FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. I thought Kohler produced plumbing fixtures. Is this the same company?
2. Do I turn it on and off when I lose power?
3. How long will I be without power before the generator comes on?
4. What type of gas does it run on?
5. Will the generator damage my sensitive electronic equipment?
6. Can I run my air conditioner with the generator?
7. How loud is it?
8. How big is it?
9. Can I plant bushes or trees around the unit to conceal it?
10. Do you offer service contracts?
11. Do I need a permit to install it?
12. What is the warranty period?
13. Does Elite rent generators?

1. Q: I thought Kohler produced plumbing fixtures. Is this the same company?
A: Yes. Kohler Power Systems Generators are manufactured by the same family-owned company in Kohler, Wisconsin that has produced quality products for over 100 years. Kohler produced the first modern generator in 1920 and has been leading the industry with the most reliable and innovative backup power systems ever since.

2. Q: Do I turn it on and off when I lose power?
A: No. The automatic transfer switch (ATS) controls all operations for the backup power system. The unit is totally automatic and needs no assistance from the homeowner to operate.

3. How long will I be without power before the generator comes on?
A: The generator will start seven (7) seconds after utility power is lost. The ATS will switch to generator power three (3) seconds after the generator starts, thus providing you power approximately 10 seconds after utility power is lost. Other manufacturers leave you in the dark for up to 30 seconds before providing power.

4. What type of gas does it run on?
A: The units can run on natural gas or liquid propane. They are connected directly to your fuel source and need no "filling up" to operate. For clients with special fuel needs, we can also provide diesel-powered units.

5. Will the generator damage my sensitive electronic equipment?
A: No. All Kohler generators are digitally controlled, providing very safe and reliable power. The electronic governor provides precise, clean power to a tolerance of +/- 0.5%. This power is cleaner than the power provided from the utility company. Other manufacturers tolerances are +/- 3.0Hz, a range 9 times larger! This tolerance can be detrimental to sensitive equipment.

Kohler residential generators are controlled by the ADC 2100 (Advanced Digital Controller), the only digital-electronic controller in the residential geneator industry.

Digital Electronic Governer for precise frequency regulation +/- 0.5%.
Digital Voltage Regulator for power control, 1.5% no load to full load.
LED Display for clear, understandable diagnostic display and hour meter.

**NOTE: A generator is not a UPS system. Computers and other electronic equipment will lose power during outages. A UPS system is recommended to protect all equipment and to provide uninterrupted power.

6. Can I run my air conditioner with the generator?
A: Yes. The Digital Spark Advance Module (DSAM) optimizes the timing for LP and Natural Gas resulting in greater power and motor starting capability. This means POWER! Kohler heavy-duty engines provide stronger, faster response to power generating needs. Kohler manufacturers their own engines for the 12 RES. Other manufacturers rely on second tier engine manufacturers.

The Kohler 12 RES is the only 12kW in the industry that will start and run a 4-ton air conditioner with 16Amps of pre-load.

7. How loud is it?
A: The Kohler 8.5kW, 12kW, 15kW, and 17kW all run at 65dB. The 30runs at 68dB, both of which are extremely quiet. Most manufacturers run at over 70dB, which is exponentially louder.

8. How big is it?
A: The Kohler 8.5kW, 12kW, and 17kW are roughly 30-32" tall, 30" wide and 42" long, about the size of an average air conditioner compressor. The 30kW is 36-40" tall (after concrete pad), 34" wide, and 72" long, still a great size to conveniently fit near most HVAC equipment.

9. Can I plant bushes or trees around the unit to conceal it?
A: Yes. However, a minimum of three feet clearance is required for maintenance on all sides. The exhaust end requires 8 feet of clearance for proper ventilation.

10. Do you offer service contracts?
A: Yes. We offer long-term service/maintenance contracts for your peace of mind. We have 24-hour service and provide an emergency number to all clients for contacting us in the unlikely event of a breakdown.

11. Do I need a permit to install it?
A: Yes. Actually two separate permits are required for ALL installations. An electrical permit and a gas permit are needed for proper installation. Our sales packages are turn-key and we handle all paperwork to obtain permits as well as the paperwork for the gas company.

12. What is the warranty period?
A: The warranty for all units up to and including 30kW is 5 years/3000 hours of operations. The warranty covers all labor and materials to repair or replace defective parts. Units 35kW and larger carry a 1 year/2000 hour warranty.

13. Does Elite rent generators?
A: Yes, Elite can provide temporary power for almost any sized event. Provide the day, time, and size of generator needed and we will deliver the unit, set it up with appropriate power supplies, tear down the unit, and remove from it from the site. We can provide pricing to simply furnish a rental or a complete rental/setup, depending on your needs.

For the Owner that is comparing Kohler to Generac
While you are in Home Depot comparing the prices and capabilities of generators, you will find Kohler is more expensive. When making your final decision, ask the sales associate what kind of generator the store relies on for their power during a critical power loss. More than likely they will not know, but rest assured it is a KOHLER generator. Then, ask yourself, why don't they trust their own units to back up their stores.

The KOHLER 12RES is the strongest, fastest, cleanest, most precise AND most quiet 12kW generator system available on the market.