Generator & Energy Storage Basics

Investing in a standby generator provides crucial backup power. But understanding the warranty protecting that investment is just as important. Let's compare what you might get with a typical competitor's 5-year limited warranty versus the robust protection of Briggs & Stratton's standard 7-year comprehensive warranty on their PowerProtect generators.

Many competitors offer a 5-year limited warranty. While 5 years might seem like a decent timeframe, the "limited" part is key. This often means that, while parts and labor might be covered for the first two years, coverage significantly diminishes afterward. For example, in year three, often only parts are covered, and, in years four and five, coverage might be restricted to only major components like the engine short block and alternator rotor and stator.

What happens when other vital parts experience issues, or when labor is needed for repairs beyond the initial period? Typically, these 5-year limited warranties often don't fully cover:

• Labor Costs: Beyond the first two years, you'll likely be responsible for the cost of the technician's time to diagnose and repair issues, even if a part is covered.

• Many Electrical Components: Parts like the alternator, voltage regulator, and control module might have shorter coverage periods or be excluded altogether after the initial full coverage period, typically 2-3 years.

• Specific Parts of the Enclosure: While the engine might be covered, the generator's housing itself could have limited or no coverage against rust or damage after the first year.

• Travel Costs: Travel allowance for service might be limited, often to a certain mileage or hours round trip.

These limits can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and less peace of mind over those five years.

Now, let's look at the Briggs & Stratton difference

Their PowerProtect standby generators come standard with a 7-year comprehensive warranty. Notice that the warranty is not just longer (7 years vs. 5 years), it's comprehensive. This means the Briggs & Stratton warranty provides broader coverage designed to protect your entire generator system for a significant period.

For a full seven years, this standard warranty covers:

• Parts and Labor: If a covered component is found to be defective in material or workmanship under normal use and service, both the replacement part and the labor to install it are included.

• Extensive Component Coverage: This coverage includes the engine, alternator, control system, fuel system, electrical components, and even the generator enclosure, offering protection for the entire unit.

• Protection Against Manufacturing Defects: Briggs & Stratton stands behind the quality of their generators, covering failures due to defects in materials or workmanship.

• Travel Costs: Travel expenses for authorized service dealers for applicable warranty work are reimbursed.

• Hassle-Free Support: This comprehensive coverage aims to minimize your inconvenience and potential costs during the warranty period.

In addition, Briggs & Stratton dealers offer dealer exclusive (DX) PowerProtect generators with a comprehensive 10-year warranty…for peace of mind on your investment.

While the Briggs & Stratton warranty is comprehensive, it's important to note that it, like all warranties, has exclusions, such as normal wear and maintenance items (e.g., oil, filters, spark plugs, starting batteries), damage from improper installation, misuse, or external factors, and use in prohibited applications like for prime power or rental.

When choosing a standby generator, don't just compare the initial warranty length. Look closely at what's actually covered. As outlined above, competitive 5-year limited warranties can leave gaps in protection, while Briggs & Stratton's standard 7-year comprehensive warranty offers superior peace of mind.

Learn more about the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 7-year warranty today!