What Are Standby Generators?
A standby generator is a permanent backup power source installed outside your home to restore power in local power loss events such as storms. Standby generators use natural gas or propane and require no additional refueling.
Standby generators help your home maintain access to the following during a local power outage:
- Air conditioning during hot weather
- Furnace during the winter months
- Home internet to maintain communications during emergencies and keep home businesses online
- Security systems to retain 24/7 protection when you’re away from home
The Benefits of Standby Generators Include:
Automatic Power Generation
One of the leading advantages of standby generators is they provide power automatically. You don’t have to be present in the home to turn the generator on. This is ideal for Iowa homeowners concerned about stormy weather impacting their homes while away on vacation. With a standby generator, your home retains access to power, so your sump pump and security system, for example, stay online and operational.
Runs Persistently
Because standby generators run on natural gas or propane, there’s no need to refuel. You can run a standby generator for up to 500 hours in an emergency.
Provides as Much Power As You Need
Standby generators deliver as much power as your home needs. While you may require multiple portable generators for home power generation, a standby generator can power all home appliances. You won’t have to pick and choose which systems to protect. Using standby generators, your home is protected from every angle against power loss events.
Why You Need Electricians For Standby Generator Installation
When you’re in the process of selecting a standby generator, a qualified electrician can help you determine the best fit for your home and application. Electricians can help you to:
Determining Generator Size
Home standby generators are rated by kilowatt, which measures the generator’s power output. One kilowatt is equivalent to 1,000 watts. A licensed electrician will review your home and power demands to determine the size and capacity of the generator you require. The appliances that consume the most power in the home include dryers (up to 6,000 watts) and air conditioners (up to 2000 watts).
Integrating Switches
Automatic transfer switches turn your generator on the moment you lose power. They also help protect your family and your home against the risk of electrical fires from potential surges when restoring power. The use of a transfer switch ensures electricity travels in the right direction, preventing potential electrical risks for utility workers repairing overhead lines.
Only a licensed electrician can install the transfer switch for your generator. Electricians understand the integration process and can ensure the switch is built specifically to handle the load for your generator and to perform as required within your property location. An electrician can also match the amperage of the switch to your home’s breaker, ensuring seamless power transitions.
Ensuring Safe Performance
Your standby generator will run on either natural gas or propane, and electricians train for many years to safely connect generators to the fuel source. They also know the safety considerations for choosing the generator location and ensuring the generator exhaust faces away from home living spaces. Electricians also work within the NFPA guidelines and follow the electrical code to the letter for safe generator installation. It’s an area where you cannot compromise, and why choosing qualified, experienced electricians for the generator installation work is essential.
Select Custom Electrical Services for Decades of Experience in Generator Installation
Custom Electrical Services is Iowa’s leader in standby generator installation and repair services. Our team trains regularly with the latest equipment from Generac and Kohler and harnesses this hands-on technical experience in each area of our work in customer homes. We’re also Iowa’s foremost factory-trained and authorized Generac Dealer and our electricians have proven expertise in the company’s latest standby generator models.
Leave nothing to chance with generator installation and backup power services within your home. Call our electricians today at 515-669-3418 to learn more about our generator installation work and the latest options for your family home.
