Think of Kohler and you usually picture a faucet, sink, or toilet. So the company’s standby generator netted a bit of buzz at the show. Many people don’t know Kohler has been making home generators since 1920. At the demonstration, the company simulated a power-outage situation (complete with lightning and thunder). After the power went out, it took only 11 seconds for it to be restored.
While grid failures have gotten some press over the past few years (see “Blackouts,” below), the power in this country is reliable. But for people with medical devices powered by electricity or who live in an area that has frequent blackouts, a standby generator might be a worthwhile investment.
Kohler redesigned its line of generators, which will be available this spring. The company enhanced the power, reliability, and overall design. The units are attractive and unobtrusive, which is important, especially with today’s tighter lots. The generator comes in three new sizes: 10kW, 13.5 kW and 20kW.
The new outer shell is made of a rugged composite material, which the company claims makes it corrosion proof, even in harsh elements such as salt air.
The higher power range of these new generators allow homeowners to run powerful household items such as heating and cooling systems, sump pumps, sophisticated electronics, major appliances, and other lifestyle-sustaining equipment. The power quality meets or exceeds IEEE standards, and offers “Total Harmonic Distortion,” which ensures delicate electronics will work properly and safely.
And forget the polluting gasoline: these generators can be fueled by natural gas or propane.
www.kohler.com