Quick Takeaways
- Use Case: Backup power; protection from storm-related power outages.
- Location Rural property in Pleasant Mills, Indiana
- System Installed: Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect™ 18kW Home Standby Generator, installed by certified dealer GenSolar Power.
- Cost Advantage: Reused an existing 20-year-old Briggs & Stratton transfer switch, saving hundreds in equipment and electrical labor costs.
- Machinist-Verified Quality: Completed a continuous 25-hour break-in run with simple, tool-free oil and filter maintenance.
- Key Benefit: Automatic, seamless power restoration to provide whole-home power during extended grid failures.
For homeowners who live in rural areas, a sudden utility power loss is more than a minor inconvenience. When severe storms hit Decatur, Indiana, transformers can fail, leaving homes in complete darkness for hours, or days.
Marvin is a retired actuator assembler / machinist who lives on a three-acre property near Pleasant Mills, Indiana. He has seen his share of power outages. That’s why he decided to install a Briggs & Stratton backup generator nearly 20 years ago.
Marv recalls the peace of mind he felt when a storm knocked out the power for eight hours right when he and his wife had planned a big night. They were watching the finale of American Idol and the power went out right when the season winner was being announced. Fortunately, because of his backup generator, the interruption was momentary and he and his wife enjoyed their evening as planned..
“When the power goes out, it's pitch dark out here,” says Marv. “I think everyone should have a standby generator – especially a whole-house one.”
Recently, when Marv decided to upgrade his generator, staying with Briggs & Stratton was an easy choice. His background in machinery made him appreciate precision engineering, and the brand offered clear financial and practical advantages.
“We're in a throwaway world, so companies that build with quality in mind stand out. For me, money-wise, it made more sense to buy another Briggs & Stratton since I could use my existing Briggs & Stratton transfer switch because it was built to last,” says Marv.
Working with GenSolar Power, a certified Briggs & Stratton dealer, Marv selected a Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect™ 18kW Home Standby Generator.
“GenSolar was fantastic. They’re younger guys who are personable and professional,” says Marv. “You couldn't ask for better people.”
To put his new generator through its paces, Marv decided to run the unit for 25 hours straight. Following that extended run, he was able to easily change the oil and filter without any special tools.
"It's a great feeling when you open the door and it's pitch black all around but you have electricity,” says Marv.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes the Briggs & Stratton generators well-suited for rural homes?
The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 18kW generator delivers commercial-grade power.Equipped with an automotive-grade Vanguard® commercial engine, and best-in-class motor starting power, it handles heavy electrical surges—such as well pumps, sump pumps and central heating or cooling systems—that rural properties depend on during extended grid outages effortlessly.
Can I reuse my existing transfer switch when upgrading my generator?
In many cases, yes. Briggs & Stratton designs systems with backward compatibility in mind. If your previous unit used a compatible, heavy-duty Briggs & Stratton transfer switch that meets current local electrical codes, a certified installer can often wire your new PowerProtect generator directly to it, saving you substantial equipment and labor costs.
Is maintenance difficult on a Briggs & Stratton home standby generator?
No. Briggs & Stratton engineers systems for simple maintenance. PowerProtect and PowerProtect+ enclosures feature easy-access panels that allow homeowners or technicians to inspect components, check fluid levels and change filters with standard household tools.
Why should I work with a certified Briggs & Stratton dealer?
Certified dealers provide end-to-end guidance. They conduct detailed site assessments to determine the right generator sizing, manage local permitting and utility requirements, complete the electrical and fuel connections safely, and provide ongoing routine service to keep your system warranty-compliant.