Model Number: 040794
Protect homes with multiple electrical panels using the Briggs & Stratton 040794 22kW PowerProtect™ Standby Generator with Dual 200 Amp Service Entrance Transfer Switches. This residential standby-power package combines a 22kW automatic generator with two 200 Amp service-entrance-rated transfer switches, providing greater installation flexibility for properties with multiple electrical panels or more complex electrical-service configurations.
Delivering 120/240V single-phase power, the PowerProtect 22kW provides substantial backup capacity for residential applications. Depending on total electrical demand and system configuration, it can support central HVAC equipment, refrigeration, pumps, lighting, appliances, electronics, security systems, and other important household loads during a utility outage.
At the heart of the system is a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard® V-Twin engine, engineered for reliable standby operation. Combined with dual-fuel capability, full-pressure lubrication, low-THD electrical output, automatic controls, and a corrosion-resistant aluminum enclosure, the 040794 provides a comprehensive foundation for residential backup power.
Key Features
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22kW Standby Power: Provides substantial backup capacity for medium to large residential applications.
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Dual 200 Amp SE Transfer Switches Included: Two service-entrance-rated automatic transfer switches provide additional flexibility for homes with multiple electrical panels or compatible multi-panel configurations.
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120/240V Single-Phase Output: Designed for standard residential electrical applications.
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Automatic Standby Operation: The transfer system monitors utility power and automatically initiates generator operation when an outage occurs.
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Vanguard® V-Twin Engine: Briggs & Stratton commercial-grade engine technology designed for dependable standby operation.
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3,600 RPM Operation: Engineered for residential standby-generator applications.
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Full-Pressure Lubrication: Helps provide consistent engine lubrication and long-term engine protection.
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Natural Gas or Liquid Propane: Dual-fuel operation provides flexibility according to the property's available fuel source.
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Less Than 5% THD: Provides stable electrical output with low total harmonic distortion for modern household equipment and electronics.
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Quiet Residential Operation: Approximately 64 dBA during low-idle operation and 68 dBA during normal operation.
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Programmable Exercise Cycle: Allows the generator to periodically operate to help maintain system readiness.
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Advanced Generator Controller: Provides operating information, system status, and diagnostic feedback.
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Wide Operating Temperature Range: Designed for operation from approximately -20°F to 104°F.
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Corrosion-Resistant Aluminum Enclosure: Designed for long-term outdoor installation and protection.
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High-Wind-Rated Enclosure Design: Built for applications requiring additional consideration for severe weather conditions.
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UL and cUL Listed: Designed and tested to applicable safety standards.
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6-Year Limited Warranty: Backed by Briggs & Stratton limited warranty coverage.
Backup Power for Homes with Multiple Electrical Panels
The major difference between the Briggs & Stratton 040794 and a conventional single-transfer-switch package is the inclusion of two 200 Amp service entrance transfer switches.
Some larger homes and properties have multiple electrical panels or electrical-service configurations that require more than one transfer switch.
The dual-transfer-switch configuration provides installers with additional flexibility when integrating the standby generator into these electrical systems.
This can make the 040794 particularly useful for properties with:
- Multiple main electrical panels
- Expanded residential electrical systems
- Large homes with distributed electrical loads
- Compatible multi-panel service configurations
- Properties where a single transfer switch does not meet the installation requirements
The appropriate configuration should always be determined from the property's actual electrical-service design.
Important: Dual 200 Amp Transfer Switches Do Not Mean 400 Amps of Generator Power
The two transfer switches determine how electrical loads can be transferred between utility and generator power. They do not increase the electrical output of the generator.
The Briggs & Stratton 040794 remains a 22kW generator.
For example, a property may have two electrical panels connected through the appropriate transfer configuration, but the combined electrical demand placed on the generator must remain within the generator's available capacity.
If potential demand exceeds generator capacity, load management may be necessary to prevent excessive loads from operating simultaneously.
Automatic Backup Power During an Outage
When utility power is operating normally, the home's electrical system receives electricity from the utility.
If an outage occurs, the automatic transfer system detects the loss of utility power and initiates generator startup.
Once the PowerProtect generator is ready to supply electricity, the transfer system transitions the appropriate electrical loads from utility power to generator power.
When utility service returns, the transfer system moves the electrical loads back to utility power and the generator completes its shutdown sequence.
This automatic process allows the standby-power system to respond whether you're home or away.
22kW of Residential Standby Power
With 22kW of standby capacity, the Briggs & Stratton 040794 is designed for homes with substantial backup-power requirements.
Depending on individual equipment requirements and total electrical demand, a properly configured system may support equipment such as:
- Central air-conditioning systems
- Heating equipment
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Well and sump pumps
- Lighting
- Internet and networking equipment
- Security systems
- Garage-door equipment
- Kitchen appliances
- TVs and household electronics
- Selected high-demand appliances
- Essential circuits across multiple electrical panels
The amount of equipment that can operate simultaneously depends on the combined running and starting requirements of the connected loads.
Designed for HVAC and Motor Loads
Central HVAC equipment can represent one of the largest electrical demands in a home.
Air conditioners, heat pumps, compressors, pumps, and other motor-driven equipment may require significantly more power during startup than during normal operation.
The PowerProtect 22kW provides substantial residential standby capacity, making it suitable for consideration when maintaining heating and cooling is an important backup-power objective.
Actual HVAC compatibility should be determined using the equipment's electrical specifications and starting requirements rather than tonnage alone.
Clean Power for Modern Homes
Modern residential electrical systems contain sensitive electronic components throughout the home.
Computers, televisions, Wi-Fi equipment, security systems, smart-home devices, HVAC control boards, and modern appliances all benefit from stable electrical power.
The Briggs & Stratton 040794 is specified to produce less than 5% total harmonic distortion (THD), providing stable electrical output for modern household equipment.
Natural Gas or Liquid Propane Operation
The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW is designed to operate on either natural gas or liquid propane vapor.
Natural gas may be convenient for properties already connected to an appropriately sized utility gas service, while propane provides another option for properties without natural-gas availability.
The fuel supply must be properly sized according to generator demand, fuel type, piping distance, pressure, local conditions, and installation requirements.
Durable Outdoor Construction
Because standby generators remain outdoors throughout the year, enclosure construction is an important consideration.
The Briggs & Stratton 040794 features a corrosion-resistant aluminum enclosure designed to protect the generator's internal components from outdoor conditions.
The supplied specifications also identify a high-wind-rated enclosure design, making the system suitable for consideration in areas where severe-weather installation requirements are important.
The generator is designed to operate across temperatures ranging from approximately -20°F to 104°F.
Quiet Residential Operation
The supplied specifications list the following approximate operating sound levels:
| Operating Condition |
Sound Level |
| Low Idle |
64 dBA |
| Normal Operation |
68 dBA |
Actual perceived sound will vary depending on generator placement, distance, nearby structures, terrain, and installation conditions.
Automatic Exercise and System Monitoring
A standby generator may remain unused for extended periods between utility outages.
The PowerProtect system includes a programmable exercise cycle, allowing the generator to periodically operate and help verify system readiness.
Its advanced controller also provides operating information, diagnostic feedback, and system status information for homeowners and service professionals.
Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Brand |
Briggs & Stratton |
| Series |
PowerProtect |
| Model Number |
040794 |
| Generator Type |
Automatic Home Standby Generator |
| Standby Output |
22kW |
| Voltage |
120/240V |
| Phase |
Single Phase |
| Frequency |
60 Hz |
| Fuel Type |
Natural Gas / Liquid Propane Vapor |
| Engine |
Briggs & Stratton Vanguard V-Twin |
| Engine Speed |
3,600 RPM |
| Lubrication |
Full Pressure |
| Total Harmonic Distortion |
Less Than 5% |
| Transfer Switches Included |
Yes – Two |
| Transfer Switch Rating |
200 Amp Each |
| Transfer Switch Type |
Service Entrance Rated |
| Sound Level – Low Idle |
64 dBA |
| Sound Level – Normal Operation |
68 dBA |
| Enclosure |
Corrosion-Resistant Aluminum |
| Operating Temperature |
-20°F to 104°F |
| Listings |
UL / cUL |
| Warranty |
6-Year Limited Warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Briggs & Stratton 040794 include two 200 Amp transfer switches?
The dual-transfer-switch configuration is intended to provide greater installation flexibility for properties with multiple electrical panels or compatible electrical-service configurations.
The exact use of each transfer switch depends on the property's electrical design and should be determined by a qualified installer.
Do two 200 Amp transfer switches make this a 400 Amp generator?
No.
The transfer-switch ratings should not be added together to determine generator output. The generator remains rated at 22kW, regardless of the number of transfer switches installed.
The transfer switches manage how compatible electrical systems transition between utility and generator power.
Can the 22kW generator power both electrical panels?
The dual-transfer-switch configuration can provide generator access to loads across compatible multiple-panel installations.
However, the combined load placed on the generator must remain within its available capacity.
If the potential demand across both panels exceeds generator output, appropriate load management may be required.
Can the Briggs & Stratton 040794 power an entire house?
Potentially, depending on the home's electrical demand.
A 22kW generator provides substantial residential backup capacity, but homes with multiple HVAC systems, electric heat, water heaters, ranges, dryers, pool equipment, EV chargers, or other large electrical loads may exceed generator capacity if too many loads operate simultaneously.
A professional load calculation should be performed to determine the appropriate system configuration.
Can this generator operate central air conditioning?
Potentially, yes.
Compatibility depends on the HVAC equipment's running requirements, motor-starting demand, other simultaneous electrical loads, and overall system configuration.
HVAC compatibility should be determined from the actual electrical specifications of the equipment.
Does the generator automatically start during an outage?
Yes. When properly installed with the automatic transfer system, the generator is designed to automatically respond to a utility outage and provide backup power.
When utility service returns, the system transfers the electrical loads back to utility power.
What fuel does the Briggs & Stratton 040794 use?
The generator is designed to operate on natural gas or liquid propane vapor, providing flexibility according to available fuel infrastructure.
Does it provide clean power for electronics?
The supplied specifications state less than 5% total harmonic distortion (THD), providing stable electrical output for modern residential equipment and electronics.
How loud is the 22kW PowerProtect generator?
The supplied specifications list approximately 64 dBA during low-idle operation and 68 dBA during normal operation.
Actual sound experienced at the property will depend on installation location and surrounding conditions.
Shop Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect Generators at AC Units For Less
For homes with multiple electrical panels or more complex electrical-service configurations, the Briggs & Stratton 040794 22kW PowerProtect Standby Generator with Dual 200 Amp SE Transfer Switches provides a flexible foundation for automatic residential backup power.
The package combines 22kW of standby capacity, dual 200 Amp service entrance transfer switches, Vanguard V-Twin engine technology, natural gas or propane operation, low-THD electrical output, automatic controls, and durable aluminum construction.
Shop Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect standby generators, automatic transfer switches, power-management equipment, and generator accessories at AC Units For Less.
Important: Dual transfer switches do not increase generator output. Generator sizing, connected loads, HVAC compatibility, fuel-system capacity, transfer-switch configuration, and installation requirements should be evaluated by qualified professionals according to Briggs & Stratton instructions and applicable electrical, fuel-gas, and building codes.