Basic Guide for Home Standby Generators
Before deciding on purchasing a home standby generator, consult with a licensed electrician about your electrical power requirements. An electrician who has a proven track record of installing generators can give you solid advice on what your home will need as far as emergency backup power. An experienced professional will be capable of giving you an accurate NEC (National Electric Code) load calculation, and the installation will comply with NEC codes.
Standby Generator Permits
Typically, a Home Owners Association (HOA) and municipality will require a permit and inspection for the installation of a home standby generator. Not securing the proper approvals and documents can lead to legal problems. Homeowners must also comply with regulations governing a generator’s location and noise level.
Fuel Aspects
Propane or natural gas is the typical fuel for the modern home standby generator. The installation team must ensure there is adequate fuel supplied at the proper pressure with correctly sized piping to get the unit started. This is the main reason standby generator installations often require a gas meter upgrade, which will need to be coordinated with the utility. In these situations, a standby generator installation will require more time and money.
Maintenance & Warranty
Just like a car engine, a standby generator will require regular maintenance. Make sure your technician has been trained by your generator’s manufacturer. They should have a certificate attesting they have the training required for maintaining the company’s standby generators and are able to address any technical issues in relation to the warranty.
Using a technician without proper certification may invalidate a generator’s warranty. Protect your investment of several thousands of dollars by ensuring qualified technicians perform all the maintenance on your home standby generator throughout its service life.
Electrical Services You Can Trust
Meyer Electrical Services is an authorized Kohler and KOHLER Sales & Service Dealer. We provide custom standby generator installations and are trained and licensed to perform the regularly required important factory service and maintenance.
Founded in 1991 and serving Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., where we are licensed and insured, Meyer Electrical Services provides home and commercial electrical services you can trust, including:
- Standby Generator Installation
- Panel Upgrades (Heavy-Ups)
- Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations
- Structured Cabling
- Circuit Breaker Replacement
Based in Bethesda, our team proudly serves all of Montgomery County. Receive a free consultation for custom electrical work today by calling (301) 941-1400.