A power outage is becoming more prevalent in several parts of the world and that’s why a standby generator has become a must-have for homes. Before now, power outages used to be a problem of only underdeveloped countries, but now, even highly developed countries are facing the problem.
At the moment, some parts of Texas, a state in the United States, have not had power for several days. The problem was caused by a storm. It’s so bad that they now queue up to fetch water. This confirms the importance of a generator in homes.
As the demand for generators goes up, we receive more questions about generators. Some of the questions we frequently receive are comparative. People want to know which is better among the two types of generators.
This article compares Generac 7043 with Generac 70432. They are similar products and they have a lot of similar features, but they are different. Check out their similarities and differences right below.
14 Major Differences between Generac 7043 VS Generac 70432:
1. Brand
Both generators are products of Generac. That means their quality and standard should be the same or close.
2. Origin
Although Generac has assembly plants in several countries, Generac 7043 and Generac 70432 are designed and built in the United States. When you buy either of them, you’ll be contributing to American Economy.
Also, you’ll help fellow Americans keep their jobs. Finally, they have been designed according to American standards.
3. Color
They both have aluminum color. They look so much alike that you can easily mistake one for the other. This aluminum exterior shields them from tough weather conditions. Also, the two of them are resistant to rust and corrosion.
4. Wattage
Both Generac 7043 and Generac 70432 have the same rated and starting wattages. Their starting wattage is 22,000 watts of 22KW. Their rated or running wattage is 19,500 watts or 19.5KW.
In case you don’t know the difference, the starting wattage is the power a generator provides for electrical appliances to start up. The rated or running wattage is the power a generator provides to run electrical appliances after they have started working.
They need a high wattage to start up, and after starting up, they need a running wattage to keep them going. The starting wattage is always higher than the running wattage.
5. Dimension – 48 x 25 x 29 Inches
Both Generac 7043 and 70432 have the same dimension. They have a width of 48 inches, a height of 29 inches, and a breadth of 25 inches. The similarity in their dimensions is the reason why people mistake one for the other.
6. Weight
This is the first feature that differentiates both models of generators. Generac 70432 is slightly heavier than Generac 7043. Generac 70432 has a weight of 526 pounds, while Generac 7043 weighs 515 pounds, a difference of 11 pounds.
As a matter of fact, the difference in their weights is negligible. You’ll still need heavy machinery to deliver and install both of them.
7. Low Noise Level
The two models of generators have a low noise level. Their noise level is almost the same and it is about 59dB, which is quite impressive for a generator of their size and capacity.
8. Voltage
They have different voltages. Generac 70432 offers 240 volts and its counterpart gives 120 volts. This is a major difference. This explains why Generac will design two different models of generators with almost similar features.
One is for people who want to power 240V electrical appliances, while the other model is for 120v electrical equipment.
9. Automatic Transfer Switch
The two models of generators are packed with a 200-amp automatic transfer switch. This is the component that makes both of them standby backup generators. Here’s the function of a transfer switch. When there’s a power outage, the switch will disconnect the grid from the load center.
It will send a start-up signal to the generator, which will start immediately. The switch will send the power generator generates to the load center, from where your appliances will be powered.
On the other hand, when power is restored, the transfer switch will send another signal to the generator and it (generator) will go off.
Before sending the signal, the switch will disconnect the generator from the load center and connect the grid to the load center. So, the automatic transfer switch is what makes both generators automatic.
And this is more convenient than having to start the generator on your own. Imagine how awkward it will be if a power outage occurs when you’re in the bathroom or when you’re already fast asleep.
And if power is restored when you’re asleep, without the transfer switch, you may not be aware. You may have wasted your fuel for several hours before you realize that power is restored.
This underscores the importance of a transfer switch. Thankfully, both Generac 70432 and Generac 7043 come with a transfer switch.
10. Warranty
Another great quality that both of them have in common is their warranties. The generators offer a 5-year limited warranty. This seems to be a trademark of Generac because many of its products come with a 5-year limited warranty.
However, limited warranties don’t cover every fault. So, if you end up buying any of the generators being discussed here, you may want to study the warranty terms.
You need to know what it covers and what it does not cover. Also, you need to know if the warranty covers both parts and labor or not.
11. Fuel Type
Both models of generators run on liquified propane and natural gas. You can stick with any of them. We’re glad about this because we don’t advise people to purchase a generator that runs on gasoline or diesel.
Both fuels give off a lot of harmful fumes. And gasoline is highly volatile. The longer it stays in the tank, the more it evaporates and reduces in quantity. That’s why generators consume it very fast. In short, gasoline is not cost-effective.
12. Rate of Fuel Consumption
We found that the rates of fuel consumption of both generators are the same. Both of them are fuel-efficient. They will conserve your fuel and that makes a whole lot of economic sense.
13. Remote Monitoring
Another fantastic feature common to both Generac 7043 and 70432 is remote monitoring. When you install their app on your mobile phone, you can monitor the generator from anywhere in the world.
If you’re in China and your generator is being used back home in the United States, you can still monitor the performance of the generator and its battery status. This is a very attractive feature and we’re glad to inform you that both generators have it.
14. Durability
Since they are made of the same material (aluminum), they are both rugged, tough, and durable. You can leave them outside in all weather conditions. Many of their users have confirmed their durability.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Generac 7043?
The installation of Generac 7043 comes with a budget of $12k. Howbeit, it depends on the type of installation you would be implementing on your generator. The generator is mountable indoors and outdoors.
Building an enclosure for the generator, making a transfer switch for the generator, and connecting the fueling features would determine the installation cost. Moreover, the level of professionalism of your licensed electrician would fathom the cost charge for the installation. Considering all these typically mean you should budget that amount to avoid unnecessary inadequacies.
How to Connect a Generac 7043 Generator to a Transfer Switch?
- Read the manual and follow the depictions in the manual. Anyways, the transfer switch of Generac 7043 generators is UL certified and highly weatherproof.
- Follow the safety rules stated in the manual before beginning the installation of your generator. First off, ensure that no power runs from the utility source or the generator.
- Hire a professional to install the generator and the utility source to avoid damages.
- Set apart the cables from the circuits you intend to power with your Generac generator. The cables are known as the loads. Single breakers take loads for 12V, while double breakers take 24V. Due to the discrepancies in shape, use the manual to learn where the loads would be fixed in the breakers based on the voltage one needs.
- Run the wires from the generator to the transfer switch and the transfer switch to the breaker box.
- Ask the assistance of a professional to ensure your setting corresponds with your area’s zoning code.
- Run your tests to ensure that you’ve done a perfect job.
What Size Gas Line Do I Need for a Generac 7043 Generator?
The Generac 7043 generator can accept the inflow of fuel through a gas line, nearby tank, and connection of hoses. The fuel lining could be through PE, copper pipes, steel, etc. The type of medium one uses would determine the distance the generator can be away from the line.
This should be in accordance with the relative pressure the pipe can propel. Typically, the thickness of the pipeline is factored by the reach of the supply source to the generator. Use a 1-inch thick hose if the space is 30ft long. Use 0.5inch thick hose if the distance is less than 30ft and 1.5inch if the distance is more than 30ft long.
How Far Does a Generac 7043 Generator Need to be From the House?
Check the zoning code for your location before the installation of your generator. Find out this to learn about the zoning order of your area. Howbeit, some experts have been fond of mounting generators 10ft away from the house; Generac 7043 suggests that owners should install the generator 18ft away from the house and 5ft from the nearest door.
The placement of the exhaust’s orifice should be put in check also. This would help the flaring of the carbon and sulfur controllable. Invariably, a professional evaluation has to come into play to have a pleasant generator placement.
How Much Does a Generac 7043 Weigh?
Generac 7043 generators are popular in homes that use single-phase electrical panels. Nonetheless, the dimension of the generator after it has been mounted is 48 x 25 x 29 inches, and it weighs 515 pounds. Compared to the Generac 70432, its dimension is 48 x 25 x 29 inches also but weighs approximately 239 pounds. The weight is the total of the component that comes with the delivery of the product.
How Big of a Generator Do I Need for a 2500 Square-Foot House?
At this point, what matters is the capacity of the electric appliance the house is running. The fuel type and the features of the generator all determine the size of the generator. Moreover, generators come in different sizes and functions. A generator’s physical size doesn’t determine its level of capacity. It is what needs to be decided on its own.
Nevertheless, a Generac 7043 and a Generac 70432 would do for a 2500 square-foot house. They are 22kw generators that supply 120V and 240V voltage, respectively. They have smart transfer switches that work as closed-automatic switches, and they are capable of powering the whole house.
What Size Generator Do I Need to Run a 2000 Square-Foot House?
A 2000 square-foot house should have four standard size bedrooms, a parlor, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom. The size of the building is commodious to five or six people. What everyone does will determine the level of needs, eventually.
Nonetheless, most homes of this 2000 square-foot size use portable generators. Meanwhile, a portable generator’s highest wattage is 20kw, and both Generac 7043 and Generac 70432 can supply wattage of 22kw.
The 22kw is compliant with the maximum of 200Amp service the US impugn all households. Obviously, the two would serve satisfactorily. Besides, Generac 7043 works best for households that use a single-phase while the latter works for homes that use a 3-phase electrical panel.
Final Word
They have almost the same features with the exception of their voltage. So, if your appliances require 240 volts, go for Generac 70432, and if your appliances take 120 volts, select Generac 7043.
There’s no clear winner between them. It is a tie. You only need to select the one that is more suitable for your appliances.
