How to Pick the Perfect Home Standby Generator
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Briggs & Stratton 20kW Standby Generator System (Steel) (400A Split Service Disconnect + AC Shedding)
Model:
40396
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$24.99
Features
Grade
Emergency
Style
Standby (Air Cooled)
Run Watts
20,000 Rated Watts
Voltage
120/240 Single-Phase
Fuel
LP/Natural Gas
Engine
Briggs and Stratton Vanguard
Briggs & Stratton 20kW Standby Generator System (Steel) (400A Split Service Disconnect + AC Shedding)
Product Video Disclaimer: "PED is not responsible for any variances from the product in this video and the item you purchase. Please review all product specs prior to purchase."
- First In Its Class: Never Seen Before Transfer Switch Technology
- Only compatible with Briggs & Stratton generators
- 400-Amp Service Entrance Auto Transfer Switch (71057) (NEMA 3R)
- A UL Listed solution for 2 x 200-Amp Service Breakers
- Easy install - one less switch, less wiring/time, fewer expenses
- Smaller Transfer Switch
- A cost effective, cleaner looking installation
- Patented Central Air Technology Using Symphony II Transfer Panel
- Manages demands of up to two 5-ton central air conditioners
- Intelligently powers your whole home (load dependent)
- 993cc Briggs & Stratton V-Twin Commercial Grade Vanguard Engine
- Provides years of long lasting, reliable standby power
- Galvanneal Steel Enclosure w/ Front Air Ventilation
- Automotive rust proofing paint process reduces corrosion
- Pushes engine exhaust out the front, away from the home
- Flexible Placement (Please Verify Local Building Codes)
- Tested against tough National Fire Protection Agency standards
- Can be placed as close as 18" from structure
- Turnkey Extras: Auto Battery Charger & Hour Meter
- Industry Leading 5-Year Warranty
- Parts, labor & travel covered for 5-Years
California residents see
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
For more information go to: www.p65Warnings.ca.gov
Specifications
40396
Overview
Weight
500 Pounds
Made in USA
Yes
Consumer Warranty
5 Years
Product Style
Standby Generator
Product Length
50.5 Inches
Product Width
32.9 Inches
Product Height
31 Inches
UPC
011675403966
Product Specs
Voltage
120/240 Single-Phase
Frequency
60 Hertz
Rated Watts
20000 Watts
Fuel Type
LP/Natural Gas
NG Power Capacity
18000 Watts
LP Power Capacity
20000 Watts
NG Fuel Consumption @ 50% Load
187 ft³/hr
NG Fuel Consumption @ 100% Load
260 ft³/hr
LP Fuel Consumption @ 50% Load
1.97 gallons/hr
LP Fuel Consumption @ 100% Load
3.75 gallons/hr
Rated Amps
83 Amps
Decibel Rating @ 7m
Decibel Rating @ 7m
Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB). The lower the decibel rating, the less noise the product makes. As an example, a ticking watch is 20 dB while on the other end of the scale, a lawn mower is around 90 dB.
64
Transfer Switch
Automatic (Included)
Transfer Switch Amperage
400-Amps
Battery
Not Included (540 CCA)
Enclosure
Steel
A/C Ton Rating
2 x 5-Tons
Mounting Pad
Steel (Included)
Transfer Switch Style
Service Disconnect
ATS Load Prioritizing
Sold Separately
ATS Load Shedding
Built-In
ATS Service Disconnect
Yes
Cooling System
Air Cooled
UL Listed
Yes
Grade Type
Emergency
Engine
Engine Brand
Briggs and Stratton Vanguard
Starting System
12v Auto Start
CC
993 CC
Consumer Engine Warranty
5 Years
Engine RPM
3600 RPM
Low Oil Alert/Shutdown
Yes
Reviews
(9)
Briggs & Stratton 40396 Reviews & Ratings
Customer Photos and Videos
Customer Rating
5.00
(9 Ratings)
5
(9)
(9)4(0)
(0)3(0)
(0)2(0)
(0)1(0)
(0)
Manufacturer Review
Includes our Exclusive Duall 200/Split 200 Amp Transfer Switch!
By Christin Wam
Briggs & Stratton Channel Manager
Review Posted 03/03/2015
Many luxury homes, up to 14,000 square feet with 5-ton air conditioners, require a generator as large as a 20kW. One feature that also accompanies a larger home like this is a 400 Amp service panel which requires a 400 Amp transfer switch. Briggs & Stratton is the only manufacturer to offer a Dual 200 Amp transfer switch to meet these needs.
Why is a Dual 200 Amp Transfer Switch better than a traditional 400 Amp Transfer Switch? There are many reasons:
- Saves you a significant amount of initial purchase cost compared to a traditional 400 amp transfer switch
- Smaller footprint; both 200 amp switches are wired in one small footprint, so they can be installed by one person saving you labor costs
- The smaller size is more visually appealing than traditional 400 amp transfer switches
- NEMA 3R rated which means it can be installed inside or outside depending on your home's needs
In addition to this exclusive transfer switch, the 25kW is one of our newest additions to our line of durable standby generator systems. This economically priced generator was designed for easy service, saving your service technician time and you money. It is powered by a trusted Briggs & Stratton engine to ensure the quality and reliability you have grown to trust.
Why is a Dual 200 Amp Transfer Switch better than a traditional 400 Amp Transfer Switch? There are many reasons:
- Saves you a significant amount of initial purchase cost compared to a traditional 400 amp transfer switch
- Smaller footprint; both 200 amp switches are wired in one small footprint, so they can be installed by one person saving you labor costs
- The smaller size is more visually appealing than traditional 400 amp transfer switches
- NEMA 3R rated which means it can be installed inside or outside depending on your home's needs
In addition to this exclusive transfer switch, the 25kW is one of our newest additions to our line of durable standby generator systems. This economically priced generator was designed for easy service, saving your service technician time and you money. It is powered by a trusted Briggs & Stratton engine to ensure the quality and reliability you have grown to trust.
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Great Product AND Great Service From PED
By Chris M.
Hamilton, Virginia
Review Posted 09/07/2019
I ordered this generator with 400A (dual 200A) ATS on a Monday morning and it was sitting in my garage 3 days later. I also bought a generator pad, load shedding modules, winter kit, and a maintenance kit. It was pretty straightforward to install with the only real difficult part being trenching my lawn for the propane fuel line. I handled the install of the winter kit (took about 30 mins) and my electrician and propane supplier did the rest. Easy peasy. I've run a few load tests and it has been able to handle my entire home without any issues, including a pair of new 5 ton heat pumps, well pump, electric dryer, electric stove, etc.
There were some areas in the documentation that were a little light, but the electrician called Briggs&Stratton's help line and they were very helpful. Also, one thing that we missed that was a head scratcher for a few minutes....it comes pre-configured for natural gas. The symptom was that it would start and immediately shut down. After a few mins, we found the issue and switched the dial at the fuel regulator to the propane mark and it purred like a kitten. With the top of the enclosure closed, it is quiet enough that it can barely be heard inside our home.
Once it switches over to the generator you don't even realize you're off utility power. Great product and great execution on delivery from Power Equipment Direct. Highly recommend the product and buying experience.
There were some areas in the documentation that were a little light, but the electrician called Briggs&Stratton's help line and they were very helpful. Also, one thing that we missed that was a head scratcher for a few minutes....it comes pre-configured for natural gas. The symptom was that it would start and immediately shut down. After a few mins, we found the issue and switched the dial at the fuel regulator to the propane mark and it purred like a kitten. With the top of the enclosure closed, it is quiet enough that it can barely be heard inside our home.
Once it switches over to the generator you don't even realize you're off utility power. Great product and great execution on delivery from Power Equipment Direct. Highly recommend the product and buying experience.
Chris M. Recommends This
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Pros:
Exceeded Expectations, Quiet, Price, Reliable
Great Product
By Randal W.
Georgetown, Kentucky
Purchased 09/20/2017 |
Review Posted 12/09/2017
Great generator. The transfer switch is awesome with superb technology for load management. The remote modules are easy to install. The power has not gone off yet, but in testing it performed flawlessly. My house is 2950 sq feet with geothermal HVAC and the generator seems to handle this just fine. I only load shed the water heater (priority 8), aux heat circuits (priority 9 & 10) and the HVAC thermostat (priority 1). I have two 200 amp distribution boxes in my house, so the Briggs dual 200 amp transfer switch was perfect. A couple of my neighbors have been over to look at it so far. I think one or both of them are highly interested in getting one too.
A couple gripes that Briggs could fix: 1) the conduit pilot hole in the back of the generator is too large, it need to be smaller and 2) the space available in the generator panel is not large enough for one 1 1/4" and one 1/2" conduits. We had to bend some sheet metal slightly to get two conduits into this space. The conduits have to go into the bottom of the space to clear the hood opening. Would like to see some type of remote monitoring that tells you what amperage (or % max load) you are using.
A couple gripes that Briggs could fix: 1) the conduit pilot hole in the back of the generator is too large, it need to be smaller and 2) the space available in the generator panel is not large enough for one 1 1/4" and one 1/2" conduits. We had to bend some sheet metal slightly to get two conduits into this space. The conduits have to go into the bottom of the space to clear the hood opening. Would like to see some type of remote monitoring that tells you what amperage (or % max load) you are using.
Randal W. Recommends This
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Pros:
Easy To Use, Features, Quiet, I'd Buy It Again
Solid Product
By James B.
Chelsea, Alabama
Review Posted 09/12/2017
We purchased this in July 2016
The generator has been great, the electrician had some trouble with the ATS because the manual had not been updated and our Load shedding modules all stayed off initially (the ATS was set to think the Gen was only 2KW instead of 20KW) It was a quick fix and it has performed very well, exercises each week at its set time. On power loss the gen starts up within a min and all loads not on load shed start up immediately upon ATS activation. The Load shedding modules start switching on after a delay for warm up of the generator and cycling of the HeatPump Compressors.
We run our whole house 4200sqft, two Fridges, good sized media center, two 3Ton Heatpumps, (no electric strip heat we have propane furnace for aux heat), HeatPump Water Heater, Electric Dryer, and Electric Double oven(Can only use one oven or the load shed for the Oven turns it off). It uses almost no propane for its weekly run and since most of the appliances are off except the Heatpumps from what we can tell it uses the GPM of propane advertised or less.
We did purchase the maintenance kit and Cold weather kit for the generator and I installed a Optima AGM deep cycle battery. No problems with anything yet.it is fairly quiet for a 1000cc motor sitting next to the house, you can tell its running but it is a generator and its not going to be on permanently.
My only Complaint is the installation of the cold weather kit, its pretty much required by the manual, unless you live in Florida or Hawaii.
It should come pre-installed because it is a PAIN to get the oil drain plugs out to insert the heating elements for the oil sump.
The generator has been great, the electrician had some trouble with the ATS because the manual had not been updated and our Load shedding modules all stayed off initially (the ATS was set to think the Gen was only 2KW instead of 20KW) It was a quick fix and it has performed very well, exercises each week at its set time. On power loss the gen starts up within a min and all loads not on load shed start up immediately upon ATS activation. The Load shedding modules start switching on after a delay for warm up of the generator and cycling of the HeatPump Compressors.
We run our whole house 4200sqft, two Fridges, good sized media center, two 3Ton Heatpumps, (no electric strip heat we have propane furnace for aux heat), HeatPump Water Heater, Electric Dryer, and Electric Double oven(Can only use one oven or the load shed for the Oven turns it off). It uses almost no propane for its weekly run and since most of the appliances are off except the Heatpumps from what we can tell it uses the GPM of propane advertised or less.
We did purchase the maintenance kit and Cold weather kit for the generator and I installed a Optima AGM deep cycle battery. No problems with anything yet.it is fairly quiet for a 1000cc motor sitting next to the house, you can tell its running but it is a generator and its not going to be on permanently.
My only Complaint is the installation of the cold weather kit, its pretty much required by the manual, unless you live in Florida or Hawaii.
It should come pre-installed because it is a PAIN to get the oil drain plugs out to insert the heating elements for the oil sump.
James B. Recommends This
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Manufacturer Response
Thank you so much for your great review! Your home is a perfect example of a larger home with quite a few electric needs, and with our power management system you can truly power more for less. You'll be the envy of the neighborhood when power goes out and you're still lights on.
Thank you for the feedback on what you don't like as well - we'll take that back to our team!
Thank you for the feedback on what you don't like as well - we'll take that back to our team!
Rating Breakdown
5/5
4/5
5/5
5/5
Pros:
Easy To Use, Exceeded Expectations, Reliable, I'd Buy It Again
Briggs & Stratton 20kW Standby Generator System
By Tom M.
Chuluota, Florida
Purchased 03/21/2016 |
Review Posted 10/13/2016
I installed this unit in April 2016. Installation went smoothly with no issues. The dual (400A Split Service) was exactly what I needed and this was the only unit I found with that feature. Installation with one electrician took about 6 hours. It replaced a previous unit so I already had a pad and propane feed. I elected to keep the factory setting for weekly run. During hurricane Matthew, I lost grid power for four days but only was out for the time it took for the generator to kick in and the transfer switch to break over. Used approximately 2+ gal propane per hour over the four days. No problem keeping the whole house supplied. You could hear a few grunts when AC or water pumps turned on but handled the surge with no problems. I highly recommend this unit.
Tom M. Recommends This
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Manufacturer Response
I'm not sure how I missed this review earlier, but what a great testament of how Briggs & Stratton helped you weather the storm! Thank you so much for your great review. The Dual 200 is a great transfer switch that is exclusive to us, delivering a cost effective solution to handle a split 400 amp service.
Again, sorry we missed this review but we sincerely want to thank you for letting us know how we helped in such extreme power loss scenarios! Thanks Tom!
Again, sorry we missed this review but we sincerely want to thank you for letting us know how we helped in such extreme power loss scenarios! Thanks Tom!
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Easy and Quick
By Greg C.
Pineville, Louisiana
Purchased 04/30/2015 |
Review Posted 05/21/2015
Purchased a B&S 20kW generator with the dual 200A transfer switch. The generator was easy to purchase with quick delivery. I also purchased the load shed modules from them, and that was easy and quick also. I would not hesitate to use electricgeneratorsdirect.com again.
Greg C. Recommends This
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Great product
By Jerry M.
Athens, Tennessee
Purchased 01/28/2013 |
Review Posted 09/26/2014
I live in East Tennessee, and we have a lot of power outages. After losing power during my mother-in-laws 80th birthday party, I decided that I needed backup power.
I selected the B&S with the split service to that I could run my whole house. I used a local electrician for the installation. It has worked flawlessly for the past three years.
It starts automatically within 6-10 seconds, and I have never had a single issue. During this time, we have lost power 10-20 times.
I selected the B&S with the split service to that I could run my whole house. I used a local electrician for the installation. It has worked flawlessly for the past three years.
It starts automatically within 6-10 seconds, and I have never had a single issue. During this time, we have lost power 10-20 times.
Jerry M. Recommends This
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Expert Response
That's a lot of power outages! Glad to hear it's working out so well for you.
Jared G.
Generator Expert
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Briggs 20KW 400 amp Transfer Switch
By David
Charlestown, Indiana
Purchased 11/01/2013 |
Review Posted 07/10/2014
I installed this generator and transfer switch in May 2014, worked through the only bug I had of not setting the dip switches as the manual clearly stated (my bad). Every week the generator ran through the exercise cycle as supposed to. Last week, power failed due to a storm, we waited about 10 seconds, and the generator started and supplied power as expected. It was nice to have the whole house running, while every home around us sat in the dark. We have 4,800 sq.ft. all electric home with two 200 amp service panels, two heat pumps (5 ton total), 80 gallon electric water heater and all the usual appliances a home of this size has. Both AC units were working as the temperature outside was 85. I tried most of the appliances just to see if it would handle the load, and it worked flawlessly including the electric clothes dryer while both AC's were working. This generator is terrific, especially for the price.
David Recommends This
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Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Pros:
Durable, Easy To Use, Price, Exceeded Expectations
B&S Backup Generator
By Jerry
Athens, Tennessee
Purchased 01/28/2013 |
Review Posted 03/11/2013
The generator arrived in great condition, well packed and shrink wrapped. The installation went very smooth and there were no issues. The two electricians who installed the generator were very complimentary about the product and the ability to meet the needs. I had previously ordered a smaller generator and had to return it. I have a five ton AC, water well, all electric home (3000 sq. ft.) and everything can be operated. I have 400amp service coming into my home with two 200amp panels. The only issue that I will have to watch is the heat strips. We isolated them so that I can turn one off should I need to operate other items in the home. The unit is reasonably quite. I power it with a 330 gallon propane tank. It starts immediately and runs every Tuesday afternoon for 20 minutes as a test. We have not experienced any power outages in the two weeks that it has been installed but I am ready.
I would highly recommend this unit to anyone.
I would highly recommend this unit to anyone.
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
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Briggs & Stratton 20kW Standby Generator System (Steel) (400A Split Service Disconnect + AC Shedding)
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