a great option for homeowners and businesses in need of reliable backup power. They’re supported both by quality and tested reliability. You can choose from a variety of sizes and configurations to suit your needs.
Reliable Features that Come With Your Generac Protector Series
Depending on the model, Generac Protector series generators use different cooling systems. Most smaller Protector models (15 and 20 Kw) are air-cooled, while larger models (25 – 150 Kw) are liquid-cooled.
Since Protector generators are built and designed to power large homes and commercial buildings, they are able to withstand stormy and freezing conditions. Besides being more expensive, large generators require more installation work. However, when the weather turns hot, thankfully they have top-of-the-line cooling systems that keep them cool even in unbearable temperatures.
Not only does this model cool down better, it’s also quieter than its air-cooled counterpart, making it an excellent choice for residential areas. Generac Protector series features include:
- Options and accessories that are pre-configured. Many options and accessories are available with the Protector series, so you can choose the generator that best meets your needs.
- Readiness for complying with local building and property codes. These generators are designed in the manufacturing stage to meet local building codes, policies, and rules.
- Sophisticated controls. Your generator is easy to operate with the Protector series’ user-friendly, intuitive controller.
- Quiet operation. When there’s an outage, these models offer not only immediate power — but quiet power.
If you’re in need of a reliable source of backup power, liquid-cooled generators are an excellent option. They’re more efficient, quieter, and more durable than an air-cooled generator. Just remember: Due to their cost, it’s worth comparing the trade-offs for each homeowner’s situation.
W. Danley Electrical
At W. Danley Electrical, we assist you throughout the entire process — from helping you prepare for installation, repair, and maintenance to anything else surrounding your Generac Protector series generator, as well as obtaining permits, inspections, and much more. We help you optimize and fine-tune your situation so you get the most out of your investment, as well as determine the correct generator size.
