Tag: generator installation

The Importance of Generator Testing After Installation

Feb 28, 2024

The Importance of Generator Testing After Installation

  • Generators

Generator Installation and Testing 

In the face of unpredictable weather and occasional power outages, a reliable backup power source is crucial for homes and businesses, especially in regions like New England. Generators not only provide a sense of security but, also, ensure that daily activities can continue without interruption. However, the installation of a generator is only the beginning. Proper generator testing following installation is paramount to ensure that your backup power system will function as expected when you need it the most. This guide will walk you through the essentials of generator testing, its importance, and who to trust for professional installation and testing services.

Backup Power and Its Importance in New England

In New England, where weather can be unpredictable and sometimes harsh, the significance of backup power cannot be overstated. For both homes and commercial spaces, a generator is a safeguard against the inconveniences and potential dangers of power outages. From preserving food quality in refrigerators to maintaining lighting and heating, backup power ensures that life goes on, business operations continue, and safety is preserved during electrical interruptions.

Proper Generator Installation: Commercial and Residential

When it comes to generator installation, the expertise of a professional electrician is indispensable. Whether you are installing a standby generator, a commercial generator, or a whole-home generator, proper installation is essential. Here’s a bullet-point overview of how a professional like Ryan Gath Electric ensures your generator is installed correctly, whether it’s for a residential or commercial setting:

  1. Site Assessment: Determining the optimal location for the generator, considering safety, accessibility, and noise.
  2. Choosing the Right Model: Selecting a generator that fits the power needs of the property.
  3. Secure Installation: Properly anchoring the generator to avoid movement or shifting.
  4. Electrical Connections: Technicians will safely connect the generator to your property’s electrical panel with the appropriate transfer switch.
  5. Fuel Supply: Ensuring a reliable and safely installed fuel supply for the generator.
  6. Local Compliance: Adhering to local building codes and regulations.

Generator Testing Following Installation

After a generator is installed, it’s crucial to perform comprehensive testing. This step verifies that the generator will operate correctly under load conditions, can handle the power demands of your home or business, and switches on automatically during an outage. Testing helps identify issues early on, ensuring they can be rectified before a real need arises.

Types of Generator Testing

Several types of generator testing are essential to ensure reliability and readiness:

  • Initial Startup Test: Conducted by the installer to ensure the generator starts and operates as expected.
  • Load Testing: Simulates actual power demand conditions to ensure the generator can handle the expected load.
  • Automatic Transfer Switch Test: Ensures the automatic transfer switch operates correctly, seamlessly transferring power from the utility to the generator during an outage.
  • Routine Maintenance Testing: Regular tests are conducted to maintain optimal performance and identify any potential issues before they become problems.

Professional Generator Installation and Testing

For professional generator installation and testing in Chelmsford, MA, and the surrounding areas, Ryan Gath Electric is your trusted expert. With a team of skilled electricians and a commitment to quality and reliability, Ryan Gath Electric ensures that your generator installation and subsequent testing are conducted to the highest standards, giving you peace of mind that your backup power system will be ready when you need it most.

Reliable Generator Services 

Installing a backup generator is a wise investment for any New England home or business, but the installation is just the beginning. Regular and thorough generator testing is crucial to ensure that your system is reliable in the event of a power outage. Trust the expertise of professionals like Ryan Gath Electric for your generator installation and testing needs, and rest assured that your backup power system will serve you reliably for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our generator services!

By brenna@admachines.com

7 Generator Maintenance Tasks To Improve Longevity

Apr 09, 2021

7 Generator Maintenance Tasks To Improve Longevity

  • Electrical
  • Generators
Generator Maintenance From Ryan Gath Electric

7 Generator Maintenance Tasks To Improve Longevity

Whether you perform maintenance tasks around your home or you hire someone to do that sort of work, you’re probably aware of the amount of work that homes tend to create, especially if you’re trying to ensure that problems don’t  come up when you least expect them. Some of the tasks in this list are things you can do yourself, and others, like the first, are things you might want to call in a professional for. These 7 generator maintenance tasks will help protect your investment and keep it running in perfect condition.

    1. Have Your Generator Serviced Regularly
      Generator companies offer a variety of services, including annual maintenance packages for different generator systems. For some units, you may be able to get away with maintenance checkups every two years, but there is a shelf life to some of the components inside the generator. Spark plugs, filters, and other parts will need replacement at some point. Staying on top of that means fewer surprises.
    2. Keep An Eye On Oil & Fluid Levels
      Oil is necessary to protect the engine of your generator. It is a good idea to check the lubricant levels regularly, including after each use of the generator. Top these fluids off whenever necessary to ensure adequate levels.  Many companies suggest keeping an extra bottle of oil handy, just in case.
    3. Check Hoses & Coils Regularly For Holes, Rust & Other Issues
      Rust and corrosion put you at risk of problems when you least expect them. Corrosion can lead to problems with fuel and lubricant levels. This goes along with Tip #2: If there are holes or other issues  that are not taken care of, you could find that fluid levels are inadequate and the unit may not start, or,  the generator may start, but could damage the engine.
    4. Get Your Generator Covered
      To protect your generator from the elements, especially the rain, it is important to create or purchase a cover or enclosure of some sort. You can also build a structure to cover your generator, similar to a doghouse, if you don’t want to buy one.
    5. Protect The Motor From Burnout By Using Appropriate Cords
      The length and gauge of power cords can help to lessen the voltage that comes out of your generator. This protects the motor of the generator, and it also protects the items that you are powering. Heavy duty power cords with the appropriate gauge and length limits the resistance to power flow. If you’re using a longer cord to avoid potential issues like carbon monoxide, you’ll want a 16 gauge wire, which has a limit of 10 amps, based on National Electric Code guidelines
    6. Clean Yard Debris & Grime From The Unit Regularly
      Leaves, grass clippings and dirt can build up over time and cause problems with your generator. Accumulations of dirt can slow down the motor or stop it altogether. Brush leaves and yard debris off of the outside of the system regularly so that nothing unexpected gets inside to tear up the motor.
    7. Check The Battery & Connections Of A Portable Generator
      You’ll want to make sure that the battery terminal connections are tight, free of debris, and that they are free of corrosion. A well-connected battery lessens the chance of startup problems. Also, check to ensure that the battery is not leaking fluids anywhere.  If you find that your battery has an issue, like if it is low on voltage or leaking fluids, its’ time to replace it. Contact your generator dealer, or an auto parts store to learn more about the appropriate battery for your portable generator.

Contact Ryan Gath Electric For Generator Maintenance

Generators are similar, but no unit runs just like another. Depending on the style of generator that you have, they may run differently than your neighbor’s.  Instead of seeking advice from neighbors and friends, it might be best to consult your manual or contact a dealer to find out what annual maintenance tasks are required. Because not everyone is confident in their abilities to maintain a mechanical system like a generator, there are often service packages that can bundle many of these maintenance tasks. There are manuals that explain how to maintain a backup power generator, for those who are comfortable undertaking these tasks on their own. Refer to your purchase paperwork or contact your dealer to see about scheduling annual maintenance. The licensed electricians at Ryan Gath Electric offer same-day generator maintenance when available. So don’t risk costly repairs down the line by not keeping your investment in pristine condition. Call Ryan Gath Electric for a free generator maintenance estimate today.

Read Our Reviews On Google

By Ryan Gath Electric

Keep Your Holiday Lights Shining Bright – Benefits to Investing in a Winter Backup Generator

Dec 14, 2020

Keep Your Holiday Lights Shining Bright – Benefits to Investing in a Winter Backup Generator

  • Electrical
  • Generators
Benefits to Investing in a Winter Backup Generator

Keep Your Holiday Lights Shining Bright – Benefits to Investing in a Winter Backup Generator

The winter season is here which means it’s time to insulate your plumbing, shovel your driveway, and keep your roof clear of ice dams. The holidays can put a lot of strain on your home. It’s the time of the year when your furnace and water heater work the hardest, keeping your home warm and comfortable. Preparing for the upcoming snow and frigid temperatures, however, requires more than just routine maintenance, but a backup generator. So keep your holiday lights shining bright – Ryan Gath Electric presents you these benefits to investing in a winter backup generator

How a Backup Generator Can Help Keep Your Holidays Warm & Festive

While there is plenty of home maintenance to concern with during the winter season, such as your heating system and plumbing, potential power outages are another problem. Heavy snow and ice can weigh down power lines or knock down trees, causing massive power outages. No homeowner wants to deal with no power in the dead of winter, especially when important appliances such as your furnace, water heater, and sump pump rely on electricity to function. A backup generator is another important appliance to have in your home, and here’s why.

  • Protects Your Home From Power Surges – Power surges can be common, but they’re very destructive for your electronics and can be caused by power outages. A power surge is a spike in your home’s electrical current which can happen when the power is cut off and then abruptly back on. A backup generator instantly kicks on when the power goes off, helping to prevent harmful power surges. A power surge can not only damage sensitive electronics, but start an electrical fire.
  • Provides Instant Power – When properly installed, your backup generator will be connected to your home’s gas lines and wired to the subpanel. Unlike a portable generator where you manually have to start up the engine, a backup generator will instantly turn on and generate power when there’s a power outage.
  • Food Won’t Spoil – Important appliances like your refrigerator need constant power to prevent your food from spoiling. When the power goes out, the clock starts ticking, despite keeping your fridge closed. A backup generator can provide power to your important appliances, ensuring you don’t have to throw out an entire fridge of food.
  • Overall Safety – Unlike portable generators, you don’t have to worry about potential safety hazards with a backup generator such as a carbon monoxide leak or an electrocution risk.
  • No Frozen Pipes or Flooded Basements – The winter season is generally the worst time of year for your plumbing. If your home isn’t properly insulated and heated, your pipes are risk of freezing and bursting. Without power, your heating system can run and keep your home and pipes warm. No power also means your sump pump can work to prevent a flooded basement. A backup generator ensures your house stays warm and dry this holiday season.
  • Powers Your Security System – Safety is an important priority, but when the power goes out, your home’s security system can’t do its job. Installing a backup generator ensures you and your household stay safe even the power goes out.

How to Maintain Your Backup Generator

A backup generator is a handy appliance to have, but it requires routine maintenance in order to keep you warm and prepared for every power outage. A typical backup generator can last 1-3 years, but they can break down sooner from a lack of use. Routine maintenance is the best way to ensure your backup generator lasts long and works effectively. To keep your backup generator up and running, make sure to do the following.

  • Clean Regularly – Your backup generator needs proper ventilation in order to generate power. Over time dust and debris can clog up vents and filters which can hurt the generator’s efficiency. Make sure to clear enough space around the generator so it can vent, and frequently clean it of dust and debris.
  • Replacing Oil – Just like your car, a backup generator needs its oil changed. Check the oil level when the generator isn’t running, and change the oil and oil filter when necessary. A good rule of thumb is to change the oil after every 50-60 hours of use.
  • Check Coolant –On top of replacing oil when necessary, your backup generator needs enough coolant to run properly. Make sure to frequently check the generator’s coolant and refill when necessary.
  • Watch For Electrical Problems or Corrosion – Keep an eye out for any visible damages such as loose clamps, wire connections, or signs of electrical corrosion.
  • Change Air Filter – Just like your furnace, a backup generator has an air filter that needs to be changed routinely. Changing the air filter once a year helps to ensure your backup generator works efficiently.

Contact Ryan Gath Electric  For Backup Generator Installation

No homeowner wants to deal with a power outage in the dead of winter, especially when your comfort and safety are at stake. Power outages can happen at any time, but luckily you don’t have to deal with a home completely out of power. Picking your own backup generator can be exciting, but it’s best to have a helpful opinion. The licensed electricians at Ryan Gath Electric can help you pick the generator that will best serve your home, and ensure a safe installation. Don’t wait until the lights go out. Call Ryan Gath Electric to get started today.

Read Our Reviews On Google

By Ryan Gath Electric

Preparing Your Home’s Electrical System For The Winter

Nov 16, 2020

Preparing Your Home’s Electrical System For The Winter

  • Electrical
  • Generators
Preparing Your Home's Electrical System For The Winter

The season of chilly air, cozy nights and winter wonders has arrived, and snow is already on the ground in some parts of the nation. In preparation for colder weather, many homeowners have taken care to ensure that their heating system is in top shape and that their plumbing is properly protected from freezing temperatures. When it comes to preparing for winter weather, many people overlook the importance of protecting their electrical system from damage. In order to avoid costly repairs and ensure a steady flow of power to the home, there are a number of steps that should be part of every homeowner’s cold season checklist. Ryan Gath Electric is the trusted local experts to help in Preparing Your Home’s Electrical System For The Winter.

Test/Replace Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These devices serve an essential, yet often undervalued role in keeping your family safe and secure. During cold weather preparations, be sure to check that each detector and alarm is functioning properly, and that fresh batteries are installed. Homeowners who have had the same detectors in place for many years may want to consider updating them with newer and more advanced devices. It should go without saying that the cost of replacing old smoke and carbon monoxide detectors pales in comparison to the cost of a fire or the emotional toll of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Install Or Update Exterior Security Lighting

There are a number of excellent exterior lighting options currently on the market, many of which offer multiple features. Homeowners should evaluate their outdoor lighting, and determine if additional or updating lighting would bring value to the home. In addition to improving a home’s security, exterior lighting can make it far easier to unload groceries, care for pets or get the kids settled into the car after dark. Many options are motion-activated, and some even offer high tech features such as a security camera that can be accessed remotely. 

Install A Generator Or Tune-Up An Existing Unit

In many parts of the country, having a back-up generator is a wise choice during the winter months. If the power fails, a generator can ensure that the home remains warm and lit until service is restored. That can make the difference between a livable home and having to find alternate shelter. For those who already have a generator in place, an annual tune-up is a great way to make sure that the unit is in good repair and ready to be called into service if the need should arise. For those who have been considering adding a generator, there are a number of different options available at a wide range of price points. Anyone who has sustained a prolonged loss of power can attest to the benefits of having a generator within the home.

Test Electrical Outlets & GFCIs

Any winter preparation checklist should include a test of all of the home’s power outlets. This is a fast and easy task with the use of a multimeter (which is an inexpensive device that will last for many years.)  The multimeter will not only check to make sure that an outlet is getting sufficient power, it can also let the homeowner know if the wires are properly connected, and if the outlet is safely grounded. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are special outlets that are designed to automatically shut off when an electrical fault is detected. However, they wear out over time, and will need to be replaced. A special device is used to test older GFCIs, and those manufactured after 2006 will simply stop working once the circuitry fails. Replacing a worn out outlet is a simple and inexpensive home repair project.

Replace Light Bulbs With Compact Fluorescent Lights

Updating your home’s lighting can lead to lower power bills and a greener lifestyle. One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy use is to replace traditional light bulbs with CFLs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs produce light differently than incandescent bulbs, and require approximately 70 percent less energy. That can rack up significant savings over the course of a year, especially when most of your home’s light fixtures have been switched to CFLs.

Conserve Energy Throughout Your Home

As the weather chills, conduct an annual check of your home’s energy efficiency. Look for areas where improvements can be made, and be aware of “phantom load,” which is a term used to describe power that flows to unused appliances or electronics. Many people are surprised to learn that power is continuously consumed by many devices, even when they are not turned on or in use. Simply shutting off the power can save hundreds of dollars each year. Be sure to unplug appliances that are not currently in use, and consider using a power strip to supply current to multiple devices, such as a television, gaming console, and sound system. That makes it easy to shut off power to those devices with one simple switch, rather than having to unplug each cord.

Choose Ryan Gath Electric When Preparing Your Home’s Electrical System For The Winter

Read Our Reviews On Google

Here at Ryan Gath Electric, we want to make sure that your electrical system and the rest of your home stay safe throughout the winter months. When you call us for electrical system maintenance this season, we will work with you every step of the way to get your home’s electrical system ready for the cold weather. So don’t let your power go out in the middle of a blizzard – Call Ryan Gath Electric today!

By Ryan Gath Electric

5 Tips For Keeping Your Electrical System in Good Health Over the Holidays

Nov 11, 2020

5 Tips For Keeping Your Electrical System in Good Health Over the Holidays

  • Electrical
  • Generators
5 Tips For Keeping Your Electrical System In Good Health Over the Holidays

5 Tips For Keeping Your Electrical System In Good Health Over the Holidays

Can your home’s electrical system safely handle your holiday lighting? The holiday season is quickly approaching, and you may be thinking about how you want to decorate your home this year. An important part of your planning is with your electrical system to make sure everything is in top shape to handle the extra load put on the system.  You should be able celebrate with the peace of mind that your home and guests will be safe.  Here are some things that can happen if your system is not in top shape, the benefits of maintaining your electrical system, and 5 Tips For Keeping Your Electrical System in Good Health Over the Holidays.

Risks Posed Without Electrical System Maintenance

Here are some electrical setback pains you could experience if your system is not maintained:

  • Power Surges – High electrical activity in your home can cause power surges.  Therefor, if there are many electrical appliances, lights and other devices continuously cycling off and on, it puts a strain on the system that may lead to a power surge.  Adding electric holiday decorations will only add to the strain and may guarantee a power surge, which can cause damage to appliances and electronics.
  • Electric Bill – The winter season is often a time for higher electric bills, and adding electric holiday decorations will increase the cost of your electricity.  So making sure your electrical system is running in top shape will help decrease any wasted power.  Another way to help reduce the costs during the holidays is by using LED holiday lights.
    For example, Annual Energy Outlook reports the cost of running a Standard C-7 4 watt lights at 10.5 cents per kilowatt-hour is $25.13.  The cost of LED lights is .56 cents.  In conclusion, there is a huge difference in cost, so it is worth upgrading to LED holiday lights.
  • House Fire and Injuries – Unfortunately, electrical systems that are not maintained can cause house fires and injuries.  The Red Cross reports nearly 47,000 fires happen during the winter holiday season.  Many of these fires are due to outdated and older outlets that are not properly grounded and unable to protect the system against sparks, shocks, or electrocution.  Oftentimes, people that have older systems will use plug strips for additional outlet needs instead of contacting an electrician to add additional outlets.  Power strips can add to an overloaded system, which can end in disaster. 

Benefits of Maintaining Your Electrical System

Your home electrical system will benefit from maintenance, which means you and your loved ones will also benefit from the safety it brings.

  • Cost Efficiency – Keeping your system running in top shape and switching to LED lights will help increase your electrical efficiency and decrease your electrical costs.
  • Power Surges – With your electrical system running in top shape, you will be less likely to have power surges that can damage your electronics or appliances.
  • Safety – You will have the peace of mind that your property is protected and your friends and family will be safe from accidental fire or electrocution. 

5 Tips for Electrical System Maintenance

  • Scheduled Inspection – The best way you can prevent problems with your electrical system is to have an expert check it out.  It’s best to have a regularly scheduled inspection by your local electrical company.  This way, you will have an expert assess your system for any concerns or problem areas that need attention.
  • Upgrade Outlets – If you own an older home, the outlets may not be updated.  An outlet with the two-prong openings and no third opening for a ground is outdated.  These outlets are not sufficiently grounded and will not protect against sparks, shocks, or electrocution.  Above all, having an electrician replace old outlets will help prevent power surges, fires, and electrocution. 
  • Install Additional Outlets – If you find yourself out of outlet space often, it may be time to add some additional outlets.  While power strips are handy to add additional outlets, they can easily become overloaded and are a leading cause of electrical house fires.  To be sure, contact your local electrician to evaluate your home for additional outlets to reduce the number of plug strips or extension cords you use.
  • Inspect Holiday Light Strings and Decorations – Before you hook-up the holiday lights and decorations, be sure to inspect them to make sure the electrical cords are in good shape.  Do not use any that have frayed or any other type of damage to the power cord.  These can cause someone to be shocked or lead to a fire.
  • Install Surge Protection Devices – To prevent power surges that can damage electronics and appliances or start a fire, contact an electrician to install your home with surge protection devices. 

Enjoy peace of mind keeping your home and everyone safe by maintaining your electrical system, instead of worrying about electrical hazards or the burden of costly repairs,

Why is Ryan Gath My Best Choice For Electrical Maintenance?

Read Our Reviews On Google

Here at Ryan Gath Electric, we want to make sure that you and your loved ones can enjoy holiday cheer without having to worry about blown fuses, power surges, or even electrical fires. When you call us for electrical system maintenance this season, we will work with you every step of the way to get your home’s electrical system operating safely to accommodate all your holiday lights decorations. So don’t let the power go out in the middle of your celebration – Call Ryan Gath today!

By Ryan Gath Electric

6 Benefits of a Standby Generator in Chelmsford

Oct 15, 2020

6 Benefits of a Standby Generator in Chelmsford

  • Electrical
  • Generators
standby generator in Chelmsford by Ryan Gath

Winter will be here soon enough, and homeowners are thinking about the possibility of losing electricity in a storm. With so many of us relying on electrical equipment, it’s becoming more important to have a backup source of power, like a standby generator. Just think about all of the things that you use that require electricity! If you don’t want to be kept in the dark, consider calling us so we can install a standby generator in Chelmsford. By having one of these installed, your home can stay powered when everyone else is in the dark.

Here are 6 benefits of having a standby generator on your Chelmsford property:

Seamless switching

For most of their life, standby generators sit on your property, doing little. However, when the main power grid goes down, an automatic transfer switch in the generator activates. It cuts you from the main grid, switches your power to the generator, and turns on the generator. This happens in a very short amount of time, so you only lose power for a moment.

Maintain electrical power

Unsurprisingly, having a generator lets your electronics stay active during a blackout. This provides a variety of benefits. Whether you have food that needs to stay in the fridge or you have medical equipment that relies on electricity, you can keep using it.

Stay safe during emergencies

Having power at your home means you don’t need to leave for any power-related issues. Let’s say you have someone who needs to stay hooked on some powered medical equipment. If the power went out from a storm, you might have to bring them to a hospital or somewhere else with electricity. You don’t want to have to go out during a torrential storm. Having power means you and your family can stay safe at home.

Protection from electrical damage

Just because the power is out doesn’t mean your electronics are safe from damage. When you’re connected to the grid, there’s the possibility of violent power surges, spikes, and brownouts. These can all cause damage to anything connected to the grid. Fortunately, the generator keeps you off the grid and safe from electrical dangers. It’ll only switch you back to the grid when it has power and has stabilized.

Protection against other damage

It’s not just electrical damage you have to worry about when the power goes out. If the electricity isn’t working, that means your sump pump isn’t working as well. That means your home is vulnerable to flooding during a rainstorm. Similarly, losing out on your electric heat during the winter can cause your pipes to freeze. If you have a standby generator, all of these systems will stay functioning.

Increases home value

When you have a generator on your lot, it’s a major consideration for home buyers. A generator on your lot says “peace of mind” to potential buyers, and that’s something so many of us want. You can likely get a higher price on your home if you have one installed.

Why is Ryan Gath my best choice for a generator installation?

Ryan Gath Electric is one of Chelmsford’s most trusted electrical companies. Generator installation is a serious task that can be very risky, which is why we employ some of the best in the industry. We also offer a one-year warranty on all of our work. That means if something goes wrong with your newly-installed generator, you’ll be covered. Call Ryan Gath today to learn more about installing a standby generator in Chelmsford!

By Ryan Gath Electric

Preparing for a Generator Installation

Mar 29, 2019

Preparing for a Generator Installation

  • Generators
generator services by Ryan Gath Electric in Chelmsford, MA

Prepping For a Generator Install

How to Get Your Chelmsford Home Ready

Storms and harsh weather conditions are the usual culprits for a power outage, and unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to prevent them. No homeowner should have to deal with a power outage, especially when your food can spoil and your home is at risk of flooding because the sump pump can’t work. To prepare for spring storms ahead, you may want to consider a generator installation from Ryan Gath Electric. 

Benefits of a Generator Installation in Chelmsford, MA

Power outages happen, but the problem is what can happen to your home once the power goes out. Homes that experience power outages without a generator are subject to power surges, which can harm your appliances, a flooded basement or damaged plumbing, especially during the winter season, and possibly an entire fridge full of spoiled food. Installing a generator to your home may be expensive, but the damage done by power outages can be even more costly. Here’s how a generator can benefit your home.

  • It turns on instantly. Generators like a backup or standby generator work by detecting when the power goes off, generating power immediately. This prevents power surges because there is a constant source of power running in your home. A power surge is a spike in your home’s electrical current and it usually happens when the power is abruptly cut off and turned back on. Although power surges are common, they can destroy sensitive electronics like your computer or entertainment system and even start an electrical fire.
  • It protects your home. On top of preventing fire hazards, a generator makes sure important appliances like your home’s security system keep running. Your safety should always be a top priority, but without power, your security system can’t protect you and your household from intruders.
  • You stay comfortable. A home without power in the dead of winter, or in the hottest month of summer can make anyone miserable. Having a generator installed and ready ensures you stay comfortable no matter when a power outage occurs.

What to Consider Before Installing a Generator

A generator is an appliance that any homeowner can benefit from, but it’s important to make sure you get the right generator for your home. Emergencies happen, but the worst thing you can do is to shop for a generator when you need one. It’s best to plan early, as finding the right generator will require some careful consideration. A generator is another major appliance, which is why you need to consider the following first.

  • Determine your load. Generators aren’t designed to power the entire house, which is why it’s important to prioritize what gets power and what doesn’t. Make sure to run through a list of what needs power, things like your refrigerator, HVAC system, and sump pump, to see which generator will best fit your needs.
  • Make sure to install a transfer switch. A transfer switch is a must have, as you can’t just plug in the generator to your house. Your house needs to be disconnected from the grid before starting the generator; otherwise, the electricity produced can travel beyond your house and enter the grid, potentially killing any utility employees at work. A transfer switch is a safe solution that works by being wired directly to the house and shutting off power before the generator starts, directing any power generated to the designated circuits.
  • Consider the types of generators. Depending on where you live, you may need to consider something more powerful like a standby generator or something just the occasional power outage, like a portable generator. If you live somewhere secluded where a power outage could last days or have life-saving medical equipment, you might want to consider a standby generator.
  • Test it periodically. Once you’ve found the right generator, it’s important to let it run every now and then. Periodic testing ensures your generator runs, and alerts you of any potential problems. Make sure to keep your generator somewhere level and well-ventilated. The best location is where you can easily access it for refueling later.

Stay Prepared With the Ryan Gath Electric

When you need generator services in Chelmsford, MA and the surrounding areas, give us a call. We’re ready to help you today!

By Ryan Gath Electric