The choice to have a generator permanently installed is a prudent one. The 2018 hurricane season included 15 named storms, 8 of which were of hurricane strength. These storms get a lot of press coverage. However, every day of our summer rainy season has the potential for a severe storm, bringing with it damaging winds and driving rains. Any one of these storms can result in downed power lines, blown transformers, and lengthy power outages.
Whether you are looking to install a standby commercial generator at your Sarasota place of business or a residential generator at your Bradenton home, it is important to understand the entire process. Here is what you can expect.
Steps to Generator Installation
Consult with a Qualified Dealer / Electrician: Your first step is to schedule a consultation with a generator salesperson to discuss your options. Choosing a vendor which not only sells you the unit, but is authorized to install and maintain the unit is generally your best option. At this meeting, they will explore your energy needs, look at your current electrical setup, and make professional recommendations based on your expectations and the products available. Once you make your decision regarding which backup generator to purchase, you will sign an agreement.
Contact Professionals: If you have purchased a generator from a dealer who is not a licensed electrician, you will want to contact a professional to schedule installation. It is important that you contract with a licensed and insured electrical company.
Be sure to ask if about their qualifications, as well as any warranty information which may be available. If your vendor is also a licensed electrician, they will most likely provide you with names of qualified companies to prepare your gas hookups for the generator.
Wait Time: It generally takes approximately 6-8 weeks for the entire installation process. The bulk of this time will be wait time for the consumer. If the generator is not in stock, you will be waiting for shipment; but the waiting period is generally more associated with the permitting process. It is important to make sure that proper permitting is in place and that building codes are followed. Your installer should be in charge of that process.
Site Preparation: Just before the generator arrives, your installer will build a concrete pad to sit the generator on; prepare the electrical panels for installation, and do any other site preparations necessary.
Installation and Testing: When your generator is installed at your home, the technician will test the unit to make sure everything is operational. This will involve shutting down your own power in order to guarantee that the generator will automatically take over; and should involve making sure that it can handle the power load as expected. If you have any questions whatsoever about the correct operation of the unit, be sure to ask.
Final Approval: It will be necessary for a local inspector to inspect and approve the unit before you can utilize it. This inspection should be scheduled by your installer after the process is complete.
Now that you understand the steps involved in the purchase and installation of your generator, it becomes clear why this decision is not one which can be made once the power goes out. Although portable generators are an option, their availability is never guaranteed, especially after a major weather event.
You may be surprised at how easy it is to gain the peace of mind which a generator provides. Call Promise Electric today, before the storm hits. We are committed to providing the best generators and the most professional installation and service in Sarasota and Bradenton.
