Generator Installer in Grand Rapids MISetting up a standby generator is a complicated task that begins with determining the best generator needs and where to place it and ends with running the appropriate electric and hooking it up. Most people don’t enjoy the frustration that comes with losing power after a storm, which is why they’ll search for generator installation companies near me to find the best generator installers in their area.
As a leading provider of generator installation services in Grand Rapids, we provide not only the best products on the market, but the best installation practices, too. Below are the facts about generator installation. |
Choosing a Generator Size
The first thing to think about when choosing the best generator for you is to determine what size generator you require or desire for your home. If you need just critical components to be powered during an outage, such as sump pumps and refrigerators, the size of your generator will be much smaller than a generator required to power your entire house.
These smaller sized generators usually begin at 7,000 watts, or 7kW. If you choose to have a whole house generator, or one that can power your a/c and other major electrical components in a power outage, then you would want to consider a generator ranging from 17-20kW. All sizes of backup generators work with a transfer switch, which is an electronic monitor that will switch power to the generator when electricity is lost, while at the same time telling the generator to start.
These smaller sized generators usually begin at 7,000 watts, or 7kW. If you choose to have a whole house generator, or one that can power your a/c and other major electrical components in a power outage, then you would want to consider a generator ranging from 17-20kW. All sizes of backup generators work with a transfer switch, which is an electronic monitor that will switch power to the generator when electricity is lost, while at the same time telling the generator to start.
Generator Positioning
When setting up a standby generator, the positioning of the unit will determine the complexity of work required to complete the installation. The most ideal place for generator positioning is generally in between the electric meter and the gas meter.
The more gas or electrical components needed to be run to power the generator, the harder the overall install. If electric has be to run far, it begins to experience voltage drop which will affect the electrical loads in your house.
Additionally, the generator generally needs to be at least 5 feet from your lot line, and a minimum of 18″ from the side of your home. According to manufacturer requirements and regional ordinances, the generator must be 5’ feet from any window or door.
The more gas or electrical components needed to be run to power the generator, the harder the overall install. If electric has be to run far, it begins to experience voltage drop which will affect the electrical loads in your house.
Additionally, the generator generally needs to be at least 5 feet from your lot line, and a minimum of 18″ from the side of your home. According to manufacturer requirements and regional ordinances, the generator must be 5’ feet from any window or door.
Generator Setup
After the best model and placement have been decided on, the generator is delivered and set in its predetermined area. The pad where the generator sits ought to be one of two things: either a concrete pad, or a pad constructed of landscape lumber, filled with gravel. The generator is normally in between 400 and 500 pounds.
As soon as the generator is set, the transfer switch is set up. This procedure varies according to the style of transfer switch that is selected. Conductors and control wires are then run from the generator to the transfer switch, generally in different channels. The gas is then run straight from the gas meter, if possible, to the generator. A shut-off and drip tee are installed prior to the generator for emergency situations and maintenance.
The last step is activation, and this procedure is different for all generators.
When you contact us for a repair, we’ll ask a few questions to get a basic understanding of the issue, then schedule a time to come take a look. We’ll then provide a free quote for the repair, and once approved, will get your generator fixed and running again!
As soon as the generator is set, the transfer switch is set up. This procedure varies according to the style of transfer switch that is selected. Conductors and control wires are then run from the generator to the transfer switch, generally in different channels. The gas is then run straight from the gas meter, if possible, to the generator. A shut-off and drip tee are installed prior to the generator for emergency situations and maintenance.
The last step is activation, and this procedure is different for all generators.
When you contact us for a repair, we’ll ask a few questions to get a basic understanding of the issue, then schedule a time to come take a look. We’ll then provide a free quote for the repair, and once approved, will get your generator fixed and running again!