How to Buy a Generator

Planning for Your Purchase

1. Choose the size generator you need: See Generator Sizing Guide.
2. Would you like some help from a generator expert? See Expert Visit to Specify Your Generator, below.
3. Other tools available for planning: Installed System Cost Calculator, Amp to KW Conversion Tool.
4. Installation planning helps: Installation Manuals for QT Series, Installation Drawings.

Step by Step Purchasing Guide

1. Make sure that you are ordering the correct Generator, since it is not returnable. We recommend that you either rely on your electrician or take advantage of our Generator On-Site Review Service to be sure.
2. Natural gas would normally be your first choice of fuel since it does not need to be re-filled, and is environmentally friendly. If you choose natural gas, please confirm with your gas utility that sufficient gas pressure and volume are available, and whether your gas meter needs to be up-sized to handle the total gas requirements of the building when the Generator is included. Other Generators are also available, powered by LPV Liquid Propane Vapor, or Diesel Fuel, or Gasoline.
3. Decide if you need a UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply or TVSS Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor.
4. Use our shopping cart to create a list of the items you are intending to purchase.
5. Send us an Email containing this list. We will call you to discuss, and we will send you a formal quote.
6. When you are ready to purchase, send us a PO. If you do not use POs, send us a Letter Of Intent.
7. Copy the quoted list of equipment and services, or incorporate it into your PO by reference.
8. Please be sure to note on your PO:  “This is a non-cancelable order, and a non-returnable final sale”. Rely on the factory’s Limited Warranty in the case of any problems.
9. There may be three payments due, depending on what you order. Payment for the On-Site Review Service, if ordered, is due upon completion of the review. Payment for the Generator and associated equipment is due as soon as you accept it as appearing to be in good condition (upon receipt, before installation). Payment for the Generator Factory-Authorized Startup and Training Service, if ordered, is due upon completion of the service.
10. As a Small Business (Certification #P0317675) we appreciate whatever you can do to expedite payment of your PO – on your PO, please indicate how and when you will pay.  Since we are supplying equipment only, not installation, our equipment invoice is due when you receive the equipment, without waiting for installation; and there is no retainage of any kind. We also accept most Purchasing Cards, which will not be charged until each item is shipped or the service performed.
11. Indicate the Ship-To address, phone number; and contact person – see the “Shipping Address Requirements” section above.  The trucker will call 24 hours ahead of delivery to be sure that your personnel are ready to receive the shipment.  To avoid the trucker’s re-delivery charges, you must be prepared to unload the Generator, and an authorized person must be available during normal business hours to inspect and sign for the Generator.
12. Make sure that your receiving personnel will inspect the shipment for damage. If there is any damage, they MUST have the trucker sign on your copy of the paperwork that the shipment was delivered “damaged”. Otherwise, the trucker may deny the claim for damages. Ideally, receiving personnel would also take a digital photo (can be emailed) of any damage to facilitate the claim.  Please call us if there is any damage.
13. Call us to arrange for the Generator Factory-Authorized Startup and Training Service. This is optional at extra cost, but highly recommended, for QT Quiet Test Generators (20kW-150kW) and Air-Cooled Generators (6kW-16kW).
14. You are still protected by the factory’s Limited Warranty.  If you discover any problem at or after installation, please call us so we can help.
15. See your Owner’s Manual for the required maintenance to keep the Warranty in force.  We strongly recommend that you have at least an Annual Maintenance Contract in place.  If this is not offered by your installer, please call us for a quote.

Expert Visit to Specify Your Generator

We offer an Expert Visit to Specify Your Generator to help customers in the proper application of emergency generator systems:

• To make sure that you order the correct generator, because orders are a non-cancelable, non-returnable final sale.
• To help your contractor avoid installation and warranty issues.
• To help ensure that the generator will operate reliably for many years.

The Expert Visit includes:

Site:

Locations of unit

Clearances required for service

Noise issues

Air flow requirements

Exhaust requirements

Installation:

Review of gas pressures/volume of gas required (piping, meter flow)

Pad requirements

Electrical wiring

Generator output

Accessories wiring (block heaters, battery chargers)

Control Wiring

Transfer Switches:

Locations / Size

Wiring

Load requirements:

A review of customer loads for proper sizing

Please call us to arrange a visit.  These services are provided by the factory-authorized Industrial dealer. 

You will get the most value from this meeting if all those involved will attend, such as your staff and contractors.  They will be able to ask their questions and to answer the technician’s questions.

Another Exclusive Service of: Better Light & Power 1-800-475-1321