Understanding your exact power needs is the first and most critical step. Kohler generators are available across a wide range of power outputs to suit diverse applications, from residential backup to heavy-duty industrial demands. Proper sizing ensures you have enough power without unnecessary oversizing.

To accurately calculate your load, consider the following:

• Total Connected Load: Begin by listing all the electrical equipment, appliances, and systems you anticipate needing to power during an outage or for continuous operation.
• Running Watts: For each listed item, determine its continuous power draw (running watts). This is the power needed for an item to operate normally.
• Starting Watts (Surge): Account for the momentary surge in power required to start motors (e.g., HVAC units, pumps, refrigerators). This “inrush current” can be significantly higher than running watts and is crucial for proper generator sizing.
• Simultaneous Operation: Identify which loads will operate concurrently. Your generator’s capacity must meet the sum of your simultaneous running watts plus the single largest starting watts of any motor that could activate during that time.

When discussing generator capacity, you’ll encounter kW and kVA:

• kW (Kilowatts): Represents the “real power,” which is the usable power that performs actual work.
• kVA (Kilovolt-Amperes): Represents “apparent power,” which is the total power flowing through a circuit. It’s especially relevant for loads with motors, as it accounts for both real and reactive power.
• For most applications, sizing by kW is primary, but understanding the kVA rating helps ensure the generator can handle inductive loads effectively. Kohler generators typically feature an excellent power factor, meaning their kVA rating is very close to their kW rating, indicating highly efficient power delivery.

Finally, always consider any potential future additions to your power needs. It’s often more cost-effective to slightly oversize your generator initially than to necessitate a complete power system upgrade later.

Kohler generators offer flexibility with various fuel types, each presenting distinct advantages depending on your application, available resources, and operational preferences. Your choice of fuel will significantly impact factors like run time, emissions, and logistical requirements.

• Diesel Generators: Diesel generators are renowned for their fuel efficiency, durability, and robust performance under heavy loads, making them ideal for continuous and demanding operations.
  • Pros: Excellent fuel efficiency, long-term storage capability (with proper treatment), robust engines for heavy-duty and continuous operation, and readily available for commercial and industrial use.
  • Cons: Higher emissions (though modern engines are increasingly cleaner), requires on-site diesel fuel storage, and potentially higher upfront cost compared to some alternatives.
  • Ideal For: Commercial, industrial, data centers, hospitals, and applications requiring extended run times and maximum durability.
• Natural Gas (NG) Generators: Natural gas generators offer a clean-burning solution with the convenience of a continuous fuel supply if connected to a utility line, eliminating the need for on-site fuel storage.
  • Pros: Clean-burning operation, virtually unlimited fuel supply (if connected to a natural gas line), no on-site fuel storage required, lower emissions, and often lower running costs.
  • Cons: Dependent on the utility gas line, which can be vulnerable in seismic events or widespread utility failures.
  • Ideal For: Residential, commercial buildings, and facilities with reliable natural gas access where long run times during outages are critical without manual refueling.
• Liquid Propane (LP/Propane) Generators: Propane generators provide a clean-burning, on-site fuel storage solution that’s excellent for areas without natural gas access or for applications desiring greater independence from utility lines.
  • Pros: Clean-burning, can be stored on-site in tanks (providing independence from utility dependence), longer shelf life than diesel, and a good choice for areas without natural gas access.
  • Cons: Fuel supply is limited by tank size, requiring periodic tank refills, and may be less efficient than diesel for very large, continuous loads.
  • Ideal For: Residential backup, smaller commercial applications, and remote locations where NG is not available but on-site fuel storage is feasible.

Additionally, some advanced Kohler systems offer Bi-Fuel or Dual Fuel options, allowing the generator to operate on a combination of fuels (e.g., natural gas as primary with diesel as backup). This provides enhanced flexibility, extended run times, and fuel redundancy for critical applications.

Matching the generator’s output to your facility’s existing electrical system is paramount for safety and functional compatibility. Kohler generators are engineered to meet diverse voltage and phase requirements for a wide array of applications.

Key considerations for voltage include:

• Common Voltages: You must confirm the precise voltage required by your main electrical panel and all key equipment, which commonly includes 120V, 208V, 240V, 480V, or 600V.
• Single-Phase: This is typically used for residential properties and smaller commercial applications, commonly operating at 120/240V.
• Three-Phase: This configuration is standard for larger commercial, industrial, and agricultural facilities, designed to power heavy machinery and motors (e.g., 208V, 480V).

Voltage Regulation: Kohler generators are highly regarded for their precise voltage regulation. This stability is crucial for sensitive electronics and machinery, preventing damage and ensuring optimal, consistent performance.

Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase Matching: The generator’s phase output must precisely match your electrical infrastructure. Attempting to power a three-phase system with a single-phase generator (or vice-versa) will not only fail but can also cause significant damage to your equipment.

Proper installation is critical for the safe, efficient, and reliable long-term operation of your Kohler generator. The chosen location profoundly influences compliance with regulations, operational performance, and ease of maintenance.

A professional site survey is an indispensable first step to assess various factors:

• Space Requirements: Ensure there is adequate space for the generator unit itself, sufficient clearance for future maintenance access, and unobstructed airflow for optimal cooling.
• Foundation: A level, stable concrete pad is required, specifically designed to support the generator’s substantial weight and effectively minimize vibration during operation.
• Fuel Line Access: Consider the proximity to existing natural gas lines or safe and accessible space for on-site fuel tanks, ensuring efficient and compliant fuel delivery.
• Exhaust Clearance: Maintain sufficient distance from windows, doors, and air intakes to safely vent exhaust fumes away from occupied spaces and fresh air sources.

Strict adherence to local codes and regulations is non-negotiable:

• Permits: Always check with local authorities for all required permits, including electrical, building, environmental, and noise permits, before commencing any installation work.
• Noise Regulations: Ensure the generator’s noise level (measured in dB) complies with all local ordinances, particularly in residential or noise-sensitive areas. Many Kohler generators come equipped with advanced sound-attenuated enclosures for quieter operation.
• Setbacks: Adhere to all legally required distances from property lines, existing buildings, and any combustible materials to ensure safety and compliance.
• Emissions: Ensure the chosen generator complies with all local and regional air quality standards.

Ensure the generator is easily accessible for routine maintenance, thorough inspections, and any necessary repairs to minimize downtime. When selecting enclosure types and auxiliary equipment (such as block heaters for cold climates), carefully consider the local environmental factors, including extreme temperatures, humidity, heavy snow, or coastal salt spray, to ensure year-round reliability.

Regular, diligent maintenance is paramount to ensuring the longevity, reliability, and optimal performance of your Kohler generator. Generator Source is committed to providing comprehensive support to protect your investment.

Remote Monitoring: Many modern Kohler generators can be equipped with advanced remote monitoring systems. These systems allow you to track performance metrics, monitor fuel levels, and receive real-time alerts directly to your phone or computer, enabling highly proactive maintenance and rapid response to any anomalies.

Scheduled Maintenance: Adhering to Kohler’s recommended service intervals is crucial. This typically includes routine checks and replacements such as oil changes, fuel filter replacements, oil filter replacements, air filter cleaning/replacements, coolant level checks, and battery inspections. Regular preventative maintenance performed by certified technicians can identify and address potential issues before they escalate, significantly extending the operational life of your generator.

Parts Availability: Kohler boasts an extensive global network, ensuring readily available genuine replacement parts for all their generator models. Generator Source also maintains a robust inventory of common Kohler parts, facilitating quicker repairs and minimizing downtime.

Technical Support: Generator Source provides access to a team of factory-trained and certified technicians who specialize in Kohler generators. These experts offer unparalleled troubleshooting, diagnostic, and repair services. We also offer emergency service options to ensure minimal downtime for your critical applications in the event of an unexpected issue.

Understanding the comprehensive warranty coverage for your Kohler generator provides invaluable peace of mind and safeguards your significant investment.

Dealer Support for Warranty: Purchasing your Kohler generator from an authorized dealer like Generator Source ensures you have a trusted partner to assist with warranty registration, facilitate service, and navigate any claims processes, thereby streamlining the entire experience for you.

Standard Warranty: It is essential to familiarize yourself with Kohler’s standard factory warranty. This typically covers parts and labor for a specified period (e.g., 2 years, 5 years) and primarily addresses any defects in materials and workmanship.

Extended Warranty Options: Inquire about optional extended warranty plans, which may be offered directly by Kohler or through Generator Source. These plans can provide crucial additional coverage beyond the standard period, offering enhanced protection, particularly for critical applications or long-term investments.

Terms and Conditions: Thoroughly understand the full scope of what the warranty covers, what it specifically excludes (e.g., normal wear and tear, damage resulting from improper maintenance, or unauthorized modifications), and the precise process for initiating a warranty claim.